Zealous | ζηλωτής (zēlōtēs) | (Noun)

Ancient ruins under a stark sky, embodying a Zealous

The term ‘zealous’ originates from the Greek noun ζηλωτής (zēlōtēs), which implies fervor, zeal, or jealousy. This word reflects a passionate intensity either for a cause or against something. In the New Testament, ζηλωτής is directly associated with fervent devotion, particularly in the context of religious fervor. For example, Acts 22:3 describes Paul speaking of […]

Zeal | Ζῆλος (Zēlos) | Noun

Ancient altar ablaze, scrolls unrolled, dove soaring above - symbols of early Christian zeal.

Etymology and Semantic Analysis of Zeal The term ‘zeal’ finds its roots in the Greek word ζῆλος (zēlos), encapsulating fervor or intense enthusiasm, traditionally in pursuit of something. In the context of the Bible, this word often connotes a fiery passion for God’s house, His laws, and His ways, reflecting both positive and fervent commitment […]

Zebadiah | זְבַדְיָה (Hebrew) | Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis of Zebadiah The name “Zebadiah” originates from the Hebrew word זְבַדְיָה (Z’vadyah), which means “Yahweh has bestowed” or “Gift of Yahweh.” This name is composed of two elements: זָבַד (zavad), meaning “to give,” and יָה (Yah), a shortened form of יְהוֹוָה (YHWH), the tetragrammaton, representing the name of God in the […]

Zanoah | Hebrew: זָנוֹחַ | Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The name Zanoah derives from the Hebrew root ‘זָנוֹחַ’, a noun that appears in the context of biblical geography rather than as a verb or adjective. This name is identified with a town in the Judaean hills, mentioned in the Bible within the context of lists detailing settlements in the region. […]

Zarhites | זרחי (Hebrew) | Tribe

Ancient Zarhites amid their tents, capturing daily life in a 19th-century lithograph style.

Etymology and Semantic Analysis of Zarhites The term “Zarhites” traces back to the Hebrew root ‘זרחי’ (Zarchi or Zarhi), directly linked to Zerah, a name meaning “dawning” or “rising of light.” The Zarhites were descendants of Zerah, one of Judah’s sons, making them a significant clan within the tribe of Judah. This etymological journey from […]

Zalmunna | זַלְמֻנָּע | Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The name Zalmunna originates from the Hebrew זַלְמֻנָּע (Zalmunnā‘), which does not have a direct Greek equivalent due to its specific appearance in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament narratives. This name is intriguing, not merely for its phonetic composition but for the layers of historical and cultural significances it carries. […]

Zaavan | זָעַוָּן (Hebrew) | Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The name Zaavan, originating from Hebrew, appears in the Old Testament. Specifically, the Hebrew word זָעַוָּן (Zaavan) signifies agitation or trembling. The semantic field surrounding Zaavan associates with restlessness or unease, hinting at the nomadic and turbulent lifestyle of the era. Biblical references to Zaavan are found in the genealogical records […]

Zacchur | זַכּוּר | Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The name “Zacchur” originates from the Hebrew word “זַכּוּר” (Zakkur), which is derived from the root “זָכַר” (zakar), meaning “to remember” or “to mention.” This name is indicative of remembrance, possibly implying “God has remembered.” In the context of the Biblical narrative, names often carry significant meanings that reflect the circumstances […]

Zaanaim | צְאָנִים (Tse’anayim) | Place Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis Zaanaim, translated from the Hebrew word צְאָנִים (Tse’anayim), is a place name mentioned in the Old Testament. The root of this Hebrew term, צְאָן (Tse’on), typically refers to a flock, often of sheep or goats, implying a pastoral or grazing locale. The dual form of the word, צְאָנִים, suggests “double pasturage” […]

Zadok | צדוק | (Name)

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The name ‘Zadok’ stems from the Hebrew root צדק (ṣādēq), which means ‘righteous’ or ‘just’. Zadok, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, served as a priest during King David’s and Solomon’s reigns. The first mention of Zadok is in 2 Samuel 8:17, where he is appointed as a priest along […]

Zaanan | צַאֲנַן | Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The name ‘Zaanan’ derives from the Hebrew word ‘צַאֲנַן’ (Tsaa’nan), mentioned in the Old Testament. It occurs only once in the Bible, in the book of Micah 1:11. The verse depicts the lamentation and mourning of various towns in Judah in anticipation of the judgment coming upon them. The etymological root […]

Zacharias and the Angelic Prophecy of His Son John

medieval-greek-artwork-depicting-parents-of-John-the-baptist

The priest Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were righteous people who longed for a child in their old age. One day while Zechariah was serving in the temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him to proclaim the miraculous – Elizabeth would finally conceive a son in her barrenness. But Zacharias questioned Gabriel’s tidings out of […]

Zacchaeus | Biblical Tax Collector

Vibrant-Byzantine-Zacchaeus-tree-Jesus-symbolism-artwork.

Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Jericho during the time of Jesus Christ, is a notable figure in the New Testament. While the exact dates of his birth and death remain unknown, his encounter with Jesus, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 19:1-10), provides significant insights into themes of repentance and redemption. Zacchaeus, a […]

Zacharias | Prophet of Ancient Times

4th-century fresco - Zacharias, Peć Monastery, Kosovo.

Saint Zacharias, a revered figure in both Judaism and Christianity, stands as an eminent prophet whose teachings and prophecies have left an indelible mark in religious history. Although exact dates of his birth and death remain uncertain, his profound influence is undeniably evident through the centuries. The prophecy of Zacharias, encapsulated in the book bearing […]

Ludovico Zacconi | Renowned Musical Theorist

Visionary musical theorist - Ludovico Zacconi, oil on wood.

Ludovico Zacconi, born in 1550 and passing away in 1623, emerged as a pivotal figure in the realm of music theory during the late Renaissance period. His contributions, particularly in the field of counterpoint and musical analysis, have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Western music. Zacconi’s works, including his famed treatise “Prattica […]

Francesco Antonio Zaccaria | Theologian

Theologian-Historian - Francesco Antonio Zaccaria's groundbreaking work.

Francesco Antonio Zaccaria, born in 1714 and passing in 1795, emerged as a seminal figure in theological and historical scholarship. His enduring influence stems from his profound contributions to ecclesiastical history and literary criticism. Zaccaria’s erudition, manifested through his extensive writings, marked a significant period in the intellectual history of the 18th century. Early Life […]

Zacatecas Diocese in the Republic of Mexico

The Zacatecas Diocese, an ecclesiastical territory in the Republic of Mexico, stands as a significant embodiment of religious history and cultural heritage. Established in the 16th century, this diocese has played a pivotal role in the Catholic Church’s presence in Mexico. Its history, intertwined with the development of the region, reflects the broader narrative of […]

Zabulon | Jacob’s Son and Ancestor of the Israelite Tribe

Israel-Map - An antique portrayal of Israel's geography

Zabulon, one of the twelve sons of Jacob and an important figure in biblical history, is a significant ancestral patriarch of the Israelite tribe bearing his name. While specific dates of his birth and death are not definitively recorded in historical texts, Zabulon’s legacy is entrenched in the cultural and religious fabric of Jewish history. […]

Zabarella Francesco, Cardinal

Francesco Zabarella, renowned medieval canonist.

Francesco Zabarella, an eminent figure in the ecclesiastical and academic realms of the late Middle Ages, was born in 1360 in Padua and passed away in 1417. His life, marked by profound intellectual achievements and significant contributions to canon law, unfolds a narrative that mirrors the intricate and transformative period of the 14th and early […]