Who was Barachias?

Barachias (also spelled Barachiah or Berechiah) is a figure mentioned briefly in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 23:35. His name is cited in Jesus’ strong rebuke of the religious leaders of His day:

“And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.”

The Greek rendering of the name is Βαραχίου (Barachiou), which corresponds to the Hebrew name Berekhyahu or Berekyah, meaning “Yahweh blesses” or “Yahweh has knelt” (from barak, “to bless,” and Yah, the shortened form of Yahweh). The name reflects a theocentric view of life—recognizing God‘s sovereign role in giving life, favor, or calling.

Barachias is not a prominent character himself in the biblical narrative, but he is significant because he is identified as the father of Zechariah, a martyr mentioned by Jesus. The identity of this Zechariah has been the subject of much discussion, and it plays a central role in understanding the reference to Barachias.

Biblical References

• Matthew 23:35 – The only direct mention of Barachias.

• 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 – Tells the story of Zechariah son of Jehoiada, who was killed in the temple court.

• Zechariah 1:1 – Refers to Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet during the post-exilic period.

These references raise a question: which Zechariah is Jesus referring to in Matthew 23? There are two possibilities:

1. Zechariah son of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:20-22), a priest murdered in the temple.

2. Zechariah son of Berechiah (Zechariah 1:1), the post-exilic prophet.

Given the context and Jesus’ statement about the temple, many conservative scholars believe Jesus was referring to the murder of Zechariah son of Jehoiada, which occurred “between the temple and the altar.” However, this Zechariah is called the “son of Jehoiada” in the Old Testament, not “Barachias.”

Several explanations have been proposed:

• Barachias may have been another name for Jehoiada, or possibly his grandfather or ancestor.

• A textual tradition could have ascribed the name “Barachias” to this Zechariah in a now-lost source or oral tradition.

• It is also possible that Jesus combined both Zechariahs—acknowledging the prophet’s lineage while alluding to the earlier martyrdom.

Whatever the case, Jesus used the name of Barachias to reference a broader historical pattern: the murder of God’s messengers by hardened hearts.

What Happened in the Bible

In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounced a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He accused them of continuing the violent legacy of their forefathers, who persecuted and killed the prophets. To illustrate the severity of their guilt, He bookends redemptive history—from the first murder in the Bible (Abel, in Genesis 4) to one of the last murders recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures (Zechariah, in 2 Chronicles 24)—and attributes this history of bloodshed to the collective guilt of unrepentant Israel.

By naming “Zechariah son of Barachias,” Jesus was pointing to the unjust shedding of innocent blood in the most sacred space—the temple. This charge underscored the depth of Israel’s rebellion and foreshadowed the judgment that would come upon Jerusalem.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

Barachias reminds believers that God sees injustice, even when committed under the guise of religious authority. His brief mention is tied to a warning from Jesus that mere outward religion without a heart yielded to God will not stand in the day of judgment. The blood of the prophets is not forgotten by God; He will vindicate His servants.

For Christians today, this calls for integrity in worship, reverence for God’s messengers, and a readiness to stand for truth even in the face of religious hostility. It is also a sobering reminder that judgment begins in the house of God (1 Peter 4:17).

How Barachias Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Barachias, though not central in Scripture, is associated with the suffering of the righteous—a theme that culminates in the ultimate martyrdom: the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the Prophet greater than all who came before (Hebrews 1:1-2), and yet He too would be killed by those who professed to serve God.

Just as Zechariah’s blood cried out from the temple grounds, so Jesus’ blood speaks a better word (Hebrews 12:24)—not the cry of vengeance, but of mercy, forgiveness, and redemption. The reference to Zechariah foreshadows the Passion of Christ and underscores the long-standing rejection of God‘s Word that Christ came to fulfill and overcome.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Persecution of the Righteous

From Abel to Zechariah to Christ, the faithful often suffer at the hands of the religiously proud. This theme runs throughout Scripture (Hebrews 11:36-38).

2. Corporate Guilt and National Accountability

Jesus’ words in Matthew 23 tie generations together in responsibility. This reflects the Old Testament understanding that communities and nations are accountable for repeated rejection of God’s truth (e.g., Jeremiah 26:15; Daniel 9:5-6).

3. Prophetic Witness

Barachias is linked to the prophets through his son, whether literal or traditional. The faithful proclamation of God’s Word often brings persecution, but it also prepares the way for redemption (Luke 11:47-51).

4. Divine Justice and Mercy

The mention of Barachias in judgment language prepares the reader for both the gravity of sin and the grace offered through Christ. God remembers injustice, but He also provides atonement through the blood of His Son.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus referenced Barachias and Zechariah in His rebuke of the religious leaders?

2. How does this passage challenge our understanding of religious hypocrisy?

3. What does the martyrdom of the prophets tell us about the cost of faithfulness to God?

4. In what ways are we tempted to resist God’s messengers in our own lives today?

5. How can the blood of Jesus “speak a better word” in our responses to injustice?

6. Do we honor the message of the prophets and Christ by how we live and speak?

7. What lessons can we learn from how God remembers even the seemingly forgotten faithful?

8. How does this passage help us prepare for the return of Christ in judgment and mercy?

Barachias, though a lesser-known name in Scripture, connects us to a sweeping narrative of prophetic faithfulness, divine memory, and the sobering call to align ourselves not with religious pretense, but with humble obedience to God’s Word.