### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Abiá**, represented by `{{G7}}`, is of Hebrew origin and is the name of two Israelites, Abijah. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the New Testament. Its use is specific, serving to identify individuals within key biblical lineages.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Gospel of Matthew, **Abiá** `{{G7}}` is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. He is identified as the son of **Roboam** `{{G4497}}` and the father of **Asa** `{{G760}}`, placing him in the royal lineage descending from **Solomon** `{{G4672}}` [[Matthew 1:7]]. In the Gospel of Luke, the name identifies a priestly division. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, is described as a **priest** `{{G2409}}` belonging to the **course** `{{G2183}}` of **Abia** `{{G7}}` [[Luke 1:5]]. This reference situates the events of John's birth within the established order of temple service during the reign of **Herod** `{{G2264}}`, the **king** `{{G935}}` of **Judaea** `{{G2449}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the roles and settings associated with **Abiá**:
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to procreate... beget): This verb is central to establishing lineage. It is used to announce a miraculous birth, as when the angel tells **Zacharias** `{{G2197}}` that his wife **Elisabeth** `{{G1665}}` shall **bear** `{{G1080}}` him a son [[Luke 1:13]].
* `{{G2183}}` **ephēmería** (course): This term refers to the rotational service of priestly families at the Temple. Zacharias belonged to the **course** `{{G2183}}` of Abia, and it was while he executed the priest's office in the order of his **course** that he received the angelic message [[Luke 1:8]].
* `{{G2409}}` **hiereús** (priest): This title identifies Zacharias's office. The priesthood was a foundational institution in Israel, and the term is used to describe believers who have been made "kings and **priests** unto God" [[Revelation 1:6]].
* `{{G935}}` **basileús** (king): This title is relevant to both occurrences of **Abiá**. Matthew's genealogy establishes a royal line [[Matthew 1:7]], while Luke's narrative is set in the **days** `{{G2250}}` of **Herod** `{{G2264}}`, the **king** `{{G935}}` of Judaea [[Luke 1:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G7}}` is tied to its role in connecting significant biblical narratives.
* **Royal and Priestly Lineage:** The name **Abiá** `{{G7}}` is used to anchor key New Testament events within the two great institutional lines of Israel: the kingship and the priesthood. It appears in the royal genealogy of Jesus and identifies the priestly division of John the Baptist's father ([[Matthew 1:7]]; [[Luke 1:5]]).
* **Historical Continuity:** By referencing the "course of Abia," the narrative in Luke emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant people and their religious structures. God's new work begins within the context of the old order of temple worship [[Luke 1:5]].
* **Fulfillment of Offices:** The dual mention of **Abiá** `{{G7}}` in both royal and priestly contexts points toward the ultimate fulfillment of these roles. Scripture presents believers as having been made "kings and **priests**" [[Revelation 5:10]] and identifies a "high **priest** over the house of God" [[Hebrews 10:21]].
### Summary
In summary, **Abiá** `{{G7}}` functions as a crucial marker of identity and lineage. Though appearing only a few times, it connects the birth narratives of Jesus and John the Baptist to the historical and theological streams of Israel's monarchy and priesthood. The name highlights God's methodical work through established family lines and religious offices to unfold His plan of salvation.
TRV