Bible Dictionary
Abia
Abia is the Greek form of Abijah or Abijam and means “my father is the Lord.” The name also identifies the head of the eighth priestly course established for service at the altar.
Definition
Abia is the Greek form of Abijah or Abijam and is associated with the meaning “my father is the Lord.” The name also designates the head of the eighth of the twenty-four priestly courses into which David divided the priests for service at the altar.
Biblical Usage
Abia appears as a personal name in the genealogy associated with Jesus. It also identifies the priestly course to which Zechariah belonged; that course was the eighth division among the priests serving at the altar.
Historical Background
The priests were divided into twenty-four courses for service at the altar. Abia was the eighth course in this arrangement.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
My father is the Lord, the Greek form of Abijah, or Abijam (Matt. 1:7), instead of Abiah (1 Chr. 7:8). In Luke 1:5, the name refers to the head of the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which David divided the priests (1 Chr. 24:10).