Meaning of the Name Zerubbabel

The etymology of Zerubbabel is not certain and is debated. The most common explanation places it along the lines of 'seed of Babylon,' 'offspring of Babylon,' or 'born in Babylon,' with discussion over the exact Hebrew and Babylonian elements involved. For that reason the meaning should not be presented with undue certainty.

Origin

The name Zerubbabel is of Hebrew form with a Babylonian context; etymology debated origin.

Who is Zerubbabel in the Bible?

Zerubbabel is one of the leading figures of the post-exilic Judean community and is associated with the line of David. In Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah he appears as a principal figure in the rebuilding of the temple, and his name also occurs in the genealogies of Jesus.

The story of Zerubbabel in the Bible

Zerubbabel was one of the leaders of the community that returned to Judah after the Babylonian exile; he is named as the son of Shealtiel and linked to the line of David. His name stands near the head of the lists of returnees. Together with Jeshua the priest he first rebuilt the altar for burnt offerings and then led the laying of the foundation of the LORD's temple. Opposition from the surrounding peoples halted the work for a long time, until the prophet Haggai, in the days of Darius, addressed Zerubbabel the governor of Judah and Joshua the high priest, saying they should not live in paneled houses while the LORD's house lay in ruins. Zerubbabel and the people listened, the LORD stirred their spirit, and building resumed. At the close of Haggai, God declares that he has chosen Zerubbabel and will make him like a signet ring, and Zechariah's visions say the hands that laid the foundation will complete it. His name appears once more in Matthew's genealogy, among the post-exile generations leading to Jesus.

Is Zerubbabel mentioned in the Quran?

The name Zerubbabel does not appear in the Quran; in the Old Testament he is the governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of the temple after the exile, and his name also appears in the genealogy in the Gospel of Matthew.

Verses where Zerubbabel appears