Cushi כּוּשִׁי

Male H3569H 1 book

Ancestor of Zephaniah the prophet

Who is Cushi in the Bible?

Cushi was an ancestor of the prophet Zephaniah, mentioned in the genealogy that opens the book of Zephaniah (1:1). He is identified as the son of Gedaliah and the grandson of Amariah, who was descended from King Hezekiah. The name Cushi may suggest a connection to the land of Cush, the ancient region south of Egypt in modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia, though such ancestral names were commonly passed down through generations. Beyond his appearance in Zephaniah's lineage, the Bible provides no additional information about Cushi's life or significance, making him primarily important as part of establishing the prophetic credentials and background of Zephaniah himself.

Biography

Cushi is mentioned in Zep.1.1 as part of the prophet Zephaniah's genealogy. He is listed as the son of Gedaliah and the grandson of Amariah, who was the son of Hezekiah. This genealogy serves to introduce Zephaniah and establish his lineage.

The name Cushi may indicate that he or his ancestors had a connection to the land of Cush, which is associated with the region south of Egypt, including parts of modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia. However, it is not uncommon for names to be passed down through generations, and the name itself does not necessarily imply that Cushi himself was from that region.

Apart from being mentioned in Zephaniah's genealogy, no other details about Cushi's life or role are provided in the Bible. His inclusion in the genealogy helps to establish Zephaniah's background and family heritage.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book ; 1 with study content
Zephaniah 1 verse
  • Zephaniah 1:1

    "This is the word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah:"

    Study Zephaniah →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Transliteration Meaning
Named Hebrew כּוּשִׁי kûšiy a Cushite , or descendant of Cush