Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Zacharias, also known as Zechariah, is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Luke. He is recognized as the father of John the Baptist and a priest of the division of Abijah. His account is a testament to faith, prophecy, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Priestly Lineage and Role: Zacharias was a priest serving in the temple, belonging to the division of Abijah, one of the 24 divisions of priests established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:10). His wife, Elizabeth, was also of priestly descent, being a descendant of Aaron. The couple is described as "righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord" (Luke 1:6). The Annunciation of John the Baptist: Despite their righteousness, Zacharias and Elizabeth were childless and advanced in years, which was a source of personal sorrow and social reproach. While Zacharias was performing his priestly duties in the temple, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. The angel Gabriel announced that Elizabeth would bear a son, whom they were to name John. This child would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb and would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah (Luke 1:13-17). Zacharias' Doubt and Muteness: Zacharias questioned the angel's message due to his and Elizabeth's old age, asking, "How can I be sure of this?" (Luke 1:18). Because of his doubt, Gabriel declared that Zacharias would be mute until the fulfillment of the prophecy. This muteness served as a sign to Zacharias and those around him of the truth of God's word (Luke 1:19-20). The Birth of John and Zacharias' Prophecy: When Elizabeth gave birth to their son, there was initial confusion about his name. Customarily, the child would be named after his father, but Elizabeth insisted on the name John. When Zacharias confirmed this by writing, "His name is John," his speech was miraculously restored (Luke 1:63-64). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias prophesied, praising God and foretelling the role of his son as the forerunner of the Lord, who would "give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins" (Luke 1:77). Significance in Salvation History: Zacharias' account highlights the themes of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of God's promises. His experience underscores the importance of trusting in God's word, even when circumstances seem impossible. The birth of John the Baptist, as foretold by Zacharias, marks a pivotal moment in salvation history, preparing the way for Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Legacy: Zacharias is remembered as a faithful servant of God whose life and actions played a crucial role in the unfolding of the divine plan. His account is a reminder of the power of prophecy and the importance of faith in God's promises. Through his son, John the Baptist, Zacharias' legacy continues to impact the Christian faith, pointing believers to the coming of Christ and the salvation He brings. Smith's Bible Dictionary Zacharias(Greek form of Zechariah).
ATS Bible Dictionary Zacharias1. A person mentioned in Matthew 23:35 Luke 11:51, and most probably designating the son of the high-priest Jehoida, or Barachias, who was stoned to death by order of king Joash for publicly rebuking the king, his court and the people for their growing corruption, 2 Chronicles 24:20-22. Some suppose the prophet Zechariah to be intended; but history gives no account of his death. Others refer it to a Zacharias the son of Baruch, who was put to death just before the destruction of Jerusalem; but it seems unnatural and unnecessary to suppose that Christ here spoke prophetically. 2. A priest belonging to the eighth course or class, called that of Abia, 1 Chronicles 24:1-31, the husband of Elisabeth, and father of John the Baptist. His residence, when not on duty, was in the hillcountry south of Jerusalem. He is known to us by his pious and blameless life; his vision of Gabriel in the temple, promising him a son in his old age; his hesitancy in believing, for which he was visited by a temporary dumbness; his miraculous restoration at the circumcision of his son; and his noble and prophetic song of praise, Luke 1:52; 67-79. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) A priest of the course of Abia, the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which the priests had been originally divided by David (1 Chronicles 23:1-19). Only four of these courses or "families" of the priests returned from the Exile (Ezra 2:36-39); but they were then re-distributed under the old designations. The priests served at the temple twice each year, and only for a week each time. Zacharias's time had come for this service. During this period his home would be one of the chambers set apart for the priests on the sides of the temple ground. The offering of incense was one of the most solemn parts of the daily worship of the temple, and lots were drawn each day to determine who should have this great honour, an honour which no priest could enjoy more than once during his lifetime. While Zacharias ministered at the golden altar of incense in the holy place, it was announced to him by the angel Gabriel that his wife Elisabeth, who was also of a priestly family, now stricken in years, would give birth to a son who was to be called John, and that he would be the forerunner of the long-expected Messiah (Luke 1:12-17). As a punishment for his refusing to believe this message, he was struck dumb and "not able to speak until the day that these things should be performed" (20). Nine months passed away, and Elisabeth's child was born, and when in answer to their inquiry Zacharias wrote on a "writing tablet," "His name is John," his mouth was opened, and he praised God (60-79). The child (John the Baptist), thus "born out of due time," "waxed strong in spirit" (1:80). (2.) The "son of Barachias," mentioned as having been slain between the temple and the altar (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51). "Barachias" here may be another name for Jehoiada, as some think. (see ZECHARIAH.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZACHARIAS (1)zak-a-ri'-as (Zacharias): ZACHARIAS (2) (Zacharias): Father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5, etc.). He was a priest of the course of ABIJAH (which see), of blameless life, who in his old age was still childless. But on one occasion when it was the turn of the course of Abijah to minister in the temple (see TEMPLE), Zacharias was chosen by lot to burn incense. While engaged in this duty he was visited by Gabriel, who announced to him that he should become the father of the precursor of the Messiah. Zacharias received the promise incredulously and was punished by being stricken mute. When, however, the child was born and Zacharias had obeyed the injunction of Gabriel by insisting on the name John, his powers of speech returned to him. According to Luke 1:67-79, Zacharias was the author of the hymn Benedictus, which describes God's deliverance of Israel in language drawn entirely from the Old Testament, and which is unaffected by the later Christian realization that the Kingdom is also for Gentiles. Greek 2197. Zacharias -- Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist ... ... 2196, 2197. Zacharias. 2198 . Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, Zechariah, the son of Barachiah. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2197.htm - 6k Library Zacharias's Hymn The Judgment Upon Zacharias The House of Zacharias. The Song of Zacharias, and the Message of John the Baptist; Or ... Zacharias and Elisabeth, Sinners. The Song of Zacharias. Lk. 1:68Ff; John 1:29,32. The Song of Zacharias. Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. Fragment Xlvii. The Birth of John the Baptist. Brought the ... The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25 Thesaurus Zacharias (11 Occurrences)... The priests served at the temple twice each year, and only for a week each time. Zacharias's time had come for this service. ...ZACHARIAS (1). ... /z/zacharias.htm - 15k Bath-zacharias Beth-zacharias Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences) Elisabeth (8 Occurrences) Zachariah (6 Occurrences) Elizabeth (9 Occurrences) Zechariah (55 Occurrences) Zachary Bathzacharias Resources Who was Ravi Zacharias? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Are there errors in the Qur'an (Koran)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Zacharias (11 Occurrences)Matthew 23:35 Luke 1:5 Luke 1:12 Luke 1:13 Luke 1:18 Luke 1:21 Luke 1:40 Luke 1:59 Luke 1:67 Luke 3:2 Luke 11:51 Subtopics Zacharias (Zechariah): A Man Who Was Killed by the Jews: Referred to by Jesus Zacharias (Zechariah): The Father of John the Baptist Related Terms |
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