זַכּוּר (zak.kur)
zak.kur
Zaccur
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zaccur, meaning "mindful" or "remembered," appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical records in Numbers, Chronicles, and Nehemiah. Although it is not a theological term but a proper noun, its etymological root suggests a person who holds something in memory or keeps a promise in mind.
Several distinct individuals bear this name, linking different tribes and eras of Israel’s history. In Numbers 13:4, Zaccur is the father of Shammua, one of the spies sent to explore Canaan from the tribe of Reuben. Later lists include a Simeonite descendant of Mishma, Levites associated with Asaph the singer, and men involved in the post-exilic restoration under Nehemiah, such as those who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls or signed the covenant.
The recurrence of this name across generations highlights its significance in preserving lineage. By recording these individuals, the biblical text emphasizes that God remembers His people through their ancestors. The name serves as a reminder that faithfulness is often passed down through families, with each Zaccur contributing to the ongoing story of Israel’s covenant relationship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zaccur carries the quiet weight of memory. It means 'mindful' or 'remembered,' pointing to a person who holds something sacred in their heart. In the Bible, this is not just about personal recollection but about keeping promises and preserving lineage. When God’s people are listed by name, it shows that He knows each one individually.
Seeing Zaccur appear across different tribes and eras reminds us that faithfulness often runs through families. From the spies exploring Canaan to those rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, these individuals contributed to a larger story of covenant. Their names were kept so that future generations would know they mattered to God.
This word invites you to consider how your own life is remembered. It is not about earning a place in history but about being known by the One who created you. In every generation, there are those who remain mindful of God’s faithfulness, passing that trust down to others. You are part of this ongoing story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zaccur7×
- and/ Zaccur2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זַכּ֖וּר3×
- זַכּֽוּר\׃1×
- זַכּ֧וּר1×
- זַכּ֥וּר1×
- זַכּ֔וּר1×
- וְ/זַכּ֖וּר1×
- וְ/זַכּ֑וּר1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:4
These were their names: Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
This verse identifies Zaccur as the father of Shammua, a spy sent to explore Canaan, linking the name to a moment of critical decision for Israel.
-
Nehemiah 3:2
Next to him the men of Jericho built. Next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.
Here Zaccur actively participates in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, showing how the name is associated with restoration and physical labor for God’s city.
-
I Chronicles 25:2
of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah. The sons of Asaph were under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied at the order of the king.
Zaccur is listed among Asaph’s sons who prophesied, connecting the name to worship and spiritual leadership in the temple.