Definition

Proper noun: * Book of Zachariah: A book of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible, and of the Nevi'im (Prophets) in the Hebrew Tanakh. It contains the prophecies attributed to the prophet Zechariah, which are primarily concerned with the restoration and renewal of Jerusalem and Israel following the Babylonian Captivity. The book includes visions, oracles, and messianic prophecies.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Book of Zachariah contains vivid visions, such as one featuring a man riding a red horse among myrtle trees.
  • Scholars often study the Book of Zachariah for its insights into post-exilic Jewish community life.
  • A famous messianic prophecy in the Book of Zachariah describes a king arriving "gentle and riding on a donkey."

Advanced Usage

• "Zechariah" vs. "Zachariah": The spelling "Zachariah" is a common English transliteration variant of the Hebrew name, which is also frequently spelled "Zechariah." Both refer to the same biblical book and prophet.
• Theological Context: The book is often discussed in the context of apocalyptic literature and its influence on later New Testament writings.

Variants and Related Words

• Zechariah: The more common alternate spelling for the name of the prophet and the book.
• Minor Prophets: The Book of Zachariah is one of the twelve books in the section known as the Minor Prophets (or The Twelve) in the Hebrew Bible.

Synonyms

• Zechariah: (As a direct alternate spelling for the book's title).
• The Prophecy of Zechariah: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• Post-exilic prophecy: A category of biblical literature that includes the Book of Zachariah, referring to prophecies given after the return from the Babylonian exile.

Noun

1. an Old Testament book telling the prophecies of Zechariah which are concerned mainly with the renewal of Israel after the Babylonian Captivity