Zechariah

Zechariah is a Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh remembers.” In biblical usage, it can refer to two distinct figures prominent in religious tradition: a prophet associated with the Book of Zechariah in the Hebrew Bible, and a priest who is the father of John the Baptist in the Gospel of Luke.

Zechariah the prophet is identified as the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo. He prophesied in Jerusalem during the early post-exilic period, roughly 520–518 BCE, during Persian rule and alongside the restoration efforts led by Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest. The Book of Zechariah blends apocalyptic visions with oracles urging repentance, the rebuilding of the Temple, and moral reform. Its distinctive motifs include the eight night visions, the future messianic figure called the Branch, and symbolic images such as the stone with seven eyes. The text emphasizes divine presence, renewal of Jerusalem, and a future era of peace and blessing.

The other Zechariah is a priest, mentioned in the Gospel of Luke as the husband of Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. He serves in the temple at the time of the priestly division of Abijah. An angel, Gabriel, Announces the forthcoming birth of their son, John the Baptist. Zechariah doubts the message and is rendered mute until John's birth, after which he prophesies in gratitude (the Benedictus). This narrative links Zechariah to the birth of John and the preparation of the way for Jesus in Christian tradition.

Both figures are distinct yet central in their respective biblical canons, sharing the same name and a legacy of prophetic speech.