### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Zᵉkaryâh**, represented by `{{H2148}}`, means **Jah has remembered**. A combination of the words for "remembered" and "Jah," it is the name of twenty-nine different Israelites in scripture. The name appears **43 times** across **43 unique verses**, highlighting its significance through various periods of Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H2148}}` is associated with numerous key figures in the biblical narrative, including prophets, priests, kings, and leaders. Most prominently, it belongs to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah, who received the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` during the reign of **Darius** `{{H1867}}` [[Zechariah 1:1]]. His **prophesying** `{{H5017}}` encouraged the elders of the Jews to **build** `{{H1124}}` and **prosper** `{{H6744}}` [[Ezra 6:14]]. Another notable figure is Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the **priest** `{{H3548}}`, upon whom the **Spirit** `{{H7307}}` of God came to rebuke the people for forsaking God's **commandments** `{{H4687}}` [[2 Chronicles 24:20]]. The name is also found among Levites appointed as musicians [[1 Chronicles 15:24]], a king of Israel [[2 Kings 15:8]], and a **faithful** `{{H539}}` **witness** `{{H5707}}` for the prophet Isaiah [[Isaiah 8:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the core concept of being remembered by God:
* `{{H2139}}` **Zakkûwr** (mindful): This name, meaning mindful, shares a direct conceptual link. It appears in the lineage of a priest named Zechariah [[Nehemiah 12:35]].
* `{{H2145}}` **zâkâr** (male): Derived from the same root for "remembered," this word denotes a **male**, considered the most noteworthy sex. The name Zechariah appears in lists where the number of **males** `{{H2145}}` is reckoned by genealogy ([[Ezra 8:3]], [[Ezra 8:11]]).
* `{{H5838}}` **ʻĂzaryâh** (Jah has helped): This name follows a similar pattern, combining "Jah" with a divine action. Several individuals named Azariah are listed alongside a Zechariah as sons of King **Jehoshaphat** `{{H3092}}` [[2 Chronicles 21:2]].
* `{{H2069}}` **Zᵉbadyâh** (Jah has given): Another theophoric name, meaning "Jah has given." Zebadiah is listed as the third son of Meshelemiah, while Zechariah is the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` [[1 Chronicles 26:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2148}}` is centered on the concept of God's covenant faithfulness.
* **Divine Remembrance:** The name itself is a declaration that God remembers His people and His promises. This is powerfully demonstrated through the ministry of the prophet Zechariah, who was sent with the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` to encourage the post-exilic community [[Zechariah 1:1]].
* **A Call to Remember:** The presence of men named Zechariah often coincides with pivotal moments of spiritual renewal or crisis. Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, reminded the people that because they had **forsaken** `{{H5800}}` the LORD, He had also forsaken them, a stark call to remember their covenant obligations [[2 Chronicles 24:20]].
* **Leadership and Counsel:** The name is associated with leadership and wisdom. A man named Zechariah had **understanding** `{{H995}}` in the visions of God and guided a king to **seek** `{{H1875}}` the LORD [[2 Chronicles 26:5]]. Another Zechariah was known as a **wise** `{{H7922}}` **counsellor** `{{H3289}}` [[1 Chronicles 26:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2148}}` is more than a common name; it is a recurring theological statement embedded within Israel's history. Borne by prophets, priests, kings, and counselors, the name **Zᵉkaryâh** serves as a constant reminder that "Jah has remembered." Whether through prophetic encouragement, calls to repentance, or wise leadership, the name signifies God's active and faithful presence among His people.
TRV