or זְכַרְיָהוּ; from זָכַר and יָהּ; Jah has remembered; Zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine Israelites; Zachariah, Zechariah.
Transliteration:Zᵉkaryâh
Pronunciation:zek-ar-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun זְכַרְיָה (Zᵉkaryâh, `{{H2148}}`) is a theophoric name, meaning "Yahweh remembers" or "Jah has remembered." It is derived from two components: the verb זָכַר (zakhar, `{{H2142}}`), meaning "to remember," "to recall," or "to call to mind," and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (יְהוָה, `{{H3068}}`). The semantic range of this name is thus intrinsically tied to the active and faithful memory of God. Unlike human memory, which can be fallible or passive, divine remembrance in the biblical context often implies an active turning toward, a commitment to, and an intention to act on behalf of what is remembered. It signifies God's covenant faithfulness and His attentive engagement with His creation and His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zᵉkaryâh is remarkably common in the Old Testament, borne by no fewer than twenty-nine different individuals, underscoring its significance and the theological truth it encapsulates. Among the most prominent figures are:
* **Zechariah the Prophet:** Author of the book bearing his name, he ministered after the Babylonian exile, alongside Haggai. His message, delivered to the returned exiles, emphasized God's remembrance of Jerusalem and His promises of restoration, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the coming of the Messiah ([[Zechariah 1:3]], [[Zechariah 8:2-8]]). His prophetic work served as a powerful reminder that despite their present difficulties, God had not forgotten His covenant people or His plans for their future.
* **Zechariah, Son of Jehoiada the Priest:** A prophet and priest who courageously rebuked King Joash and the people of Judah for their apostasy, leading to his martyrdom in the temple court ([[2 Chronicles 24:20-22]]). His dying words, "May the Lord look on it and call them to account!" ([[2 Chronicles 24:22]]), serve as a poignant invocation of divine remembrance for justice. Jesus Himself references this event in [[Matthew 23:35]] and [[Luke 11:51]], highlighting God's ultimate remembrance of all innocent blood shed.
* **King Zechariah of Israel:** Son of Jeroboam II, he reigned over Israel for only six months before being assassinated, fulfilling a prophecy against the house of Jehu ([[2 Kings 15:8-12]]). His brief and wicked reign serves as a stark reminder of God's remembrance of sin and His sovereign judgment upon unfaithful rulers.
Numerous other individuals named Zechariah appear in genealogies, lists of priests, Levites, and military commanders ([[1 Chronicles 5:7]], [[1 Chronicles 9:37]], [[2 Kings 14:29]], [[Isaiah 8:2]], [[Ezra 8:16]], [[Nehemiah 8:4]]). In each instance, the name itself serves as a constant theological echo, whether in the context of God's blessing, judgment, or faithful preservation of His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic root connected to Zᵉkaryâh is זָכַר (zakhar, `{{H2142}}`), the verb "to remember." This root is foundational to understanding biblical theology, appearing in contexts ranging from God remembering His covenant ([[Genesis 9:15]], [[Exodus 2:24]]), to remembering His people ([[Genesis 8:1]], [[1 Samuel 1:19]]), to remembering their sins ([[Jeremiah 14:10]], [[Hosea 8:13]]). The divine name יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`) or יְהוָה (Yahweh, `{{H3068}}`) is also crucial, signifying the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel.
Related concepts include:
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** God's remembrance is inextricably linked to His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.
* **Divine Action:** Unlike passive recollection, God's remembrance often precipitates divine intervention, whether for blessing, judgment, or deliverance.
* **Hope and Restoration:** For the exiles, the name Zechariah, and the prophet who bore it, offered a profound message that God had not forgotten His people and would bring about their restoration.
* **Justice:** God's remembrance extends to acts of injustice, assuring that righteousness will ultimately prevail.
Other Hebrew names incorporating the root זָכַר include Zichri (e.g., `{{H2147}}`), meaning "my remembrance," and names related to memorials or records.
### Theological Significance
The name Zᵉkaryâh, "Yahweh remembers," carries profound theological weight. It serves as a constant affirmation of God's character as one who is perpetually attentive, faithful, and actively involved in the affairs of humanity and His creation.
1. **God's Active Faithfulness:** The name directly counters any notion of a distant or forgetful deity. It emphasizes that God's memory is not a passive recall of past events, but an active, dynamic force that drives His interaction with His people and the world. He remembers His promises, His covenants (e.g., with Noah, Abraham, David), and His people in their distress.
2. **Source of Hope and Assurance:** For those facing hardship, exile, or oppression, the truth that "Yahweh remembers" is a wellspring of hope. It assures them that their suffering is not unseen, their prayers are not unheard, and God's ultimate plan for their redemption and restoration remains intact. The prophet Zechariah's ministry powerfully exemplified this, reminding a disheartened people that God had not abandoned Jerusalem.
3. **Basis for Justice and Judgment:** While offering comfort, God's remembrance also serves as a basis for justice. He remembers wickedness and injustice, ensuring that accountability will ultimately be rendered. The martyrdom of Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, and its subsequent remembrance by Jesus, underscores that God holds all accountable for their actions.
4. **Divine Sovereignty:** The name implicitly points to God's sovereign control over history. His remembrance means His plans will unfold according to His will, regardless of human actions or resistance.
### Summary
The Hebrew name זְכַרְיָה (Zᵉkaryâh, `{{H2148}}`), meaning "Yahweh remembers," is a deeply significant theophoric name in the Old Testament. Derived from the verb זָכַר (to remember) and the divine name יָהּ (Yah), it encapsulates the core theological truth of God's active, faithful, and purposeful memory. This divine remembrance is not a passive mental state but an dynamic attribute that drives God's covenant faithfulness, His redemptive actions, and His ultimate justice. Whether borne by the post-exilic prophet who brought hope of restoration, the martyred priest whose blood cried out for justice, or the unfaithful king who met God's judgment, the name Zᵉkaryâh consistently points to a God who is intimately engaged with His creation, always remembering His promises and His people, and acting decisively in history. It stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering character and His active sovereignty.
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