of Hebrew origin (זְכַרְיָה); Zacharias (i.e. Zechariah), the name of two Israelites:--Zacharias.
Transliteration:Zacharías
Pronunciation:dzakh-ar-ee'-as
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ζαχαρίας (Zacharías - `{{G2197}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah - `{{H2148}}`). This Hebrew name is a compound of two elements: the verb זָכַר (zakhar - `{{H2142}}`), meaning "to remember" or "to call to mind," and יָהּ (Yah - `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of יְהוָה (Yahweh - `{{H3068}}`), the personal name of God. Therefore, the fundamental meaning of Ζαχαρίας is "Yahweh remembers" or "the Lord has remembered." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to identifying specific individuals; however, the embedded meaning within the name itself carries significant theological weight, pointing to God's attribute of remembrance and His faithfulness to His covenant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, Ζαχαρίας primarily refers to two distinct individuals:
1. **Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist:** This is the most prominent usage. He is introduced in [[Luke 1:5]] as a priest of the division of Abijah, married to Elizabeth. Both are described as righteous before God but childless and advanced in years ([[Luke 1:6-7]]). While serving in the temple, Zacharias is visited by the angel Gabriel, who announces the miraculous birth of their son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord ([[Luke 1:11-17]]). Due to his initial doubt, Zacharias is struck mute until John's birth ([[Luke 1:20, Luke 1:64]]). Following John's naming and his own recovery of speech, Zacharias utters a profound prophetic song, the Benedictus, which praises God for "remembering His holy covenant" ([[Luke 1:68-79]]). This narrative powerfully illustrates the meaning of his name, as God *remembers* His promises and acts to fulfill them.
2. **Zechariah, the prophet, mentioned by Jesus:** In [[Matthew 23:35]] and [[Luke 11:51]], Jesus refers to "Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar." This reference is widely understood to be Zechariah the prophet, whose book is found in the Old Testament. While the exact identification and the historical details of his martyrdom are debated among scholars (some suggest Zechariah son of Jehoiada from [[2 Chronicles 24:20-22]]), the inclusion of his name by Jesus highlights a pattern of Israel's rejection of God's messengers, from Abel to Zechariah, underscoring the continuity of divine witness and human resistance throughout salvation history.
In both primary New Testament contexts, the name Ζαχαρίας is intrinsically linked to divine remembrance, prophetic utterance, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Origin:** The direct Hebrew equivalent is זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah - `{{H2148}}`), which shares the identical meaning and forms the basis for the Greek transliteration.
* **Root Verb:** The name is built upon the Hebrew verbal root זָכַר (zakhar - `{{H2142}}`), "to remember," emphasizing the act of divine recollection.
* **Divine Name Component:** The suffix יָהּ (Yah - `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of יְהוָה (Yahweh - `{{H3068}}`), signifies that it is the Lord Himself who remembers.
* **Related Concepts:**
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** God's remembrance is frequently tied to His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises (e.g., [[Genesis 9:15]], [[Exodus 2:24]], [[Psalm 105:8]]).
* **Divine Intervention:** The name implies God's active and timely intervention in human affairs to bring about His purposes.
* **Prophecy and Fulfillment:** Both biblical figures bearing this name are associated with prophetic roles or messages, signaling the unfolding of God's will.
* **Messianic Hope:** The birth of John the Baptist to Zacharias marks a pivotal moment in the preparation for the Messiah's advent, fulfilling ancient prophecies.
### Theological Significance
The name Ζαχαρίας carries profound theological significance, particularly within the New Testament narrative:
1. **God's Unfailing Remembrance of His Covenant:** The story of Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness. After centuries of prophetic silence, the miraculous birth of John to an elderly, barren couple signifies that God had *remembered* His promises to Abraham and David regarding a coming deliverer. Zacharias's Benedictus in [[Luke 1:68-79]] explicitly celebrates God's remembrance of His holy covenant and the mercy promised to the patriarchs, culminating in the raising of a "horn of salvation." This underscores that the advent of the Messiah is not a spontaneous event but the culmination of God's long-standing, remembered plan.
2. **Divine Timing and the Breaking of Silence:** The angelic appearance to Zacharias in the temple marks the end of an era and the dawn of a new one. The very meaning of his name, "Yahweh remembers," signals that God's time for decisive action in salvation history had arrived, breaking the silence with the announcement of the forerunner to the Messiah.
3. **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan:** Jesus' reference to Zechariah the prophet connects the Old and New Covenants, illustrating the consistent pattern of God sending His messengers and Israel's recurring rejection. Despite human unfaithfulness, God's overarching plan of redemption, rooted in His remembrance, continues to unfold.
4. **Assurance and Hope for Believers:** For believers, the name Ζαχαρίας stands as a powerful reminder that God does not forget His people, His promises, or His purposes. In seasons of waiting, barrenness, or perceived silence, the name reassures that God remembers and will act in His perfect timing to fulfill His word.
### Summary
The Greek proper noun Ζαχαρίας (Zacharías - `{{G2197}}`) originates from the Hebrew זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah - `{{H2148}}`), meaning "Yahweh remembers." In the New Testament, it designates Zacharias, the priest and father of John the Baptist, and Zechariah the prophet, mentioned by Jesus. The name's intrinsic meaning powerfully underscores God's attribute of remembrance, specifically His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The narrative of Zacharias in [[Luke 1]] vividly illustrates this, as God breaks a long period of silence to fulfill His ancient promises through the miraculous birth of John, the forerunner to the Messiah. Ζαχαρίας thus serves as a theological beacon, affirming God's perfect memory and His precise timing in bringing about His redemptive purposes for humanity.
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