Persons of the Bible: Letter Z
As we reach the final letter of the alphabet, the names under Z form a closing chapter in our journey through the people of the Bible. From the noble courage of men like Zadok and the perseverance of Zerubbabel, to the cautionary tales found in Zimri and Zeresh, these names remind us that the story of Scripture is carried forward by real individuals—faithful, flawed, hopeful, or rebellious. Each name, whether long remembered or scarcely mentioned, testifies to God’s ongoing work in history. Even the briefest genealogical entry points to a life known to God and woven into His redemptive plan.
Zabad
Zabad is the name of several individuals in Scripture. One Zabad was among David’s mighty warriors, known for courage in battle. Others bearing the name appear in priestly and post-exilic genealogies. Though they are mentioned briefly, their inclusion demonstrates how God preserves the memory of those who serve faithfully in their time and place.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:41; 1 Chronicles 2:36; Ezra 10:27
Zabbai
Zabbai was among the priests or families who returned from the Babylonian exile and helped restore worship in Jerusalem.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:20
Zabbud
Zabbud was an official and close associate of King Solomon, holding a position of influence in his administration.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:5
Zabbud-el (minor; variant)
A theophoric variant of Zabbud preserved in later manuscript traditions.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Zabdi
Zabdi appears multiple times in Scripture, including as the grandfather of Achan and as a Levite involved in temple service.
Scripture: Joshua 7:1; Nehemiah 11:17
Zabdi-el
Zabdi-el was the father of one of the leaders of the tribe of Naphtali in the time of the exile’s return.
Scripture: Nehemiah 11:14
Zabdiel
Zabdiel is mentioned as a leader over warriors in the time following the exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 11:14
Zabiah
Zabiah was the mother of King Joash of Judah. She appears briefly but is part of the royal line through which God continued David’s promise.
Scripture: 2 Kings 12:1
Zabud
Zabud, son of Nathan, was a friend and trusted official of King Solomon, serving as a priest and counselor.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:5
Zabulon
A Greek or alternate form of Zebulun, one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
Scripture: Matthew 4:15 (variant)
Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in Jericho who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. When Jesus called him by name, Zacchaeus responded with repentance and generosity. His transformation shows the grace of Christ toward those considered outcasts and highlights the joy of salvation entering a home and a heart.
Scripture: Luke 19:1–10
Zachariah
A common variant spelling of Zechariah, the prophet, and several other individuals.
Scripture: Luke 1:5 (variant)
Zadok
Zadok was a faithful priest who supported David during Absalom’s rebellion and later anointed Solomon as king. His loyalty and righteousness made him a model of priestly faithfulness, and God established the Zadokite line for generations.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:24–29; 1 Kings 1:32–40; Ezekiel 44:15
Zalmon
Zalmon was one of David’s mighty warriors, listed among the valiant men who supported his kingship.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:28; 1 Chronicles 11:29
Zalmonah
Primarily a location, but used in contexts identifying specific individuals among Israel’s wilderness encampments.
Scripture: Numbers 33:41–42 (contextual)
Zalmonite
A clan or personal designation identifying those belonging to the household of Zalmon.
Scripture: Numbers 26:20
Zamzummim
A group of ancient people is described in the genealogical and territorial histories of Israel’s early generations.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 2:20
Zaphnath
A shortened form of the Egyptian title given to Joseph by Pharaoh.
Scripture: Genesis 41:45 (variant)
Zarah
A variant form of Zerah, the son of Judah, whose lineage appears throughout Israel’s genealogical history.
Scripture: Genesis 38:30 (variant)
Zaretan
Primarily, a place can identify individuals or households associated with the region.
Scripture: Joshua 3:16 (contextual)
Zariah
Zariah was one of the priests who assisted Ezra with matters concerning the Law.
Scripture: Ezra 8:16
Zatan
A variant related to Zattu, one of the returnees from Babylon.
Scripture: Ezra 2:8 (variant)
Zatha
Zatha was a chief among the Levites or leaders in the return from exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 10:14
Zathua
Zathua appears in post-exilic genealogical records among families returning to Judah.
Scripture: Nehemiah 7:13
Zatthu
A spelling variation of Zattu, associated with families returning from the Babylonian exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:8 (variant)
Zattu
Zattu was a leader of one of the families returning from Babylon with Zerubbabel and later appears among those renewing the covenant.
Scripture: Ezra 2:8; Nehemiah 10:14
Zealot
A personal and political identifier in the New Testament era, referring to individuals committed to resistance against Roman rule. Included when used as a personal descriptor (e.g., “Simon the Zealot”).
Scripture: Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13
Zebadiah
Zebadiah is the name of several men in Scripture, often associated with leadership roles, priestly families, or positions of authority.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 27:7; Ezra 8:8
Zebah
Zebah was one of the Midianite kings defeated by Gideon during Israel’s period of the judges.
Scripture: Judges 8:5–21
Zebai
Zebai appears among the post-exilic families who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.
Scripture: Ezra 10:28
Zebedee
Zebedee was the father of the apostles James and John. Though he appears only briefly, his family becomes central to the ministry of Jesus.
Scripture: Matthew 4:21; Matthew 20:20
Zebina
Zebina was one of the men who returned from exile and joined in the renewal of the covenant under Nehemiah.
Scripture: Nehemiah 10:11
Zebul
Zebul was an official in Shechem who assisted Abimelech during the conflict with Gaal.
Scripture: Judges 9:28–41
Zebulun
Zebulun was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of the tribe that bore his name. His descendants settled in Israel’s northern region and played roles in military campaigns and worship gatherings. The tribe of Zebulun is remembered for its faithfulness and partnership with neighboring tribes, contributing to the unity of God’s people.
Scripture: Genesis 30:20; Genesis 49:13; Numbers 1:30; Judges 5:18
Zebulonite
A designation for descendants or members of the tribe of Zebulun.
Scripture: Judges 12:11
Zeboimite
A personal identifier linked to ancestral families associated with Zeboim
Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:17 (contextual)
Zedekiah
Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian captivity. Appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, he failed to heed the warnings of Jeremiah and rebelled against Babylon, leading to Jerusalem’s destruction. His life is a sober reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s counsel, yet even in his story, God’s faithfulness to His covenant people is evident.
Scripture: 2 Kings 24:17–20; Jeremiah 37–39; 2 Chronicles 36:11–20
Zeeb
Zeeb was one of the Midianite princes defeated by Gideon. His downfall demonstrated God’s deliverance of Israel through unlikely leaders and small armies.
Scripture: Judges 7:25
Zechariah
Zechariah is the name of many individuals in the Bible, the most prominent being the post-exilic prophet who urged God’s people to rebuild the temple and renew their covenant loyalty. His prophetic visions point toward a coming Shepherd-King and foreshadow the Messiah’s redemptive work. Other men named Zechariah appear throughout Israel’s history as priests, kings, musicians, and witnesses to God’s unfolding plan.
Scripture: Zechariah 1–14; 2 Chronicles 24:20–22; Ezra 5:1; Nehemiah 12:35
Zecher
Zecher is listed among the descendants of Asher, included within Israel’s larger genealogical structure.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:31
Zechiah
Zechiah was the father of Azariah, one of the priests serving in the days of the kings.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:12
Zechir
Zechir appears in the genealogies of Judah as one of the descendants of Shelah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:22
Zehor
A rare genealogical name with the meaning “paleness” or “brightness,” preserved in variant traditions.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Zeidan
Zeidan appears among the descendants of Benjamin or in extended post-exilic genealogical lists.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Zeira
Zeira appears in Jewish tradition as a personal name, often linked to priestly or scholarly lineage.
Scripture: Later tradition
Zeker
Zeker was one of the sons of Jeroham, listed among the Benjamite leaders dwelling in Jerusalem after the exile.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:38
Zela
Primarily a location, it identifies the burial place and family association of Saul and his father Kish.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:14 (contextual)
Zelek
Zelek the Ammonite was one of David’s mighty warriors, listed among the elite men who supported David’s kingship.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:37; 1 Chronicles 11:39
Zelophehad
Zelophehad was a Manassite whose daughters boldly approached Moses to request an inheritance among their father’s clan, since he had no sons. Their petition resulted in a landmark ruling affirming the rights of daughters to inherit land—a powerful example of justice, faith, and God’s care for every family in Israel.
Scripture: Numbers 27:1–11; Numbers 36:1–12; Joshua 17:3–6
Zelzah
A descriptive location tied closely enough to Saul’s early movements to serve as a personal identifier in the narrative.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:2 (contextual)
Zemer
Zemer is listed among the descendants of Asher in Israel’s genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:38
Zemirah
Zemirah was one of the sons of Becher, a descendant of Benjamin, recorded among the families of Israel.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:8
Zemuel
Zemuel was one of the leaders from the tribe of Simeon listed in the wilderness census.
Scripture: Numbers 34:20
Zenas
Zenas was a lawyer and companion of Paul, mentioned in Paul’s closing instructions to Titus. While little is known about him, Zenas represents the many early believers who used their skills and professions to support the spread of the Gospel.
Scripture: Titus 3:13
Zennah
Zennah was one of the leaders from the tribe of Zebulun listed in the wilderness census.
Scripture: Numbers 34:25
Zeor
Zeor was the father of Jair, one of the judges of Israel, making him part of the broader leadership family line.
Scripture: Judges 10:3
Zephaniah
Zephaniah was a prophet during the reign of Josiah whose messages emphasized the coming Day of the Lord. He called God’s people to humility, repentance, and trust in the Lord’s justice. His writings also contain some of Scripture’s most tender promises, including God’s joy over His restored people—a theme pointing ahead to the redemption fulfilled in Christ.
Scripture: Zephaniah 1–3; Jeremiah 21:1; 2 Chronicles 35:8
Zephi
Zephi was a descendant of Esau, recorded within the family lines of the Edomites.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 1:36
Zephon
Zephon was a son of Gad and ancestor of the Zephonite clan in Israel.
Scripture: Numbers 26:15
Zephunneh
Zephunneh was the father of Caleb, one of the two faithful spies who trusted God’s promise to give Israel the land. His name is remembered through the legacy of Caleb’s courageous faith.
Scripture: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 14:6
Zerach (variant of Zerah)
A variant form of Zerah, one of Judah’s sons, whose descendants appear throughout the genealogies of Israel.
Scripture: Genesis 38:30 (variant)
Zeresh
Zeresh was the wife of Haman in the book of Esther, known for encouraging his prideful and destructive schemes. Her presence in the narrative highlights the consequences of aligning with evil and opposing God’s purposes.
Scripture: Esther 5:14; Esther 6:13
Zeri
Zeri was a Levite musician who served in the temple worship system, supporting the sacred music of Israel’s gatherings.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 25:3
Zeror
Zeror was an ancestor of Kish, the father of King Saul, and is listed among Benjamin’s family lines.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:1
Zeruah
Zeruah was the mother of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Her name appears briefly but is preserved within the royal lineage.
Scripture: 1 Kings 11:26
Zerubbabel
Zerubbabel was a key leader in the return from Babylonian exile, serving as governor of Judah and overseeing the rebuilding of the temple. His role fulfilled prophetic promises of restoration and prefigured the coming of Christ, who would one day build the true and eternal house of God. Zerubbabel’s perseverance and faithfulness encouraged God’s people to trust His promises even in seasons of rubble and rebuilding.
Scripture: Ezra 3–6; Haggai 1–2; Zechariah 4
Zethan
Zethan was one of the sons of Bilhan, listed among the tribal families of Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:10
Zethar
Zethar was one of the seven eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus in the book of Esther.
Scripture: Esther 1:10
Zetur
Zetur was a son of Simeon, listed among the tribal clans of Israel.
Scripture: Numbers 25:14
Zia
Zia was a descendant of the priests and Levites who returned from the Babylonian exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 11:5
Ziba
Ziba served in the household of Saul and later played a significant role during David’s reign. Though initially presented as loyal, his actions toward Mephibosheth reveal a mixture of duty, ambition, and self-interest. His story serves as a reminder that human motives can be complex, yet God’s purposes still advance.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 9; 2 Samuel 16:1–4; 2 Samuel 19:24–30
Zibeon
Zibeon was a Horite chief and father of Anah, listed in the genealogies of Edom.
Scripture: Genesis 36:20–24
Zibia
Zibia was the mother of King Joash of Judah, appearing in genealogical records connected to the royal household.
Scripture: 2 Kings 12:1
Zibiah
Zibiah appears in the historical records of the kings of Judah as the mother of Joash. (Alternate spelling of Zibia.)
Scripture: 2 Kings 12:1
Zichri
Zichri is a common name in Scripture, associated with multiple men from the tribes of Benjamin, Levi, and others—leaders, warriors, priests, and gatekeepers.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:19; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Nehemiah 11:9
Zidan
Zidan appears in the genealogies of Asher, recorded as one of the sons or descendants in Israel’s tribal listings.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:37
Zif
Zif appears in Scripture as the name of a month in the ancient Hebrew calendar, tied to personal historical activity (the building of the temple). Included because of its use as a chronological marker connected to specific persons.
Scripture: 1 Kings 6:1 (contextual)
Zifion
Zifion was one of the sons of Zilpah, through Gad, listed among the tribal families of Israel.
Scripture: Genesis 46:16
Zifnite
A clan designation for descendants of Zifion, part of the tribal structure of Gad.
Scripture: Numbers 26:15
Zillah
Zillah was one of the wives of Lamech and the mother of Tubal-cain and Naamah. Her family is linked to early human culture, metalwork, and the arts during the generations before the flood.
Scripture: Genesis 4:19–22
Zilpah
Zilpah was a servant of Leah and became one of Jacob’s wives, bearing two of the twelve tribes of Israel—Gad and Asher. Her children were part of the foundational tribal structure through which God’s covenant blessings flowed.
Scripture: Genesis 30:9–13; Genesis 35:26
Zimah
Zimah was a descendant of the Levite families, recorded in genealogical lists tied to temple service.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:42
Zimran
Zimran was a son of Abraham through Keturah and is listed among the patriarch’s descendants who formed several Arabian tribes.
Scripture: Genesis 25:2
Zimri
Zimri appears in Scripture under several individuals, the most notable being the king of Israel who reigned briefly before dying in a fiery rebellion. Another Zimri is known for his grave sin with a Midianite woman, which led to judgment during Israel’s wilderness wandering. These stories show the destructive consequences of rebellion and unfaithfulness, standing in contrast to God’s call to holiness and trust.
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:9–20; Numbers 25:6–15; 1 Chronicles 2:6
Zina
Zina was a descendant of Levi, listed among the genealogies of Israel’s priestly families.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 23:10
Zippor
Zippor was the father of Balak, the Moabite king who sought Balaam’s curse against Israel.
Scripture: Numbers 22:2–4
Zipporah
Zipporah, the wife of Moses, played a pivotal role during Moses’ return to Egypt, stepping in decisively to prevent judgment on her household. As the daughter of Jethro, she is connected to the Midianite priestly line and appears as a figure of wisdom, discernment, and spiritual sensitivity within Moses’ life.
Scripture: Exodus 2:21; Exodus 4:24–26; Exodus 18:2
Ziphonite
A clan designation connected to the descendants of Ziph.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:16 (contextual)
Zir
Zir was a descendant in the lineage of the Levites, appearing in genealogical records tied to the temple.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 23:10
Ziza
Ziza was a leader from the tribe of Simeon whose family was noted for its strength and cattle holdings in the time of Hezekiah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:37
Zizah
Zizah was a Gershonite Levite, listed among the men responsible for portions of temple service.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 23:11
Zoar
Primarily a location, used in a personal-identifying context in the life of Lot and his family, connected to their deliverance from Sodom.
Scripture: Genesis 19:20–23 (contextual)
Zoba
A regional designation identifies individuals associated with it, especially in the narratives concerning David’s military campaigns.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 8:3 (contextual)
Zobab
Zobab appears within the genealogies of Judah, listed among the early families of Israel.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:20
Zobebah
Zobebah was a descendant of Asher, recorded among the sons and family branches of the tribe.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:34
Zohar
Zohar was one of the sons of Simeon and is listed among Israel’s early tribal families.
Scripture: Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15
Zophah
Zophah was a descendant of Asher whose family line is preserved in the tribal genealogies of Israel.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:36
Zophai
Zophai was one of the ancestors of Samuel, appearing within the Levite genealogy connected to the prophet's heritage.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:26
Zorah
Primarily a town, most notably as the hometown of Samson and his family.
Scripture: Judges 13:2 (contextual)
Zorobabel
A Greek or alternate form of Zerubbabel, governor of Judah after the exile.
Scripture: Matthew 1:12 (variant)
Zuar
Zuar was the father of Nethanel, a leader from the tribe of Issachar during Israel’s wilderness journey.
Scripture: Numbers 1:8
Zuph
Zuph was an ancestor of Samuel, associated with the region known as the land of Zuph. His name appears in genealogical contexts tied to the Levites.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1
Zur
Zur was one of the Midianite leaders defeated by Israel during their wilderness wandering.
Scripture: Numbers 25:15; Joshua 13:21
Zuriel
Zuriel was a leader of the Merarite clan of Levites, appointed during Israel’s wilderness journey.
Scripture: Numbers 3:35
Zurishaddai
Zurishaddai was the father of Shelumiel, the leader of the tribe of Simeon in the wilderness period.
Scripture: Numbers 1:6
Zuzim (designation—personal group)
An ancient people group referenced in Genesis
Scripture: Genesis 14:5
The final names in the letter Z lead us to reflect on the remarkable breadth of Scripture’s story. From patriarchs to prophets, from faithful servants to those who opposed God’s purposes, this entire glossary—from A to Z—reveals a profound truth: God works through people. Ordinary and extraordinary, famous and forgotten, these lives together form the human tapestry through which the promise of Jesus Christ comes into view. As this alphabetical journey closes, may it inspire deeper love for Scripture and a clearer understanding that God knows every name—including ours—and calls each of us into His story of redemption.
