The Hebrew word Zakkay, represented by H2140, is an Israelite proper name meaning pure. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The name is used to identify both the head of a family clan and a specific individual during the period of Israel's return from exile.
In the biblical narrative, H2140 is primarily found in the census lists of those who returned from the Babylonian captivity. Both Ezra and Nehemiah record "The children of Zaccai" as numbering "seven hundred and threescore" (Ezra 2:9, Nehemiah 7:14), establishing him as the progenitor of a significant family line. The name also appears as Zabbai, one of the sons of Bebai mentioned in the lists compiled by Ezra Ezra 10:28.
Several related words provide context for the family and lists where Zaccai is mentioned:
- H1121 bên (a son): This term is fundamental to understanding Zaccai's role, as he is always identified through his descendants. The phrase "children of Zaccai" Nehemiah 7:14 or "sons of Bebai" Ezra 10:28 uses this word to establish lineage and community structure.
- H2079 Zabbay (Zabbai): Defined as "probably by orthographical error for זַכַּי; Zabbai (or Zaccai), an Israelite," this name is used interchangeably with Zaccai. The text explicitly links both Strong's numbers in the same verse, identifying Zabbai as one of the sons of Bebai Ezra 10:28.
- H3076 Yᵉhôwchânân (Jehovah-favored; Jehochanan, Johanan): This name appears alongside Zabbai in the list of the sons of Bebai Ezra 10:28, placing Zaccai's name in direct association with other key figures during the post-exilic period.
- H2608 Chănanyâh (Jah has favored; Chananjah, Hananiah): Also listed as a son of Bebai alongside Zabbai and Jehohanan, Hananiah is another contemporary figure mentioned in the same context of covenantal community lists Ezra 10:28.
The narrative significance of H2140 is tied to the restoration of Israel after the exile.
- Head of a Clan: Zaccai is identified as the patriarch of a large family clan that returned to Judah, underscoring the importance of lineage in re-establishing the nation (Ezra 2:9, Nehemiah 7:14).
- Post-Exilic Census: The inclusion of his descendants in the detailed census of both Ezra and Nehemiah highlights the family's role as part of the remnant that formed the foundation of the renewed community in Jerusalem.
- Covenant Community: As Zabbai, the name is listed among those associated with the reforms under Ezra, specifically as one of the "sons of Bebai" Ezra 10:28, linking the name to the vital process of national and spiritual renewal.
In summary, H2140 Zakkay is not just a name but a marker of identity within the biblical account of Israel's return from exile. Whether as Zaccai, the head of a large family, or as Zabbai, an individual listed among his contemporaries, the name is consistently associated with the people who formed the restored community of Judah. Its meaning, "pure," resonates with the themes of purification and renewal central to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
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