Zephaniah(2)
Zephaniah in the Bible — the priest, son of Maaseiah (JER 21:1). 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 priest from the tribe of Levi, specifically noted as a descendant of Aaron. He is identified as the son of Maaseiah, which situates him within a priestly lineage. His role as a priest underscores his involvement in the religious life and leadership of Israel.
Names & Titles
The name Zephaniah means 'YHWH has hidden' or 'YHWH has hidden as a treasure,' reflecting a divine attribute associated with protection or preservation. This proper name is not indicated as being directly given by God but carries a significant theological meaning tied to the Lord's safeguarding.
Family
Scripture explicitly records Zephaniah as the son of Maaseiah, establishing his immediate paternal relationship. Beyond this, no other family connections are detailed in the biblical text provided.
Significance
Zephaniah's importance in Scripture is grounded in his priestly heritage as a descendant of Aaron, marking him as a key religious figure. His identification as the son of Maaseiah links him to a known priestly family, highlighting the continuity of Levitical service. His presence in Jeremiah 21:1 situates him within the prophetic and priestly context of Judah's history.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- צְפַנְיָה
- Transliteration
- tsəfanəyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h has hidden [to shelter] or y-h-v-h has hidden [as a treasure]
- Greek
- Σοφονιαν
- Reference
- JER 21:1
- Strong's
- H6846
Family & Relationships (1)
son
Notes
As "priest", a descendant of Aaron
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zephaniah in the Bible?
Zephaniah was a male priest from the tribe of Levi, specifically noted as a descendant of Aaron. He is identified as the son of Maaseiah, which situates him within a priestly lineage. His role as a priest underscores his involvement in the religious life and leadership of Israel.
What does the name Zephaniah mean?
The name Zephaniah means “the Lord is my secret” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.