Ζαχαρίας (Zacharias)
Zacharias
Zechariah
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Zacharias, derived from the Hebrew meaning "God has remembered," appears in the New Testament to identify two distinct biblical figures. The most prominent is the father of John the Baptist, a priest mentioned frequently in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:5–67; 3:2). His narrative details his initial doubt and subsequent prophecy, anchoring the transition from the Old Covenant to the ministry of Jesus.
The second figure, referenced in Matthew 23:35 and Luke 11:51, is Zechariah the son of Jehoiada. This identification presents a textual nuance, as Matthew attributes him as the son of Barachias, while the historical account in 2 Chronicles 24 identifies Jehoiada as his father. Scholars note this likely reflects a tradition linking the prophet to the priestly line or a scribal variation, but it clearly points to the martyrdom of the righteous priest between the temple courts.
These two references serve as bookends for biblical history in Matthew’s Gospel. By citing the murder of Zechariah son of Jehoiada alongside Abel, Jesus highlights the blood of all the righteous martyrs from creation onward. The name thus connects the faithful service of the Old Testament priesthood with the prophetic preparation for the Messiah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zacharias carries a quiet promise: God remembers. In Luke’s Gospel, we meet a priest who waited long for a child. When the angel announced that Elizabeth would bear John, Zacharias asked how this could be. His doubt was human, yet God remained faithful. The story shows us that even when our understanding is limited, God’s plans unfold with precision and grace.
Jesus also references a Zacharias whose blood was shed between the temple courts. By linking this martyrdom to Abel, He highlights the long line of faithful witnesses who gave their lives for righteousness. This connection reminds us that faithfulness often comes at a cost, but it is never forgotten by God. The name itself serves as a gentle assurance that God keeps watch over those who serve Him.
Whether we are waiting for a promise or standing firm in truth, this word invites trust. It points to a God who remembers His people and fulfills His purposes, even when the path is unclear. We can rest in the knowledge that our service and our struggles are seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zechariah5×
- of Zechariah4×
- Zechariah;1×
- Zechariah.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ζαχαρίου4×
- Ζαχαρίας4×
- Ζαχαρίαν.1×
- Ζαχαρίαν1×
- Ζαχαρία·1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse introduces Zacharias as a faithful priest, setting the stage for the miraculous announcement of John’s birth.
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Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Here the angel reassures Zacharias directly, showing that God hears prayers even when they seem unanswered.
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Matthew 23:35
that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.
Jesus uses this reference to connect the Old Testament martyrs with the present generation’s responsibility for righteousness.