זְרֻבָּבֶ֫ל (ze.rub.ba.vel)
ze.rub.ba.vel
Zerubbabel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zerubbabel, meaning "sown in Babylon," identifies a key figure in the post-exilic restoration. He was a descendant of King Jehoiachin and led the first group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The sources note that he is also referred to as Sheshbazzar in the book of Ezra, suggesting these may be two names for the same governor overseeing the return.
His lineage is significant, tracing his ancestry through Pedaiah and connecting him directly to the Davidic royal line. This heritage underscores the theological importance of maintaining the messianic hope even during a period of foreign domination. He appears in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1:12-13, linking the ancient return from exile to the later arrival of Christ.
While the name itself does not carry a broad semantic range like a common noun, its presence in Scripture anchors the historical reality of the return. It serves as a reminder that God’s people were preserved and eventually restored to their land, fulfilling earlier promises made through the prophets.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zerubbabel means "sown in Babylon," a poignant reminder that even in places of exile and displacement, God can bring forth new life. He led the first group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem, rebuilding the temple when the foundations seemed impossible. His story shows us that God’s plans are not stopped by distance or difficulty but are carried forward through faithful obedience.
In Ezra 5:2, we see him rising up with Jeshua to begin this sacred work. This act of restoration points to a greater hope: that God preserves His people and fulfills His promises across generations. Zerubbabel’s lineage connects him to King David and eventually to Jesus Christ, linking the ancient return from exile to the arrival of the Messiah.
When we face seasons of waiting or rebuilding in our own lives, his example encourages us. God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to advance His purposes. Trust that He is at work even when progress seems slow, for He brings beauty from brokenness and life from exile.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zerubbabel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זְרֻבָּבֶ֤ל1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 5:2
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build God’s house which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.
This verse marks the moment Zerubbabel actively resumes temple construction under prophetic encouragement, showing his leadership role in restoring worship.