another form for זִיזָא; Zizah, an Israelite; Zizah.
Transliteration:Zîyzâh
Pronunciation:zee-zaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זִיזָה (Zîyzâh), Strong's number `{{H2125}}`, functions exclusively as a proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition indicates that it is "another form for זִיזָא (Zîyzâʼ)," which is Strong's number `{{H2124}}`. This suggests a close linguistic and perhaps familial relationship between individuals bearing these names. While the primary meaning for a proper noun is simply its referent, the etymological root of its variant, `{{H2124}}`, is likely `{{H2123}}` (זִיז, Zîyz), meaning "a moving thing" or "wild beast." This potential derivation might subtly allude to characteristics such as agility, vitality, or a connection to the natural world, though for a personal name, its significance lies predominantly in its function as an identifier within a genealogical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zizah (זִיזָה, `{{H2125}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the genealogical records of the Levites in the book of Chronicles:
* **[[1 Chronicles 23:10]]**: "And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. And Jahath had Ziza and Jeush: and Beriah had Rephaiah, and Zizah, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei."
In this passage, Zizah is identified as one of the sons of Beriah, who himself is a son of Shimei. Shimei was a son of Gershon, who was a son of Levi. Thus, Zizah is firmly placed within a specific lineage of the Levites, the priestly tribe responsible for temple service and the care of sacred objects. The context is a detailed enumeration of David's organization of the Levites for service in the temple, highlighting the meticulous preservation of tribal and family lines. The presence of both Ziza (`{{H2124}}`, son of Jahath) and Zizah (`{{H2125}}`, son of Beriah) within the same verse, both being descendants of Shimei, underscores the close relationship between these two forms of the name and their presence within the same extended family.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is זִיזָא (Zîyzâʼ, `{{H2124}}`), which is explicitly stated as the base form for Zizah. Both names refer to individuals within the same Levitical lineage. The probable etymological root, זִיז (Zîyz, `{{H2123}}`), meaning "wild beast" or "moving thing," connects the name to a broader semantic field related to nature and movement, though this connection is secondary to its primary function as a proper noun.
Beyond the lexical connections, Zizah's singular occurrence ties him to several significant biblical concepts:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The primary context is a genealogical list, emphasizing the importance of ancestry, tribal identity, and the preservation of family lines within Israel. This reflects God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant through generations.
* **Levitical Priesthood/Service:** As a Levite, Zizah belongs to the tribe consecrated for sacred service to God. His inclusion, even as a name in a list, speaks to the collective and individual contributions to the worship life of Israel.
* **Divine Providence and Order:** The detailed organization of the Levites by David, as recorded in Chronicles, reflects a divinely inspired structure for worship and service, in which every individual, even those not prominent in narrative, had a designated place.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Zizah in the biblical record, despite his lack of a personal narrative, carries profound theological weight. First, it underscores the meticulousness of divine inspiration in preserving the historical and genealogical records of Israel. Every name, no matter how seemingly minor, is known to God and deemed worthy of inclusion in His sacred Word. This speaks to God's comprehensive knowledge and care for each individual within His covenant people.
Second, Zizah's identity as a Levite highlights the importance of faithfulness in communal service. While not a figure of great deeds, his very existence within this lineage signifies his participation in the ongoing life and worship of the covenant community. It reminds us that God values the quiet, consistent faithfulness of all who serve Him, even those whose contributions are not extensively detailed. His presence in the Levitical roster points to the continuity of God's covenant with Levi and the enduring order established for the worship of Yahweh.
Finally, the preservation of such names in genealogies serves as a testament to the historical reality of God's interactions with His people. These lists are not mere dry records but living testaments to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific individuals and families across generations, culminating in the lineage of the Messiah.
### Summary
Zizah (זִיזָה, `{{H2125}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name appearing once in [[1 Chronicles 23:10]]. It is identified as a variant of Ziza (`{{H2124}}`) and potentially derives from a root meaning "wild beast" or "moving thing" (`{{H2123}}`). Zizah is listed as a son of Beriah, a descendant of Levi through Shimei, thus placing him within the Levitical tribe. His inclusion in this genealogical record underscores the meticulous nature of biblical history, God's detailed knowledge of individuals within His covenant, and the theological significance of every person's place within the divine plan for Israel's worship and lineage. Though without an individual narrative, Zizah's name contributes to the rich tapestry of God's providential care for His people and the ordered continuity of sacred service.