Ancestor of Zephaniah the prophet
Amariah
Named in 1 verse of Zephaniah, first in Zephaniah 1:1.
אֲמַרְיָ֫הוּAmariah
The name means “the Lord says; the integrity of the Lord.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Amariah Written by AI
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. (Zephaniah 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.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Amariah, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Said by Jehovah. (1.) One of the descendants of Aaron by Eleazar (1 Chr. 6:7,52). He was probably the last of the high priests of Eleazar’s line prior to the transfer of that office to Eli, of the line of Ithamar.
(2.) A Levite, son of Hebron, of the lineage of Moses (1 Chr. 23:19; 24:23).
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(3.) A “chief priest” who took an active part in the reformation under Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. 19:11); probably the same as mentioned in 1 Chr. 6:9.
(4.) 1 Chr. 6:11; Ezra 7:3. (5.) One of the high priests in the time of Hezekiah (2 Chr. 31:15). (6.) Zeph. 1:1. (7.) Neh. 11:4. (8.) Neh. 10:3. (9.) Ezra 10:42.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Zephaniah 1:1
This is the word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah:
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.