זְרֻבָּבֶ֫ל (ze.rub.ba.vel)
ze.rub.ba.vel
Zerubbabel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zerubbabel, meaning "sown in Babylon," identifies a key leader who guided the first group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. As a descendant of King Jehoiachin and a member of the tribe of Judah, he held royal lineage while serving as the governor who organized the return and the rebuilding of the Temple.
Lexical sources note that his name likely derives from roots meaning "scattered" or "born in Babylon," reflecting his life experience outside the homeland. He is identified in Ezra as Sheshbazzar, suggesting these may be two names for the same historical figure who laid the foundation for the Second Temple.
Scripture highlights his role not just as an administrator but as a spiritual catalyst. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah address him directly, encouraging him to complete the work despite opposition and delay. His presence in Matthew’s genealogy underscores his importance in the lineage leading to Jesus, linking the post-exilic restoration to the messianic hope.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Zerubbabel was a leader who guided his people back to Jerusalem after years of exile in Babylon. His name reflects a life lived between two worlds, yet he remained faithful to God’s call to rebuild what had been destroyed. He did not rely on military strength or political power but trusted in the Spirit of God to complete the work.
When opposition arose and the task seemed overwhelming, prophets encouraged him to be strong because God was with him. This reminds us that our efforts are never in vain when we align them with divine purpose. Even small beginnings matter greatly in God’s eyes, as He honors those who serve with humility and courage.
In Christian tradition, Zerubbabel’s lineage connects the post-exilic restoration to Jesus Christ, showing how God works through history to fulfill His promises. His story invites us to trust that God can bring new life from brokenness and use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zerubbabel18×
- O Zerubbabel2×
- and/ Zerubbabel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֖ל4×
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל3×
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֗ל3×
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֨ל2×
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל2×
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֤ל2×
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֣ל\׀2×
- זְרֻבָּבֶל֙1×
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֣ל1×
- וּ/זְרֻבָּבֶ֤ל1×
Key Verses
-
Haggai 2:4
Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says Yahweh. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says Yahweh, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.
This verse directly encourages Zerubbabel to be strong, emphasizing God's presence as the source of his strength rather than human might.
-
Zechariah 4:6
Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, “This is Yahweh’s word to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says Yahweh of Armies.
Here, God declares that the rebuilding will succeed not by power or might but by His Spirit, highlighting reliance on divine guidance.
-
Haggai 2:23
In that day, says Yahweh of Armies, I will take you, Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says Yahweh, ‘and will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.”
God calls Zerubbabel 'my servant' and promises to make him like a signet ring, signifying chosenness and honor in His plan.
-
Zechariah 4:9
“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also finish it; and you will know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you.
This verse affirms that Zerubbabel’s hands laid the foundation and would finish the temple, underscoring his pivotal role in restoration.