זִיזָה (zi.zah)
zi.zah
Zizah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zizah identifies a specific member of the tribe of Levi, recorded in 1 Chronicles as the son of Shimei. In the biblical text, he is listed among the descendants of Gershon, one of Levi’s three sons. The name itself carries the meaning "abundance," reflecting a positive attribute within the family lineage.
Notably, this individual appears under two different spellings in the same chapter: as Zizah in verse 10 and as Zina in verse 11. Scholars note that these are likely variant forms of the same name used interchangeably in the manuscript tradition. This minor textual variation highlights the careful transmission of genealogical records rather than indicating two distinct people.
His mention serves to document the organizational structure of Levitical service during the time of King David. By listing Zizah alongside his brothers Jahath, Jeush, and Beriah, the text preserves the identity of those assigned to specific duties in the tabernacle and later the temple. The record ensures that every family line within the priestly tribe is accounted for in Israel’s religious history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names like Zizah often fade into the background of biblical narratives, yet they carry a quiet dignity that speaks to God’s attention to detail. The meaning 'abundance' suggests a life marked by fruitfulness, even when that fruitfulness is measured in faithful service rather than public acclaim. In 1 Chronicles 23, this name appears alongside others who were assigned specific duties in the tabernacle work.
It is comforting to know that God records the names of those who serve behind the scenes. Whether you feel your contributions are small or overlooked, this passage reminds us that every role within the community of faith matters. The careful preservation of these genealogies shows that no one is forgotten in the eyes of the Lord.
When we read about the Levites and their families, we see a picture of organized worship and shared responsibility. Zizah’s place in this list invites us to consider our own part in the broader story of God’s people. It is a reminder that faithfulness in ordinary tasks is a form of worship that honors God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Zizah1×
- Zina1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זִינָ֔א1×
- וְ/זִיזָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 23:10
The sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
This verse lists Zizah (as Zina) among the sons of Shimei, establishing his place in the Gershonite lineage.
-
I Chronicles 23:11
Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah didn’t have many sons; therefore they became a fathers’ house in one reckoning.
Here Zizah is distinguished as second in rank, highlighting the structured hierarchy within the Levitical families.