Ἀβιά (Abia)
Abia
Abijah
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Abiā means "my father is Jah," with Jah being a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. It appears in two distinct biblical lineages, marking different spheres of influence within Israel’s history.
In Matthew 1:7, it identifies the king who succeeded Rehoboam on the throne of Judah, linking him to the royal lineage of David. In Luke 1:5, the same name refers to a priest from the line of Eleazar, leading the eighth division of priests during the time of Herod’s reign.
Though spelled slightly differently in some manuscripts, the name consistently points to those who held significant religious or political roles. Its dual appearance highlights how names carried theological weight, reminding readers that both kings and priests served under the same God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abijah carries a simple but profound meaning: "my father is Jah." This short phrase connects the bearer directly to God, reminding us that our identity is rooted in who our Father is. In Scripture, this name appears in two very different settings—one in the royal line of kings and another in the priestly line of service. Both paths show that whether leading a nation or serving in the temple, people are defined by their relationship with the Lord.
When we read these genealogies, it is easy to feel distant from the past. Yet these names were real people who lived, served, and passed on their faith. The fact that Jesus’ human lineage includes a king named Abijah shows that God uses ordinary families to bring about His purposes. Similarly, the priest Abijah reminds us that faithful service in small roles matters just as much as public leadership.
This word invites you to consider your own spiritual heritage. Just as Abijah’s name declared his devotion to God, your life can reflect the same truth. You do not need a famous title to be significant in God’s eyes. Whether you are leading or serving quietly, your connection to Him is what defines you. May this reminder bring peace and purpose to your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Abijah,1×
- Abijah;1×
- Abijah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀβιά·1×
- Ἀβιά,1×
- Ἀβιὰ1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:7
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the father of Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa.
This verse places Abijah in the royal lineage of Judah, showing how God preserved the line of David through generations despite human failure.
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Luke 1:5
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
Here Abijah identifies a priestly division during Herod’s reign, highlighting the continuity of worship and service leading up to the birth of John the Baptist.