Lexical Definition
אֲמַרְיָה ʼĂmaryâh (am-ar-yaw') Amariah N:N-M-P
or prolonged אֲמַרְיָהוּ ʼĂmaryâhûw (am-ar-yaw'-hoo); from אָמַר and יָהּ; Jah has said (i.e. promised)
Amariah.
- § Amariah = "Jehovah speaks" or "Yah(u) has promised"
- Amarjah, the name of nine Israelites
1) Zadok's grandfather
2) a head priest's son in Solomon's time
3) a chief priest under Jehoshaphat
4) Hezekiah's son, great-grandfather of Zephaniah
5) a Levite in Ezra's time
6) a Levite under Hezekiah
7) a priest in Nehemiah's time
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| אֲמַרְיָ֖ה | Amariah | Zeph.1.1 |
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1
- son of: Hezekiah (חִזְקִיָּה)
- father of: Gedaliah (גְּדַּלְיָה)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
אֲמַרְי֫הוּ אֲמַרְיָה proper name, masculine (Yah(u) hath promised, compare Palmyrene אֶמרשמשא Sabean יתעאמר) long form only 1Chr 24:23; 2Chr 19:11; 2Chr 31:15.
1. a Levite 1Chr 23:19; 1Chr 24:23 (in David's time), compare 1Chr 5:33* (twice in verse); 1Chr 6:37*; Ezra 7:3 see also
2. 1Chr 5:37* (twice in verse); also
3. Ezra 10:42.
4. chief priest under Jehosh. 2Chr 19:11.
5. Levite under Hezekiah 2Chr 31:15.
6. son of Hezekiah & great-grandfather of Zephaniah Zeph 1:1.
7. a priest Neh 10:4*; Neh 12:2; Neh 12:13.
8. a man of Judah Neh 11:4.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 1 Chronicles | 5:33* · 5:37* · 6:37* · 23:19 · 24:23 |
| 2 Chronicles | 19:11 · 31:15 |
| Ezra | 7:3 · 10:42 |
| Nehemiah | 10:4* · 11:4 · 12:2 · 12:13 |
| Zephaniah | 1:1 |
Profile
Male • Son of Hezekiah • Ancestor of Zephaniah the prophet
Man living at the time of Divided Monarchy
Amariah was an ancestor of Zephaniah the prophet, who prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. (Zep.1.1)
- A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1;
- only referred to as Amariah אֲמַרְיָה;
- a son of Hezekiah חִזְקִיָּה;
- father of Gedaliah גְּדַּלְיָה.
Amariah is mentioned in the opening verse of the Book of Zephaniah, which provides the prophet's genealogy. He is listed as the great-grandfather of Zephaniah, who prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. (Zep.1.1)
The genealogy traces Zephaniah's lineage back four generations: Zephaniah, son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah. This suggests that Zephaniah came from a notable family, possibly with royal or priestly connections, as the name Hezekiah may refer to the king of Judah.
Amariah's inclusion in this genealogy helps to establish Zephaniah's credibility and authority as a prophet. It also provides a historical context for Zephaniah's ministry, placing him during the reign of King Josiah, who instituted significant religious reforms in Judah. (2Ki.22-23)
Apart from being mentioned in Zephaniah's genealogy, no further details are provided about Amariah's life, his role, or any significant events associated with him.
The mention of Amariah in this context serves to underscore the importance of family lineage in establishing the legitimacy and authority of prophetic figures in ancient Israel. It also highlights the continuity of God's message through successive generations of His servants.
All entries for Amariah: אֲמַרְיָה