זַכַּי (zak.kay)
zak.kay
Zaccai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zaccai, or zakkay in Hebrew, is a personal name meaning "pure" or "clean." It appears only three times in the Old Testament, specifically within the lists of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. In Ezra 2:9 and Nehemiah 7:14, it identifies the head of a family that included 760 individuals. A later mention in Nehemiah 11:16 refers to a different individual with the same name, serving as an overseer in temple duties.
Etymologically, the word derives from the root zakkah, which denotes purity, cleanliness, or innocence. While the name itself is straightforward, its presence in these genealogical records highlights the importance of lineage and ritual fitness among the returning community. The repetition of the name suggests it was a recognized family identifier during this period of restoration.
Translators consistently render zakkay as Zaccai to preserve its function as a proper noun rather than translating it literally as "the pure one." This approach maintains the distinction between the individual’s identity and the descriptive quality of the word. The name serves as a historical marker, connecting specific families to the broader narrative of post-exilic Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zaccai appears in the Old Testament as a marker of identity for those who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. It means "pure" or "clean," reflecting the spiritual and ritual focus of the post-exilic community. This name is not just a label but a reminder that God values integrity and faithfulness in His people.
When we read about Zaccai and his family, we see ordinary individuals contributing to a larger purpose. Their lineage was recorded because every person mattered in God’s plan for restoration. Today, this story encourages us to remember our own place in God’s family, knowing that He sees and values each of us.
Though the name Zaccai may seem distant from our daily lives, its message is timeless: purity of heart and commitment to God’s work are always significant. Whether you feel like a small part of something bigger or are seeking purpose, this passage reminds you that your role matters in God’s story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zaccai3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זַכָּ֔י2×
- זַכַּ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:9
The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty.
This verse lists Zaccai as the head of a family returning from exile, highlighting the importance of lineage and community in restoring Israel.
-
Nehemiah 7:14
The children of Zaccai: seven hundred sixty.
The repetition of Zaccai’s name here reinforces the continuity of his family’s role in the post-exilic restoration effort.