Amariah is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh has said". It is derived from the Hebrew roots אָמַר (ʾamar) meaning "to say" and יָהּ (yah) referring to the Hebrew God. The name is borne by several figures in the Old Testament, primarily priests and Levites, reflecting its theophoric structure that invokes divine communication. Etymology and Meaning Amariah is a theophoric name combining the Hebrew verb ʾāmar (to say) with a shortened form of YHWH (Yahweh). The resulting meaning, "Yahweh has said" or "promised by God," underscores a sense of divine assurance. The name appears in the Bible in several forms, including the original Biblical Hebrew 'Amaryahu (אֲמַרְיָהוּ), which preserves the fuller theophoric ending -yahu. This root, ʾamar, is also found in other biblical names such as Amariah and Amar. Biblical Figure Amariah is the name of several Old Testament characters, predominantly from the priestly and Levitical lines. The brief lists high priests from the line of Eleazar, sons of Levi, and figures active during the reforms of Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah. One notable occurrence is Amariah the "chief priest" who was involved in religious reforms under King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:11). Another is a priest in the time of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:15). The name also appears among the ancestors of Ezra (Ezra 7:3) and as the great-grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:1). Additionally, a late 8th–early 7th century BCE bulla (seal impression) reading "[belonging to] Amaryahu, son of the King" may reference a historical figure of this name, possibly a son of King Hezekiah or a contemporary. Cultural and Linguistic Context Amariah represents a common pattern of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element, affirming a relationship between the bearer and God. Names of this form—featuring verb roots combined with theophoric suffixes—are typical of the biblical period. While not as widely used outside Bible communities today, Amariah persists in English Bibles and appears occasionally among Christians in revivalist and Puritan naming traditions. Notable Bearers A high priest of the line of Eleazar in 1 Chronicles 6:7, 6:52A Levite, son of Hebron, in 1 Chronicles 23:19; 24:23The “chief priest” during Jehoshaphat’s reign (2 Chronicles 19:11)An ancestor of Ezra (Ezra 7:3)A priest in the time of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:15)Great-grandfather of Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:1) Meaning: "Yahweh has said"Origin: HebrewType: Biblical first name (priestly)Usage regions: English Bible, Biblical Hebrew, Christian communities