Azariah עֲזַרְיָה
Grandfather of Ezra, descended from High Priests
Who is Azariah in the Bible?
Azariah was the grandfather of Ezra and father of Seraiah, serving as a link in the priestly lineage that produced one of Israel's greatest scribes and teachers. According to 1 Chronicles 6:13-14 and 9:11, Azariah descended from a long line of high priests who served in the Jerusalem temple, establishing him as part of the Jewish priestly class. His son Seraiah became the father of Ezra, who led the return of exiles to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity and devoted himself to studying and teaching the Law of Moses (Ezra 7:1-6). Though Azariah himself is mentioned only in genealogical records, his significance lies in the distinguished priestly heritage he passed down to his descendants, particularly to Ezra, whose work was instrumental in restoring Jewish religious practice and identity after the exile.
Biography
Azariah is mentioned in 1Ch.6.13-14, 9:11, and Ezr.7.1 as the descendant of high priests. He was the father of Seraiah, who was the father of Ezra, who returned to Jerusalem to teach the Law.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 6:13
"Shallum was the father of Hilkiah, Hilkiah was the father of Azariah,"
- 1 Chronicles 6:14
"Azariah was the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah was the father of Jehozadak."
- 1 Chronicles 9:11
"Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of God’s temple;"
Ezra 1 verse
- Ezra 7:1
"Many years later, during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲזַרְיָה |