Zechariah (New Testament figure) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintZechariah |
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Annunciation of the Angel to Zechariah by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1490, fresco in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Florence)
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| Priest, Prophet, Guardian of Mary, Devotee, Martyr |
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| Born | 1st century BC |
| Died | 1st century BC (or early 1st century AD) Jerusalem, the Levant |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Oriental Orthodox Church Anglicanism Lutheranism Islam |
| Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
| Feast | September 5 – Eastern Orthodox September 5 – Lutheran September 23 – Roman Catholic |
Zechariah (also spelled Zacharias or Zakariyya) is an important figure in both the New Testament of the Bible and the Quran. He is honored in Christianity and Islam. In the Bible, he is known as the father of John the Baptist. He was a priest and the husband of Elizabeth, who was a relative of the Virgin Mary.
Contents
Zechariah's Story in the Bible
The Gospel of Luke tells us about Zechariah. He lived during the time of King Herod. Zechariah was a priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, also came from a priestly family. The Bible says both Zechariah and Elizabeth were good people who followed God's rules.
A Family Waiting for a Child
Even though they were good, Zechariah and Elizabeth had no children. Elizabeth could not have children, and they were both quite old. This made them very sad.
An Angel's Visit in the Temple
Priests took turns serving in the temple in Jerusalem. One week, it was Zechariah's turn to offer incense. While he was at the altar, an angel appeared to him. The angel told Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son. Zechariah was told to name this son John. The angel also said that John would prepare the way for the Lord.
Zechariah found this hard to believe because he and Elizabeth were so old. He asked for a sign to prove it. The angel then said he was Gabriel, sent by God. Because Zechariah doubted, Gabriel told him he would not be able to speak until his son was born. When Zechariah left the temple, he could not speak the usual blessing to the people waiting outside.
Elizabeth's Pregnancy and Mary's Visit
Zechariah went home, and soon after, Elizabeth became pregnant. When Elizabeth was in her sixth month, the same angel Gabriel visited her relative, Mary. Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son, Jesus, even though she was a virgin. Mary then traveled to visit Elizabeth.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. Then, Mary returned to her own home.
The Birth of John and Zechariah's Song
Elizabeth gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives thought the baby should be named after his father, Zechariah. But Elizabeth insisted his name was John. So, they asked Zechariah. He wrote on a tablet, "His name is John."
As soon as he wrote this, Zechariah could speak again! He praised God and spoke a prophecy about his son. This prophecy is known as the Benedictus or "Song of Zechariah."
The child grew up strong and lived in the desert. Later, he became known as John the Baptist.
Other Christian Beliefs About Zechariah
His Death
Some Christian traditions say Zechariah died as a martyr. The Gospel of James, an old Christian writing, says that King Herod ordered all baby boys under two years old to be killed. This was to try and stop the Messiah from coming. Zechariah refused to tell Herod's soldiers where his son John was hiding. Because of this, Herod's soldiers murdered Zechariah. This story is also part of Eastern Orthodox tradition.
When Zechariah is Remembered
The Catholic Church honors Zechariah as a saint on September 23rd, along with Elizabeth. The Lutheran Church also remembers him on September 5th. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Zechariah's feast day on September 5th, also with Elizabeth. In Orthodox weddings, Zechariah and Elizabeth are mentioned in prayers. This is because they had a child, John, who was very important.
Where His Relics Are Kept
Some places claim to have parts of Zechariah's body, called relics. The Church of San Zaccaria in Venice, Italy, says it has his relics. The Gandzasar monastery in Nagorno-Karabakh also believes it holds his relics. His relics were also once kept in the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
His Tomb in Jerusalem
In 2003, an old writing was found on a monument in Jerusalem called the Tomb of Absalom. The writing, from the 4th century, says: "This is the tomb of Zachariah, the martyr, the holy priest, the father of John." Some experts think this means it is the burial place of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. However, other scholars believe it might refer to a different Zechariah.
Zechariah in Islam
Zechariah (Arabic: زكريا Zakariyya) is also seen as a prophet in Islam. He is mentioned in the Quran as the father of Yaḥyā' (John the Baptist). Some Muslims also believe Zechariah was a martyr. An old story says that Zakariya was cut in half, similar to how the prophet Isaiah is said to have died.
See also
- Biblical narratives and the Qur'an
- Qiṣaṣ al-'Anbiyā’ (Stories of the Prophets in Islam)
