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G9 · Greek · New Testament
Ἀβιά
Abia
Proper noun (name)
Abijah / Abia (My Father is Yahweh)

Definition

The Greek proper noun Abia (Ἀβιά) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Abiyah — meaning "My Father is Yahweh." It appears in the New Testament in Matthew 1:7 as an ancestor of Jesus in the royal lineage from David to the exile, and in Luke 1:5 as the name of the priestly division to which Zechariah (father of John the Baptist) belonged.

Usage & Theological Significance

The dual appearances of Abia in the Gospels are deeply significant. In Matthew 1:7, Abijah is part of the royal Davidic lineage leading to the Messiah. In Luke 1:5, the division of Abia connects Zechariah and John the Baptist to the priestly tradition. Thus the name Abia bridges both royal and priestly streams — pointing toward Jesus, who is both King and High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:1-3). The historical King Abijah of Judah (1 Kings 15) was mixed in his faithfulness, yet his name — "My Father is Yahweh" — was carried forward in the genealogy of grace, reminding us that God's covenant purposes transcend individual failures.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 1:7
Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa.
Luke 1:5
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah.
Hebrews 4:14
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Hebrews 7:1-2
This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High... First, the name 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.'
1 Chronicles 24:10
The seventh lot came out for Hakkoz and the eighth for Abijah.

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