of Hebrew origin (compare זַבְדִּי); Zebedæus, an Israelite:--Zebedee.
Transliteration:Zebedaîos
Pronunciation:dzeb-ed-ah'-yos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ζεβεδαῖος (Zebedaîos, `{{G2199}}`) is a transliteration of a Hebrew name, as indicated by its base definition which compares it to זַבְדִּי (Zabdi, `{{H2067}}`). The Hebrew root from which names like Zabdi derive is related to the concept of "giving" or "bestowing." Thus, the name Zebedee carries the meaning "my gift" or, more expansively, "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh has given." This etymological root connects the individual to the divine act of provision or blessing. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to the specific person it identifies, but the inherent meaning of the name subtly enriches its biblical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Zebedee is primarily known in the New Testament as the father of two prominent apostles, James and John. He appears in the Synoptic Gospels, particularly in the accounts of his sons' call to discipleship.
* In [[Matthew 4:21]] and [[Mark 1:19-20]], Zebedee is depicted with his sons, James and John, in their boat, mending nets. The narrative notes that when Jesus called James and John, they immediately left their father, Zebedee, and the boat to follow Him. This immediate departure underscores the radical nature of Jesus' call and the disciples' unreserved response.
* He is referenced by his sons' designation, "the sons of Zebedee," in various contexts, such as in the list of the twelve apostles ([[Matthew 10:2]]) and when their mother (Salome, though unnamed here) requests positions of honor for them ([[Matthew 20:20]]).
* [[Luke 5:10]] also mentions Zebedee, noting that James and John were partners with Simon in their fishing enterprise, further establishing his family's livelihood.
From these passages, we understand Zebedee to be a fisherman, likely of some means, as he possessed a boat and employed hired servants ([[Mark 1:20]]). His presence in the narrative is brief but pivotal, serving as the familial anchor from which two of Jesus' most intimate disciples emerge. His quiet departure from the narrative after his sons' calling suggests his acceptance, or at least non-resistance, to their new allegiance to Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Hebrew name זַבְדִּי (Zabdi, `{{H2067}}`), from which Ζεβεδαῖος (Zebedaîos, `{{G2199}}`) is derived. This connection highlights the name's etymological roots in the concept of "gift" or "bestowal." Other biblical names bearing a similar "gift" element, often implying a divine giver, include Nathan, Nathaniel ("God has given"), and Jonathan ("Yahweh has given"). The narrative surrounding Zebedee also implicitly connects to broader biblical concepts such as:
* **Divine Calling:** The radical nature of Jesus' summons to leave family and livelihood.
* **Discipleship:** The immediate and costly commitment required to follow Christ.
* **Family in Ministry:** The role of family background and the subsequent reorientation of allegiance from earthly family to the spiritual family of God.
### Theological Significance
While Zebedee himself does not serve as a primary theological figure, his presence and the meaning of his name carry subtle theological weight. The name "my gift" or "Yahweh has bestowed" is remarkably fitting for a man whose two sons, James and John, became integral "gifts" to the early church and pillars of Christ's ministry. They were indeed "bestowed" by God to serve His purposes. Zebedee's willingness, or at least his non-obstruction, in allowing his sons to leave their family business and follow Jesus, underscores the profound and often disruptive nature of God's call. He represents the earthly foundation from which God draws His chosen instruments, highlighting that God can call individuals from any walk of life, even requiring them to leave behind established family structures and livelihoods for the sake of the Kingdom. His quiet exit from the narrative after his sons' call emphasizes the shift of allegiance from the earthly family unit to the new spiritual family centered on Christ.
### Summary
Ζεβεδαῖος (Zebedaîos, `{{G2199}}`), or Zebedee, is a Greek proper noun of Hebrew origin, meaning "my gift" or "Yahweh has bestowed." He is known in the New Testament solely as the father of the apostles James and John. A fisherman of some means, Zebedee appears briefly in the Gospels as his sons are called by Jesus, immediately leaving their father and their livelihood to follow Christ ([[Matthew 4:21]]; [[Mark 1:19-20]]). His quiet role in the narrative highlights the radical demands of discipleship and the reorientation of allegiances from earthly family to the divine calling. The etymological meaning of his name, "Yahweh has bestowed," offers a poignant theological nuance, subtly pointing to his sons' future roles as significant "gifts" to God's redemptive plan.
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