Original Word: זַכַּי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Zakkay
Pronunciation: zak-KAI
Phonetic Spelling: (zak-kah'-ee)
KJV: Zaccai
NASB: Zaccai
Word Origin: [from H2141 (זָכַך - pure)]

1. pure
2. Zakkai, an Israelite

Zaccai

From zakak; pure; Zakkai, an Israelite -- Zaccai.

see HEBREW zakak

Word Origin
from zakak
Definition
an Isr.
NASB Translation
Zaccai (2).

זַכַּי proper name, masculine head of family of returned exiles, זַכָּ֔י Ezra 2:9 (ᵐ5 Ζακχου, ᵐ5^L Ζακχαιου) = Nehemiah 7:14 (ᵐ5 Ζαθου, A Ζακχουρ, ᵐ5^L Ζακχαιου); perhaps = זַכַּי Nehemiah 3:20 Qr (Kt זַבַּי q. v.; ᵐ5 Ζαβ(ρ)ου, ᵐ5^L Ραββαι). **Nestle (privately) suggests that this might be abbreviated from זכריה.

Historical Background

Zaccai appears only in the post-exilic census lists of Ezra 2:9 and Nehemiah 7:14. These lists were compiled shortly after the decree of Cyrus in 538 BC that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the temple. By recording the heads of family groups, Ezra and Nehemiah preserved the covenant identity of the returning community and validated each clan’s right to land, inheritance, and participation in temple worship.

Place within the Return Lists

Ezra 2:9 records “the descendants of Zaccai, 760”, a total repeated verbatim in Nehemiah 7:14. The consistency of both lists demonstrates their reliability and emphasizes that the remnant was not an amorphous crowd but recognizable households. The sons of Zaccai stand alongside larger families such as the sons of Pahath-moab (2,812) and smaller groups like the sons of Jorah (112), illustrating the diverse but united nature of the remnant.

Lineage and Covenant Identity

Although Scripture supplies no narrative about the man Zaccai himself, the very presence of his name in the lists underscores the importance of genealogies for safeguarding tribal distinctions and priestly lines (Ezra 2:59-63). The descendants of Zaccai were counted as part of “all Israel” (Ezra 2:70), receiving portions of the restored land and responsibilities in the rebuilt temple economy. Their return testifies to God’s faithfulness in preserving a pure lineage through exile and sustaining His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Spiritual and Theological Themes

1. Remnant Purity: The root idea behind the name highlights purity, which parallels the call in Haggai 2:14 for the people to sanctify themselves so that the temple offerings would be acceptable.
2. Faithful Obedience: Leaving the relative security of Babylon for the ruined streets of Jerusalem required sacrificial obedience. The sons of Zaccai exemplify Hebrews 11:8-10 faith—looking forward to a city whose architect is God.
3. Corporate Worship: Their numeric inclusion helped reach the minimum male count for regular temple services, supporting the restoration of daily offerings (Ezra 3:1-6) and feasts (Nehemiah 8).

Connection to the New Testament

The Greek form of the name reappears in Zacchaeus of Jericho (Luke 19:2–9). While no genealogical link is given, Luke deliberately preserves the Hebrew flavor of the name, framing Zacchaeus’ pursuit of Jesus as a quest for the purity his name suggests. The Old Testament sons of Zaccai returned to Jerusalem to rebuild a physical temple; Zacchaeus experiences personal restoration as Jesus declares, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9).

Ministry Implications

• Genealogical Faithfulness: Modern ministry benefits from preserving spiritual heritage—teaching sound doctrine and modelling godliness so that future generations remain anchored in truth (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Remnant Encouragement: Small groups, like the 760 descendants of Zaccai, can play decisive roles in God’s program; size never limits divine purpose (Zechariah 4:10).
• Holiness and Service: The purity suggested by the name urges believers to pursue practical sanctification as they build up the living temple of the church (1 Peter 2:5).

Summary

Zaccai’s brief but significant appearances embed his family within the tapestry of redemptive history. Their willingness to abandon exile comforts, embrace covenant responsibilities, and participate in temple restoration models enduring lessons on faithfulness, purity, and the collective mission of God’s people.

זַכָּ֔י זכי zak·kāy zakKai zakkāyInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts