Zephaniah
Zephaniah in the Bible — the second-in-charge priest (2KI 25:18) who was killed by the king of Babylon (2KI 25:21). Zephaniah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the Lord is my secret”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Zephaniah was a male Aaronic priest from the tribe of Levi, serving as the second-in-charge priest. His notable role in Scripture includes his position of authority within the priesthood. He was ultimately killed by the king of Babylon, marking a significant moment in his life and ministry.
Names & Titles
The name Zephaniah means 'YHWH has hidden [to shelter]' or 'YHWH has hidden [as a treasure],' reflecting a divine aspect embedded in his identity. This meaning highlights a connection to God's protective or preserving care.
Family
Zephaniah is identified as a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest, which situates him within the priestly lineage. Beyond this, Scripture does not record additional family relationships for him.
Significance
Zephaniah's significance lies in his high-ranking priestly role during a turbulent period in Israel's history. As the second-in-charge priest, he held considerable responsibility in maintaining the spiritual leadership of the nation. His death at the hands of the Babylonian king underscores the severity of the Babylonian conquest and its impact on Israel's religious leadership.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- צְפַנְיָהוּ
- Transliteration
- tsəfanəyahu
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h has hidden [to shelter] or y-h-v-h has hidden [as a treasure]
- Greek
- Σοφονιαν
- Reference
- 2KI 25:18
- Strong's
- H6846
Family & Relationships (1)
descendant
Notes
Aaronic priest
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zephaniah in the Bible?
Zephaniah was a male Aaronic priest from the tribe of Levi, serving as the second-in-charge priest. His notable role in Scripture includes his position of authority within the priesthood. He was ultimately killed by the king of Babylon, marking a significant moment in his life and ministry.
What does the name Zephaniah mean?
The name Zephaniah means “the Lord is my secret” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.