Zephaniah(4)
Zephaniah in the Bible — father of Josiah (ZEC 6:10). Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the Lord is my secret”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Zephaniah is a male biblical figure identified as the father of Josiah, as referenced in Zechariah 6:10. His tribal affiliation and surname are not recorded in Scripture. There is a possibility that he is the same individual as the prophet Zephaniah, though this is not definitively established.
Names & Titles
The name Zephaniah means 'YHWH has hidden' or 'YHWH has hidden as a treasure,' reflecting a divine attribute of protection or preservation. This proper name is noted in Zechariah 6:10 and is not indicated to have been given directly by God.
Family
Scripture records Zephaniah as the father of Josiah, based on an inference from Zechariah 6:10. Beyond this, no additional family relationships or tribal lineage are documented for him.
Significance
Zephaniah's significance lies primarily in his role as the father of Josiah, a key figure in biblical history. The possibility that he is the same as the prophet Zephaniah adds a layer of interest, suggesting a connection to prophetic ministry. His mention in Zechariah 6:10 situates him within the biblical narrative as part of God's unfolding plan, though specific details about his life and ministry remain limited.
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
- Σοφονιου
- Reference
- ZEC 6:10
- Strong's
- H6846
Family & Relationships (1)
father
Notes
possibly the same as the prophet Zephaniah (Zephaniah_3)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zephaniah in the Bible?
Zephaniah is a male biblical figure identified as the father of Josiah, as referenced in Zechariah 6:10. His tribal affiliation and surname are not recorded in Scripture. There is a possibility that he is the same individual as the prophet Zephaniah, though this is not definitively established.
What does the name Zephaniah mean?
The name Zephaniah means “the Lord is my secret” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.