of Hebrew origin (זְבוּלוּן); Zabulon (i.e. Zebulon), a region of Palestine:--Zabulon.
Transliteration:Zaboulṓn
Pronunciation:dzab-oo-lone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ζαβουλών (Zaboulōn), transliterated as Zabulon, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun זְבוּלוּן (Zebulun), Strong's number `{{H2074}}`. Its etymological root is often linked to the Hebrew verb זבל (zabal), which can mean "to dwell," "to inhabit," or "to exalt." Consequently, the name Zebulun is commonly interpreted as "dwelling," "habitation," or "exalted dwelling." In the biblical context, it refers to the tenth son of Jacob, born to Leah, and subsequently to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as well as the territory allotted to that tribe in the land of Canaan. In the New Testament, its semantic range is limited to this geographical and tribal reference.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ζαβουλών (Zaboulōn) appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospels and Revelation. Its most significant occurrences are found in the Gospel of Matthew. In [[Matthew 4:13]], Jesus, after hearing of John the Baptist's arrest, withdraws from Nazareth and settles in Capernaum, which is described as being "by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali." This geographical detail is immediately followed by a prophetic citation in [[Matthew 4:15-16]]: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." This passage directly quotes [[Isaiah 9:1-2]] (or [[Isaiah 8:23-9:1]] in some English translations), highlighting the precise fulfillment of ancient prophecy in the very location of Jesus' initial public ministry. The territories of Zebulun and Naphtali constituted a significant portion of "Galilee of the Gentiles," a region often considered peripheral by the Jewish religious establishment in Jerusalem, yet it became the primary stage for the dawning of the Messiah's light. The final New Testament occurrence is in [[Revelation 7:8]], where "the tribe of Zebulun" is listed among the twelve tribes of Israel, with twelve thousand sealed, signifying its enduring place within God's covenant people in the eschatological vision.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew original, זְבוּלוּן (Zebulun), Strong's number `{{H2074}}`. The meaning of the name, "dwelling" or "habitation," is rooted in Leah's declaration at Zebulun's birth in [[Genesis 30:20]], where she states, "God has endowed me with a good dowry; now my husband will *honor* (or *dwell with*) me, because I have borne him six sons." The Hebrew verb used here, זָבַל (zābal), connects to the idea of a permanent dwelling or honorable habitation.
In the New Testament, Ζαβουλών (Zaboulōn) is almost invariably linked with Νεφθαλίμ (Nephthalim), or Naphtali, Strong's number `{{G3488}}`, due to their shared geographical proximity and their combined role in the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy concerning Galilee. The broader concept of "Galilee of the Gentiles" is also intrinsically linked, representing the diverse, often marginalized region where Jesus' ministry flourished. The prophetic text from Isaiah, specifically [[Isaiah 9:1-2]], is a crucial interpretive key for understanding the significance of these tribal territories in the New Testament.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ζαβουλών (Zaboulōn) in the New Testament is profound and multifaceted.
1. **Prophetic Fulfillment:** Its mention in Matthew unequivocally establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The precise identification of Zebulun's territory as the place where the "great light" dawned validates the divine orchestration of salvation history and underscores God's faithfulness to His word spoken through the prophets.
2. **Inclusivity of the Gospel:** Jesus' decision to begin His public ministry in "Galilee of the Gentiles," encompassing Zebulun and Naphtali, carries significant theological weight. This region was ethnically diverse and often looked down upon by the religious elite in Judea. By starting there, Jesus demonstrated the expansive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom, extending salvation and light to those on the periphery, not just the perceived religious center. It prefigures the worldwide mission of the church.
3. **Divine Dwelling:** While not explicitly stated, the underlying meaning of Zebulun as "dwelling" or "habitation" subtly resonates with the incarnation. In Jesus, God truly "dwelt among us" ([[John 1:14]]), and His ministry initiating in the "land of dwelling" can be seen as a spiritual echo of God's renewed presence with humanity.
4. **Eschatological Continuity:** The inclusion of the tribe of Zebulun in the sealed tribes of Israel in [[Revelation 7:8]] affirms the enduring significance of Israel's tribal identity within God's eternal plan. It speaks to the continuity of God's covenant people, both Jew and Gentile, in the ultimate consummation of His redemptive purposes.
### Summary
Ζαβουλών (Zaboulōn), Strong's number `{{G2194}}`, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Zebulun (`{{H2074}}`), meaning "dwelling" or "habitation." In the New Testament, it refers to the ancient Israelite tribe and its territory. Its most significant appearance is in [[Matthew 4:13]], [[Matthew 4:15]], where it is mentioned alongside Naphtali as the region where Jesus began His public ministry, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of [[Isaiah 9:1-2]]. This highlights the precision of divine prophecy and the inclusive nature of the gospel, which began among the "Galilee of the Gentiles." Furthermore, its inclusion in the list of sealed tribes in [[Revelation 7:8]] underscores the enduring place of God's people in His eschatological plan. The name itself, "dwelling," subtly foreshadows the profound truth of God's dwelling among humanity through Christ.
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