זִכְרִי (zikh.ri)
zikh.ri
Zichri
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zichri, meaning "memorable" or "one who is remembered," appears twelve times in the Hebrew Bible. It functions primarily as a personal identifier for various individuals across different tribes and generations, rather than carrying a distinct theological verb sense. The sources list at least twelve separate bearers of this name, ranging from Levites in the time of Moses to heroes in the army of King Pekah.
This variety highlights how common the name was among ancient Israelites who valued being remembered for their lineage or deeds. For instance, it identifies a son of Izhar in Exodus 6:21 and appears repeatedly in Chronicles and Nehemiah among those listed during the restoration of Jerusalem. The recurrence suggests that "Zichri" was a standard family name used to anchor individuals within the broader tribal records.
Unlike words describing divine actions, Zichri is strictly anthroponymic. Its presence in genealogies serves to preserve identity and continuity. Translators simply retain the proper name, as its significance lies in who bore it rather than any deeper semantic nuance. The word itself does not convey a command or promise, but marks those whose names were deemed worthy of recording.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zichri means 'memorable' or 'one who is remembered.' In a world that often feels transient, this name offers a quiet comfort. It reminds us that our lives are seen and recorded by God. Whether in the detailed genealogies of Chronicles or the military lists of Kings, these names were not forgotten. They anchor individuals within a lasting story.
This word does not carry a complex theological command. Instead, it highlights the value of identity and continuity. When you read about Zichri in Exodus 6:21 or Nehemiah 11:9, you see ordinary people included in God’s plan. Their names were preserved so that future generations would know they existed and mattered.
Your own life has similar significance. You are part of a long line of faith. God remembers your steps just as He remembered these ancient bearers of the name. This assurance invites you to live with purpose, knowing that your presence in this world is noticed and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zikri7×
- and/ Zikri5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זִכְרִ֖י3×
- וְ/זִכְרִ֖י3×
- זִכְרִ֣י\׀1×
- זִכְרִ֔י1×
- זִכְרִ֑י\ \ס1×
- זִכְרִ֑י1×
- וְ/זִכְרִֽי\׃1×
- וְ/זִכְרִ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 6:21
The sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
This verse places Zichri in the lineage of Levi, showing how the name anchors an individual within the sacred tribal structure from the earliest days of Israel.
-
II Chronicles 17:16
and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to Yahweh, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
Here Zichri is identified as the father of Amasiah, a leader who willingly offered himself to Yahweh, linking the name to active devotion and military strength.
-
Nehemiah 11:9
Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city.
Zichri appears here as the father of Joel, an overseer in Jerusalem, demonstrating how the name persisted into the post-exilic restoration period among civic leaders.