Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Hebrew minor prophet of the late 6th century BC: Zechariah is a figure in the Hebrew Bible who prophesied after the return from the Babylonian exile, encouraging the rebuilding of the Temple and Jerusalem.
   • An Old Testament book: Zechariah is also the name of a book of the Old Testament containing the prophecies attributed to this prophet, focusing on hope, restoration, and messianic expectations.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Person):

  • The prophet Zechariah delivered messages of hope to the returning exiles.
  • We studied the life and times of Zechariah in our theology class.

• Proper noun (Book):

  • The Book of Zechariah contains vivid apocalyptic visions.
  • His sermon was based on a passage from Zechariah chapter 8.

Advanced Usage

• "Zechariah's vision": Often refers specifically to the series of eight night visions described in the first part of the book.

  • The symbolism in Zechariah's vision of the golden lampstand is deeply studied.

• "Zechariah son of Berechiah": A fuller name used to distinguish this prophet, as mentioned in the book's opening verse.

  • The text identifies the author as Zechariah son of Berechiah.

Variants and Related Words

• Zech. (abbreviation): The standard abbreviation for the Book of Zechariah.

  • The citation was listed as Zech. 14:9.

• Zachariah, Zacharias: Alternate transliterations of the same Hebrew name, sometimes used in different historical or textual contexts.

  • The name Zacharias appears in the New Testament Gospel of Luke.

Synonyms

• Prophet: A person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.
• Book of the Twelve: The collective name for the minor prophetic books, of which Zechariah is a part.

Related Phrases

• "Thus saith the Lord" in Zechariah: A recurring prophetic formula within the book.

  • The phrase "Thus saith the Lord" appears numerous times in Zechariah.

• The Branch in Zechariah: A key messianic title used in the book (e.g., Zechariah 3:8, 6:12).

  • The prophecy concerning the Branch is a central theme in Zechariah.

Noun

1. an Old Testament book telling the prophecies of Zechariah which are concerned mainly with the renewal of Israel after the Babylonian Captivity
2. a Hebrew minor prophet of the late 6th century BC