אֲמַרְיָ֫הוּ (a.mar.yah)
a.mar.yah
Amariah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Amariah, meaning "Yahweh has spoken" or "Jehovah promises," appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Chronicles and Nehemiah. It is not attached to a single famous leader but rather identifies several distinct men across different eras, from the time of King Solomon through the post-exilic restoration under Nehemiah.
Lexical sources highlight that this name links important priestly lines. One Amariah was the grandfather of Zadok, the high priest who served David and Solomon, establishing a sacred lineage. Others with this name appear as Levites assisting in temple worship or as officials in Hezekiah’s reign, showing how the name persisted among those dedicated to religious service.
By appearing repeatedly in these lists, the name underscores the continuity of Israel’s priestly heritage. It connects the united monarchy period with the later reforms, reminding readers that faithful service was often carried out by individuals whose names are preserved not for personal fame, but for their role in maintaining the community's spiritual identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Amariah carries a simple but powerful promise: Yahweh has spoken. It appears ten times in Scripture, mostly within genealogies that trace the lineage of priests and Levites who served in the temple. These lists might seem dry at first glance, but they reveal a God who remembers His people across generations. The name connects key figures, from the grandfather of the high priest Zadok to officials under King Hezekiah and Ezra, showing how faithful service was passed down through families dedicated to worship.
For you today, this word reminds us that our spiritual heritage is real and enduring. Just as Amariah and his descendants stood in their roles to maintain Israel’s worship, your own place in the body of Christ is significant. God values the quiet faithfulness of those who serve in the background, ensuring that His Word continues to be proclaimed and His people cared for. You are part of this ongoing story, where every act of obedience contributes to the greater work of God's kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Amariah9×
- of/ Amariah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲמַרְיָ֥ה2×
- אֲמַרְיָ֖ה2×
- לַ/אֲמַרְיָ֖ה1×
- אֲמַרְיָ֧הוּ1×
- אֲמַרְיָ֣הוּ1×
- אֲמַרְיָ֣ה1×
- אֲמַרְיָ֛ה1×
- אֲמַרְיָ֙הוּ֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 19:11
Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Yahweh; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may Yahweh be with the good.”
This verse highlights Amariah as the chief priest overseeing all matters of Yahweh, emphasizing his authoritative role in guiding the people’s spiritual life under King Jehoshaphat.
-
Zephaniah 1:1
Yahweh’s word which came to Zephaniah, the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah, the son of Amon, king of Judah.
Here, Amariah is listed as an ancestor of the prophet Zephaniah, linking the prophetic message directly to a lineage of priestly service and divine authority.
-
Nehemiah 12:2
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
Amariah appears in the list of priests returning from exile, showing his family’s continued commitment to temple worship and religious identity after the Babylonian captivity.