Zerahiah זְרַחְיָה
Priest, ancestor of Ezra
Biography
Zerahiah, also known as Ahitub, was a priest mentioned in the genealogies of the priestly families in 1 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. He was an ancestor of Ezra the scribe, who played a significant role in the spiritual reformation of the Jews after their return from Babylonian exile. In the genealogies, Zerahiah is listed as the son of Uzzi and the father of Meraioth. He was part of the line of priests descending from Eleazar, the son of Aaron. As a priest, Zerahiah would have served in the temple and carried out the religious duties prescribed for the Levitical priesthood. His inclusion in the genealogies of Ezra emphasizes the scribe's priestly lineage and authority.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 2 with study content1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 6:6
"Uzzi became the father of Zerahiah. Zerahiah became the father of Meraioth."
- 1 Chronicles 6:51
"Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,"
- 1 Chronicles 9:11
"and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of God’s house;"
Ezra 1 verse Study available
- Ezra 7:4
"the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,"
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Nehemiah 1 verse Study available
- Nehemiah 11:11
"Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of God’s house,"
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | זְרַחְיָה | H2228G |
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִיטוּב | H0285J |