Zerubbabel(2)
Zerubbabel in the Bible — returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity (EZR 2:2, NEH 7:7), son of Shealtiel (EZR 3:2). Zerubbabel belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 6 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “a stranger at Babylon; dispersion of confusion”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 6 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Zerubbabel was a male descendant of the tribe of Levi who returned to Judah following the Babylonian captivity. Noted as the son of Shealtiel, he played a significant role during the post-exilic period in Judah. There are no additional notes provided about his life beyond these details.
Names & Titles
The name Zerubbabel means 'offspring [seed] of Babylon; scion,' indicating a connection to Babylon. He also held the title 'Governor of Judah,' reflecting his leadership role, and was referred to as 'My servant,' a title that conveys a special designation but was not given directly by God.
Family
Zerubbabel is explicitly identified as the son of Shealtiel and the father of Abihud. He is also noted as a descendant of Jacob, which aligns with his Levitical heritage. These relationships establish his place within the biblical genealogies.
Significance
Zerubbabel is significant in the biblical narrative as a leader who returned with the exiles to Judah, helping to reestablish the community after Babylonian captivity. His governance and lineage link him to the restoration of Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. His roles and titles indicate both political and spiritual responsibilities during this critical period.
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- זְרֻבָּבֶל
- Transliteration
- zərubabel
- Meaning
- offspring [seed] of Babylon; scion i.e., one grafted into the [plant of] Babylon
- Greek
- Ζοροβαβελ
- Reference
- EZR 2:2
- Strong's
- H2216
- Hebrew
- פֶּחָה יְהוּדָה
- Transliteration
- pechah yəhudah
- Meaning
- governor [of] Judah
- Greek
- [none]
- Reference
- HAG 1:1
- Strong's
- H6346, H3063
- Hebrew
- עַבְדִּי
- Transliteration
- avədiy
- Meaning
- my servant
- Greek
- δοῦλόν μου
- Reference
- HAG 2:23
- Strong's
- H5650
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zerubbabel in the Bible?
Zerubbabel was a male descendant of the tribe of Levi who returned to Judah following the Babylonian captivity. Noted as the son of Shealtiel, he played a significant role during the post-exilic period in Judah. There are no additional notes provided about his life beyond these details.
What does the name Zerubbabel mean?
The name Zerubbabel means “a stranger at Babylon; dispersion of confusion” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.