Who was Zina?

Zina is a lesser-known biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 23:10. His name appears during the detailed census and organization of the Levitical families conducted by King David, in preparation for the temple service. The Hebrew name Zina (זִינָא) may be a variant of Zizah, found in parallel passages (1 Chronicles 23:11), and it is possibly derived from a root meaning “abundance” or “shining,” though its exact meaning is uncertain. Some manuscripts and translations vary between the names “Zina” and “Zizah,” suggesting a textual variation or scribal transmission difference.

In 1 Chronicles 23:10, Zina is listed as a son of Shimei, a Levite of the family of Gershon. The passage reads:

“And the sons of Shimei were Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.”

This verse is part of a larger record that carefully traces the lineages and responsibilities of the Levites, particularly for service in the temple of the LORD.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Primary Mention: 1 Chronicles 23:10

• Parallel Name Variant: 1 Chronicles 23:11, where the name Zizah appears instead of Zina, depending on the manuscript or translation

• Related Lineage: 1 Chronicles 6:17, 6:20 (Gershonite lineage); Numbers 3:17-21 (Levite divisions)

The surrounding passages focus on the sons of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and their respective families. Zina’s mention affirms the detailed attention to Levitical genealogy and the roles assigned to each family group.

Historical and Scriptural Context

The book of 1 Chronicles was compiled after the exile, likely by Ezra, to reaffirm Israel’s identity and religious heritage. Chapters 23-26 are devoted to King David‘s preparations for temple worship, including the organization of the Levites. The Levites were responsible for maintaining the tabernacle (and later the temple), singing in worship, and assisting the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

Zina belonged to the family of Gershon, the eldest son of Levi. The Gershonites were tasked with the care of the tent coverings and hangings of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:25-26). By the time of David, their roles were restructured in light of the temple’s permanent establishment in Jerusalem.

Zina’s name is preserved in Scripture not because of individual achievements but because of his part in God’s ordained structure for worship and service. His inclusion in the genealogical record underlines the sacredness of even the “hidden” roles in God’s redemptive plan.

Theological Significance

Although Zina is only briefly mentioned, his role as a Levite carries deep theological meaning. The Levites were set apart by God to serve Him (Deuteronomy 10:8-9). Their lives were devoted to spiritual service, not personal ambition or tribal conquest. This speaks to God‘s value on faithfulness and obedience, even when the person’s work seems obscure or routine.

In the New Testament, believers are called a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), echoing the Levitical calling to holiness and worship. Zina represents the vast number of faithful servants in Scripture whose names may not be widely known but whose devotion is recorded by God. His inclusion reminds Christians today that every role in God’s kingdom—visible or not—is significant.

Literary Analysis

The Chronicles emphasize structure, repetition, and detail, particularly in genealogical and temple-related sections. The chronicler’s careful naming, even of lesser-known individuals like Zina, reinforces the themes of continuity, covenant, and divine order. The brief listing of Zina among his brothers forms part of a literary device that honors legacy and inheritance in the service of God.

The apparent variation between “Zina” and “Zizah” may reflect transliteration differences or scribal variants, but it also shows how ancient texts maintained faithfulness to ancestral records while accommodating oral traditions and language changes over time.

How Zina Points to Jesus

Zina’s role as a Levite contributes to the Levitical system that ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ is the true High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), who surpasses the Levitical priesthood by offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice. The Levitical names and functions, including that of Zina, foreshadowed the greater ministry of Christ, who now intercedes on behalf of all who trust in Him.

Just as Zina’s service supported the temple system that pointed forward to God’s presence among His people, so Christ is the perfect temple and the full manifestation of God‘s presence (John 2:19-21). Every Levitical servant was a shadow of the coming reality—Jesus, the true Servant-King.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Faithfulness in obscurity: Zina’s brief mention reminds us that God sees and honors those who serve faithfully, even without public recognition.

• Order in worship: The Levite records reflect God‘s emphasis on structure and sanctity in worship.

• Priesthood of believers: The Levitical lineage foreshadows the calling of all believers to lives of holy service.

• God’s sovereignty in history: Every generation, every name—even those forgotten by man—is remembered and purposed by God.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Zina’s inclusion in Scripture tell us about how God values faithfulness?

2. How can we live out our roles in the body of Christ with joy, even if our service is unseen by others?

3. What can we learn from the detailed structure of temple service regarding worship in our churches today?

4. How does the Levitical priesthood deepen your appreciation for Christ’s role as our High Priest?

5. Are you willing to be faithful in the “small things,” trusting that God sees and remembers?

Though Zina’s appearance in Scripture is brief, his name is written into God‘s eternal Word—a quiet yet powerful testimony of how every life in service to the Lord holds lasting value.