Original Word: זִיזָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ziyza'
Pronunciation: Zee-zah
Phonetic Spelling: (zee-zaw')
KJV: Ziza
NASB: Ziza
Word Origin: [apparently from the same as H2123 (זִיז - Abundance)]

1. prominence
2. Ziza, the name of two Israelites

Ziza

Apparently from the same as ziyz; prominence; Ziza, the name of two Israelites -- Ziza.

see HEBREW ziyz

Word Origin
from the same as ziz
Definition
two Isr.
NASB Translation
Ziza (2).

זִיזָא proper name, masculine —

1 a Simeonite 1 Chronicles 4:37.

2 a son of Rehoboam2Chronicles 11:20.

Overview

Ziza (Strong’s Hebrew 2124) designates two distinct men living in separate eras of Israel’s monarchy. Though mentioned only briefly, each appearance underscores the covenantal purposes of God worked out through tribal and royal lineages.

Occurrences and Contexts

1. 1 Chronicles 4:37 records Ziza in the extended register of the tribe of Simeon: “Ziza son of Shiphi, son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah”. Positioned midway through six generations, this Ziza illustrates how the Chronicler traces lesser-known clans that settled the Negev and prospered under divine blessing (1 Chronicles 4:38-43).
2. 2 Chronicles 11:20 presents another Ziza as one of four sons born to Rehoboam and Maacah, the granddaughter of Absalom: “She bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith”. His placement in the royal household appears during Judah’s early division from the northern kingdom.

Historical Setting

• Simeonite Ziza lived sometime between the settlement period and the early monarchy. Simeon’s inheritance lay within Judah’s territory; by spotlighting his descendants, the Chronicler emphasizes the assimilation of Simeonites who nevertheless retained tribal identity while supporting Judah’s kings.
• Royal Ziza was born after Rehoboam secured his throne and fortified the southern kingdom (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). The mention of multiple sons born to favored wife Maacah sets the backdrop for later succession struggles that surface in 2 Chronicles 13.

Genealogical Significance

Genealogies in Chronicles are theological tools:

– They validate land possession and demonstrate fulfilled promises to the patriarchs. Ziza of Simeon exemplifies God’s commitment to multiply Jacob’s sons (Genesis 49:5-7).

– They authenticate royal legitimacy. Rehoboam’s son Ziza confirms the continuity of David’s line despite political fragmentation, echoing the unbroken “lamp in Jerusalem” promised to David (1 Kings 11:36).

Spiritual and Theological Insights

1. God notices the obscure. Ziza’s Simeonite branch, tucked away in genealogical lists, reminds readers that every believer, however inconspicuous, has a place in redemptive history (1 Corinthians 12:22).
2. Lineage is stewardship. Rehoboam’s sons, including Ziza, inherited not merely royal privilege but covenant responsibility to walk in faithfulness (2 Chronicles 11:23). Their mixed results challenge leaders today to heed divine instruction rather than rely on heritage alone.
3. The Chronicler’s record counters any notion that God abandoned Israel’s southern or peripheral tribes. By naming figures like Ziza, Scripture shows God weaving together tribal, royal, and ultimately Messianic threads culminating in Christ (Matthew 1:1-17).

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Celebrate every member’s contribution: small-group rosters and family histories serve the kingdom when they foster accountability and belonging.
• Guard the next generation: parents and leaders, like Rehoboam, shape spiritual destinies; yet true success depends on teaching children to “set their hope in God” (Psalm 78:7).
• Uphold unity amid diversity: Simeon’s integration within Judah without loss of identity models healthy cooperation among congregations and denominations.

Key Cross References

Genesis 49:5-7; Joshua 19:1-9; 1 Chronicles 4:38-43; 2 Chronicles 11:5-23; 2 Chronicles 13:1-14; Matthew 1:1-17

וְזִיזָ֨א וזיזא זִיזָ֖א זיזא veziZa wə·zî·zā wəzîzā zî·zā ziZa zîzāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts