Ζοροβάβελ (Zorobabel)
Zorobabel
Zerubbabel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Zorobabel appears in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus, linking Christ to the post-exilic leadership of Judah. Thayer’s Lexicon notes that the name means “born at Babel,” a fitting title for the leader who guided the return from Babylonian captivity under Cyrus. In Matthew 1:12-13 and Luke 3:27, he is recorded as a pivotal ancestor, bridging the gap between the exile and the restoration of Jerusalem.
Though his name literally references his birth in Babylon, his historical significance lies in his role as head of the tribe of Judah during the rebuilding efforts. Dodson’s Lexicon identifies him specifically as the son of Shealtiel and father of Abiud and Rhesa. His inclusion in these lists underscores the continuity of David’s line through a period of national displacement and subsequent return.
Translators consistently render this Hebrew name into Greek as Zorobabel, preserving its phonetic identity across languages. The brevity of his scriptural mentions—only three verses total—highlights his function as a genealogical marker rather than a narrative figure in the Gospels. This concise reference affirms Jesus’ descent from the leaders who restored Israel’s community after the Babylonian exile.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Zerubbabel’s name means “born at Babel,” a reminder that God’s plans often unfold in places of exile and displacement. He led the first group of Jews back from Babylon to rebuild the temple, showing that restoration is possible even after deep brokenness.
In Matthew 1:12-13 and Luke 3:27, his name appears in Jesus’ genealogy. This connects Christ directly to a time when God’s people were rebuilding their community after exile. It shows that Jesus comes from a lineage marked by resilience and faithfulness.
For you, this means your story is part of a larger narrative of hope. Just as Zerubbabel helped restore Israel, God can bring new life and purpose from any season of waiting or loss. His name stands as a quiet witness to God’s enduring commitment to His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Zerubbabel1×
- Zerubbabel;1×
- Zerubbabel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ζοροβαβὲλ2×
- Ζοροβαβέλ·1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:12
After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel.
This verse places Zerubbabel in the line of Judah immediately after the exile, marking him as a key figure in the restoration of David's royal line.
-
Matthew 1:13
Zerubbabel became the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim. Eliakim became the father of Azor.
By listing Zerubbabel as the father of Abiud, this verse confirms the continuity of the ancestral line through the post-exilic period into Jesus' direct ancestry.
-
Luke 3:27
the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,
Luke’s genealogy identifies Zerubbabel as the son of Shealtiel and father of Rhesa, providing a parallel record that reinforces his central role in bridging the exile to the Messiah.