Zadok

Zadok, derived from the Hebrew root tsadok (צָדוֹק), means 'just' or 'righteous.' The name carries connotations of moral uprightness and fairness, qualities that align closely with the biblical portrayal of individuals bearing the name. Zadok's etymology underscores its connection to justice, a central theme in the teachings of the Hebrew Bible. Historically, the name is associated with the priestly lineage, particularly the descendants of Aaron, through Eleazar, emphasizing its deep roots in Jewish tradition and its frequent use in religious contexts. In some translations, Zadok is rendered as Ṣadok, Ṣadoc, or Tsadoq, reflecting slight variations in linguistic interpretation across cultures and languages." ,

The name Zadok holds immense spiritual significance, particularly in the context of the Old Testament. With a Divine Proximity Index of 96.0/100, the name is closely associated with God, reflecting the righteousness and faithfulness of individuals who bore it. Zadok's Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 further highlights its importance in messianic lineage, as one Zadok is listed as an ancestor of Jesus in Matthew 1:14. Zadok's most prominent biblical figure was the high priest during King David’s reign, whose unwavering loyalty to David and Solomon symbolizes steadfast faith and divine favor. Zadok anointed Solomon as king, a pivotal act that restored the high priesthood to Aaron’s lineage through Eleazar, reinforcing his role as a spiritual leader committed to God’s covenant. His lineage became synonymous with trustworthy, righteous leadership, as reflected in Ezekiel's praise of the sons of Zadok for their opposition to pagan worship and their privileged roles in temple service." ,

Zadok appears prominently in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative of King David’s reign. As a high priest, Zadok served jointly with Abiathar, and both played critical roles during turbulent times, such as Absalom’s rebellion and Adonijah’s attempt to usurp the throne. Zadok’s loyalty to David and Solomon culminated in his anointing of Solomon as king, marking a significant moment in Israel’s history (1 Kings 1:32–45). His steadfastness led to Abiathar’s removal, granting Zadok sole authority as high priest. This act restored the priesthood to the line of Eleazar, fulfilling God’s covenant with Aaron. Zadok also oversaw the ark of the covenant and played a key role in organizing temple worship under Solomon. Other individuals named Zadok contributed to biblical narratives, including repairing Jerusalem’s walls after the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 3:4, 3:29) and sealing the covenant with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:21). Collectively, these accounts emphasize the name’s association with leadership, faithfulness, and divine service." ,