בֶּרֶכְיָה (be.rekh.yah)
be.rekh.yah
Berechiah
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 Berechiah appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical records in Chronicles, Nehemiah, and Zechariah. It means "Yahweh blesses," a common theophoric element that anchors family identity in divine favor. The word itself is not a theological term but a personal identifier for several distinct individuals across different periods of Israel’s history.
These men are linked to pivotal moments of restoration and leadership. One Berechiah was a son of Zerubbabel, connecting him to the royal line during the post-exilic return. Another fathered Meshullam, a chief who helped rebuild Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah. Perhaps most significantly, this name belongs to the father of the prophet Zechariah, whose visions guided the rebuilding of the temple.
Though the name appears frequently in lists of ancestors, its presence highlights how ordinary families participated in God’s larger narrative. The recurrence of Berechiah across generations suggests a lineage marked by service and faithfulness during times of national recovery. Each mention ties individual lives to the broader story of Israel’s restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Berechiah means "Yahweh blesses," a simple phrase that carries deep weight in Scripture. It appears not as a theological concept, but as the identity of several men who lived during Israel’s restoration. These individuals were part of the Levitical choir, doorkeepers for the ark, and leaders helping to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Their names remind us that God’s blessing often works through ordinary people doing faithful, everyday work.
One Berechiah is notably the father of the prophet Zechariah. Through him, God spoke visions of hope to a weary community rebuilding the temple. This connection shows how family lines and personal faith intertwine with God’s larger plans. When we read these names, we see that our own lives, however small they may seem, are part of a story much bigger than ourselves.
Living with the awareness that we are blessed by Yahweh changes how we view our daily tasks. Whether serving in the temple or repairing city walls, our contributions matter. This name invites us to trust that God is present in our genealogies and our daily routines, weaving our lives into His enduring narrative of restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Berekiah7×
- and/ Berekiah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֶּ֣רֶכְיָ֔ה2×
- וּ/בֶרֶכְיָ֧ה1×
- וּ/בֶרֶכְיָ֤ה1×
- וּ/בֶֽרֶכְיָה֙1×
- בֶּרֶכְיָ֣הוּ1×
- בֶּרֶכְיָ֖ה1×
- בֶּֽרֶכְיָֽה\׃1×
- בֶּֽרֶכְיָ֑הוּ\ \ס1×
- בֶּ֣רֶכְיָ֔הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 1:1
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, Yahweh’s word came to the prophet Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying,
This verse identifies Berechiah as the father of the prophet Zechariah, linking the name directly to a major prophetic message of hope for post-exilic Judah.
-
I Chronicles 15:17
So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
Here Asaph is called the son of Berechiah, placing this family within the Levitical musicians appointed to lead worship before the ark.
-
Nehemiah 3:4
Next to them, Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to them, Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to them, Zadok the son of Baana made repairs.
Meshullam, son of Berechiah, is recorded as repairing a section of Jerusalem’s wall, showing the family's active role in physical restoration.
-
I Chronicles 15:23
Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.
Berechiah served as a doorkeeper for the ark, highlighting his faithful service in maintaining the holiness and order of worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Berechiah mean?
Who is Berechiah in the Bible?
Why is Berechiah important to the book of Zechariah?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 4 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab Hesed, five.
I Chronicles 9:16and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of…
I Chronicles 15:17So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of…
I Chronicles 15:23Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.