Haggai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Haggai in the Bible?
Haggai was a prophet active in Jerusalem during the second year of King Darius I's reign, approximately 520 BC, whose name likely derives from a Hebrew root meaning 'festal' or 'festival'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Haggai clarifies the historical timeline of the Second Temple period and explains the theological emphasis on prioritizing the worship of Yahweh over private domestic concerns, which is central to the narrative of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Haggai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Haggai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Haggai clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Haggai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/haggai/