Bible Glossary: Words Starting with “Z”

Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for key Bible terms beginning with the letter Z, along with Scripture references and simple insights to help grow your knowledge and spiritual life.

A stylized letter Z is centered between a gold star on the left and a line drawing of a temple with a mountain in the background on the right, all on a beige background with a decorative border.

Zacchaeus

Definition: A tax collector who sought to see Jesus and repented after encountering Him.

Scripture Reference: Luke 19:1–10

Simple Meaning: God transforms hearts that earnestly seek Him, regardless of past sins.

Zeal

Definition: Passionate devotion or enthusiasm for God and His work.

Scripture Reference: Romans 12:11

Simple Meaning: God values fervent commitment and diligent service.

Zebedee

Definition: Father of James and John, disciples of Jesus.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:21

Simple Meaning: Even ordinary families can play a part in God’s kingdom plan.

Zebulun

Definition: One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob.

Scripture Reference: Genesis 30:20

Simple Meaning: Zebulun’s story highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

Zechariah

Definition: Name of several men in the Bible, including the prophet Zechariah and the father of John the Baptist.

Scripture Reference: Zechariah 1:1; Luke 1:5–25

Simple Meaning: God calls and equips people to speak His truth and prepare the way for His work.

Zion

Definition: The hill of Jerusalem, often symbolizing God’s presence, people, or kingdom.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 48:2

Simple Meaning: Zion represents God’s dwelling, protection, and ultimate blessing for His people.

Zimri

Definition: A king of Israel known for his sinful reign.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 16:9–20

Simple Meaning: God’s Word warns against rebellion, sin, and ungodly leadership.

Zephaniah

Definition: A prophet who warned Judah of God’s judgment and called for repentance.

Scripture Reference: Zephaniah 1:1

Simple Meaning: God’s prophets guide, warn, and encourage His people to return to righteousness.

Zebah and Zalmunna

Definition: Kings of Midian defeated by Gideon.

Scripture Reference: Judges 8:10

Simple Meaning: God grants victory to those who trust and obey Him.

Zilpah

Definition: Leah’s maid, mother of two of Jacob’s sons.

Scripture Reference: Genesis 30:9–11

Simple Meaning: God’s plan works through families and individuals in unexpected ways.

Zealots

Definition: A Jewish political movement resisting Roman occupation.

Scripture Reference: Luke 6:15

Simple Meaning: God calls for spiritual zeal directed toward righteousness, not violence.

Zaphon

Definition: A mountain in Scripture symbolizing God’s lofty power and authority.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 48:2

Simple Meaning: God is exalted above all and reigns over heaven and earth.

Zion’s Children

Definition: Refers to the people of God, often Israel or believers in Christ.

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 59:21

Simple Meaning: God blesses, protects, and calls His people to faithfulness.

Zakkai / Zacchaeus

Definition: Alternative spelling for Zacchaeus, illustrating repentance and salvation.

Scripture Reference: Luke 19:1–10

Simple Meaning: God’s mercy reaches all who genuinely seek Him.

Zuph

Definition: Ancestor of some of the priests and Levites.

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 1:1

Simple Meaning: God works through generations to accomplish His purposes.

Zaanan

Definition: Judean town fleeing judgment, symbolizing false security.

Scripture Reference: Micah 1:11

Simple Meaning: Zaanan warns no place hides from God’s righteous judgment.

Zair

Definition: Edomite wilderness where Jehoshaphat won without fighting.

Scripture Reference: 2 Kings 8:21

Simple Meaning: Zair shows God fights battles when His people worship.

Zanoah

Definition: Judah town rebuilt during Nehemiah’s wall restoration.

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 3:13

Simple Meaning: Zanoah pictures faithful remnant rebuilding broken walls.

Zaphon

Definition: Gadite town captured from Ammonites by faith.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 13:27

Simple Meaning: Zaphon reveals God delivers enemy strongholds to obedient.

Zarai

Definition: Zebulun harbor city blessed with maritime prosperity.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 19:10

Simple Meaning: Zarai shows God strategically places tribes for blessing.

Zebina

Definition: Priest purified during Ezra’s marriage reforms.

Scripture Reference: Ezra 10:43

Simple Meaning: Zebina models repentance restoring holy service.

Zelek

Definition: Ammonite among David’s mighty men, proving loyalty.

Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 23:37

Simple Meaning: Zelek pictures God unites former enemies in His kingdom.

Zelophehad

Definition: Man whose daughters secured women’s inheritance rights.

Scripture Reference: Numbers 27:1

Simple Meaning: Zelophehad shows God defends justice through bold faith.

Zer

Definition: Wilderness outpost marking Israel’s conquest progress.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 19:35

Simple Meaning: Zer teaches steady obedience claims promised territory.

Zereth

Definition: Judahite town symbolizing complete tribal inheritance.

Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 4:7

Simple Meaning: Zereth reveals God’s perfect settlement of His people.

Zabdi

Definition: Levite gatekeeper overseeing sacred temple duties.

Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 26:2

Simple Meaning: Zabdi models faithful stewardship of God’s holy places.

Zacai

Definition: Exiled family returning to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls.

Scripture Reference: Ezra 2:9

Simple Meaning: Zacai pictures God’s restoration through returning remnant.

Zadok

Definition: Faithful priest whose lineage served temple eternally.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 2:35

Simple Meaning: Zadok reveals God honors unwavering loyalty.

Zaham

Definition: Edomite prince judged for royal rebellion.

Scripture Reference: 2 Chronicles 25:27

Simple Meaning: Zaham warns prideful rulers face divine correction.

Zalmon

Definition: Mountain where Abimelech perished under judgment.

Scripture Reference: Judges 9:48

Simple Meaning: Zalmon shows God executes justice through nature.

Zattu

Definition: Ancestor whose descendants repented during renewal.

Scripture Reference: Ezra 10:27

Simple Meaning: Zattu teaches generational restoration through confession.

Zaza

Definition: Judahite whose lineage God preserved through exile.

Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 2:33

Simple Meaning: Zaza pictures God’s faithful preservation of remnant lines.

Zeboiim

Definition: City spared from Sodom’s judgment through Lot’s witness.

Scripture Reference: Genesis 19:25 (contextual mercy)

Simple Meaning: Zeboiim shows God’s mercy extends through righteous intercession.

Zela

Definition: Saul’s burial town symbolizing covenant rest.

Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 21:14

Simple Meaning: Zela reveals God brings peace after troubled reigns.

Zemaraim

Definition: Benjaminite city witnessing Abijah’s victory over idolatry.

Scripture Reference: 2 Chronicles 13:4

Simple Meaning: Zemaraim proves God fights for worshippers against false gods.