Zadok, Son of Azor
Who was Zadok in the Bible?
A member of the Tribe of Judah identified in the Gospel of Matthew as an ancestor of Jesus Christ during the post-exilic period.
This is one of 8 people named Zadok in the Bible. See all 8 →
Zadok, Son of Azor is named only in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:14). The page sits in the New Testament because that is the only book that records the name — but Zadok lived during the years after the return from exile, not in the first century.
Zadok (Greek: Σαδώκ) is a figure mentioned in the New Testament within the specific context of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. He appears in the Gospel of Matthew as a direct descendant of King David, representing the lineage that passes from the royal house through the period following the Babylonian captivity. As with many figures in the later sections of the Matthean genealogy, little is known of his life beyond his place in this historical sequence.
He is identified as the son of Azor and the father of Achim. His inclusion in this record serves a primarily structural and theological purpose, establishing the legitimate legal descent of Jesus through the Tribe of Judah. Because he lived during the silent years following the end of the Old Testament prophetic record, he represents the ongoing preservation of the Davidic line in anticipation of the Messiah.
Background and Family
Zadok belongs to the post-exilic generation of the Tribe of Judah. According to the record in Matthew 1:14, he was born to Azor. This placement situates him within the third set of fourteen generations outlined by the Evangelist, specifically the period between the return from the Babylonian Exile and the birth of Christ. As a member of this lineage, Zadok was a carrier of the Messianic promise, maintaining the genealogical continuity required to identify Jesus as the 'Son of David.'
Major Life Events
The biblical record for this specific Zadok is limited to his genealogical entry. There are no recorded speeches, deeds, or historical events attached to his name in the New Testament. He lived during a transitional era for the Jewish people, often referred to as the Intertestamental Period, when the Davidic line no longer held the earthly throne of Israel but remained distinct and preserved within the community.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Zadok serves as a vital link between his father, Azor, and his son, Achim. In the broader scope of the genealogy, he is a descendant of the great kings of Judah, including David and Solomon, and an ancestor to Joseph, the husband of Mary. His presence in the list ensures the unbroken chain of descent that Matthew uses to prove Jesus' legal right to the throne of Israel.
Spiritual Significance
The spiritual significance of Zadok lies in his inclusion in the Genealogy of Grace. While he is a 'minor' figure in terms of narrative weight, his presence underscores the biblical theme of God’s providence. Despite the lack of an active Davidic monarchy and the silence of the prophets during this era, God continued to oversee the specific families that would eventually lead to the birth of Jesus. Zadok represents the faithfulness of God in keeping His covenant with David across centuries of relative obscurity.
Zadok is significant as a witness to the preservation of the Davidic line during the centuries of silence preceding the New Testament. His inclusion in Matthew 1:14 confirms that the lineage of the Messiah remained intact through the post-exilic generations, fulfilling the requirement that the Christ be born of the seed of David according to the flesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is this Zadok mentioned in the Bible?
He is mentioned exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 1, verse 14.
Who was Zadok's father?
According to Matthew 1:14, his father was Azor.
Who was Zadok's son?
He was the father of Achim.
Which tribe did Zadok belong to?
He belonged to the Tribe of Judah, as he was a descendant of King David.
What does the name Zadok mean?
The name is derived from a Hebrew root meaning 'righteous' or 'just'.
Family & Relationships
Connected Figures
Family
Father · Matthew 1:14
Azor was a descendant of King David and a significant link in the messianic lineage of Jesus Christ, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
Intertestamental PeriodFirst: Matthew 1:132 versesMember of the Davidic LineJudah
Son · Matthew 1:14
Achim was a descendant of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ, listed in the post-exilic portion of the genealogy in the Gospel of Matthew.
Intertestamental PeriodFirst: Matthew 1:141 versesAncestor of JesusJudah
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Matthew1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
Matthew · 1
- Matthew 1:14Partial
Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud.
Others Named Zadok
Compare all 8 bearers →Zadok, Grandfather of King Jotham2 Kings 15:33
Zadok was a man of the Divided Monarchy whose daughter, Jerusha, married King Uzziah and became the mother of King Jotham of Judah.
Zadok, Son of ImmerNehemiah 3:29
A man who assisted in the reconstruction of the Jerusalem wall during the post-exilic return under Nehemiah.
Zadok, High Priest under David and Solomon2 Samuel 8:17
A high priest of Israel during the reigns of David and Solomon who remained loyal to the Davidic line and established a permanent priestly dynasty.
Zadok, Priest in the Line of Eleazar1 Chronicles 6:12
A Levite of the line of Aaron who served as an essential link in the high priestly genealogy during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
Zadok, Sealer of the CovenantNehemiah 10:21
A leader or head of the people who joined Nehemiah in signing the formal covenant to follow God's Law during the Post-Exilic Period.
Zadok, Son of BaanaNehemiah 3:4
A participant in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah, identified as the son of Baana.
Zadok the ScribeNehemiah 13:13
A trusted scribe appointed by Nehemiah as a treasurer to manage and distribute supplies to the Levites in Jerusalem.