### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term זַכַּי (Zakkay), Strong's number `{{H2140}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymology traces back to the root verb זָכַךְ (zakak), Strong's number `{{H2141}}`, which signifies "to be pure," "to be clean," "to be clear," or "to be innocent." Thus, the name Zakkay inherently conveys the meaning of "pure," "innocent," or "righteous." As a proper noun, its primary semantic function is to identify a specific individual or, more commonly in the biblical text, a family lineage. However, the underlying meaning derived from its root imbues the name with a significant connotative layer, pointing towards an ideal state of moral or ritual cleanness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name זַכַּי (Zakkay) appears three times in the Old Testament, always in the context of genealogical lists pertaining to the post-exilic community of Israel.
1. **[[Ezra 2:9]]**: "The children of Zaccai, seven hundred threescore." This verse lists the descendants of Zakkai as one of the families who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. They represent a significant number, indicating a substantial family contingent.
2. **[[Nehemiah 7:14]]**: "The children of Zaccai, seven hundred threescore." This is a parallel account to [[Ezra 2:9]], found within Nehemiah's recounting of the same census of those who returned from exile. The identical number further solidifies the consistency of these records.
3. **[[Nehemiah 10:16]]**: "Zaccai, Bigvai, Adonijah." Here, Zakkai is listed among the heads of the people, the Levites, and the priests who affixed their seals to the solemn covenant made by the returned exiles to walk in God's law. This occurrence suggests that a representative of the Zakkai family, likely a prominent figure, was actively involved in the spiritual renewal and commitment of the community.
In all occurrences, Zakkai is not a protagonist of a narrative but rather a name within a vital record. The context is the re-establishment of the community in Judah after the exile, emphasizing the continuity of families and their commitment to the covenant. The family of Zakkai was clearly a recognized and established lineage among the returnees.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for זַכַּי (Zakkay) is its root, זָכַךְ (zakak) `{{H2141}}`. This root is used to describe various forms of purity:
* **Ritual Purity**: As in the purification rites for the tabernacle or temple.
* **Moral Purity**: Describing a blameless character or innocent hands, as seen in [[Psalm 24:4]] ("He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart").
* **Physical Purity**: Referring to clean gold or pure oil.
Other related Hebrew terms conveying concepts of purity and righteousness include:
* טָהוֹר (tahor) `{{H2889}}`: A broad term for ritual, moral, or physical cleanness.
* בָּרַר (barar) `{{H1305}}`: To purify, cleanse, or select.
* נָקִי (naqi) `{{H5355}}`: Innocent, guiltless, free from punishment.
* צַדִּיק (tzaddiq) `{{H6662}}`: Righteous, just.
The concept of purity was foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, touching upon worship, ethics, and communal identity.
### Theological Significance
While זַכַּי (Zakkay) is a proper name and not a theological concept in itself, its etymological root זָכַךְ (zakak) imbues it with profound theological resonance. The meaning "pure" or "innocent" points to a core biblical ideal. In the Old Testament, purity was not merely an aesthetic or hygienic concern but a spiritual necessity for approaching a holy God. The return from exile was a period of spiritual introspection and a renewed emphasis on covenant faithfulness and purity after the defilement of idolatry and disobedience that led to the exile.
The presence of the Zakkai family among the returnees and their participation in the covenant renewal in Nehemiah suggests a lineage that either embodied or aspired to the ideal of purity before God. In a community seeking to re-establish its identity and relationship with Yahweh, a name signifying "pure" could serve as a powerful reminder of God's call to holiness and the community's aspiration for spiritual cleansing and integrity. It underscores the theological importance of purity in the life of the individual and the nation, essential for dwelling in God's presence and receiving His blessings.
### Summary
זַכַּי (Zakkay) `{{H2140}}` is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "pure" or "innocent," derived from the root זָכַךְ (zakak) `{{H2141}}`. It identifies a family lineage that returned from Babylonian exile, appearing in the genealogical lists of [[Ezra 2:9]] and [[Nehemiah 7:14]]. A representative of this family also sealed the covenant in [[Nehemiah 10:16]], indicating their active participation in the post-exilic restoration. Though a personal name, its etymological meaning highlights the theological significance of purity and righteousness, concepts central to Israel's covenant relationship with God and particularly relevant during the spiritual renewal following the exile. The name thus subtly reflects the aspirations for holiness and integrity within the restored community.
TRV