Zeta (Ζ/ζ) – New Testament Greek words that start with zeta

• Old Testament Hebrew
• New Testament Greek

Quick reference

Greek Name:

ζῆτα

English Name:

zeta

Pronunciation:

zā’-tä

Upper-case Letter:

Ζ

Lower-case Letter:

ζ

Speech Sound:

consonant

Numerical Value:

7

Pronunciation guide

In classical Greek, the letter Zeta was likely pronounced as “dz.” However, in the Koine Greek period, it evolved to a sound closer to the English “z” as in “maze.” Because of this, you may see either pronunciation on various Christian Greek lexicons and resources.

Numerical significance

Zeta corresponds to the number seven (7) in the Greek numerical system (isopsephy). Seven, in various cultural and religious contexts, is often seen as a number of completeness or perfection. It’s also associated with divine completeness or rest, particularly in the context of the creation week.

Cultural and symbolic meaning

The Greek Zeta originates from the Phoenician letter Zayin, which resembled a weapon or sword, thus representing strength or conflict.