### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root זָבַד (zâbad), Strong's H2064, is a primitive root primarily conveying the meaning "to confer" or "to bestow." A secondary, though less prominent, aspect of its semantic range includes "to endure." The primary sense points to an act of giving or granting, often implying a significant or valuable endowment. The nuance of "endure" could suggest the lasting nature of that which is conferred, or the enduring quality of the act of bestowing itself. In its sole biblical occurrence, the focus is distinctly on the divine act of conferring a gift or blessing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root זָבַד (zâbad) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, specifically in [[Genesis 30:20]]. In this passage, Leah, upon the birth of her sixth son, declares: "God has endowed me with a good dowry (זְבָדַנִי יֶעְזֶב זֶבֶד טוֹב)." The verb form, זְבָדַנִי (zĕvādānî), is in the Piel stem, which often denotes an intensive or causative action, thus emphasizing the direct and purposeful nature of God's bestowal: "He has surely endowed me" or "He has generously conferred upon me." The accompanying noun, זֶבֶד (zeved), also derived from this root, explicitly means "gift" or "dowry," reinforcing the verbal action.
Contextually, Leah's statement is deeply significant. After years of feeling overlooked and in competition with her sister Rachel, the birth of Zebulun (whose name is linked to "dwelling" or "honor") is perceived by Leah as a direct and gracious "endowment" from God. This "good dowry" (זֶבֶד טוֹב) is not merely a material possession but a divine favor that elevates her status and secures her position within the family, potentially leading to a more settled relationship with Jacob. The "enduring" aspect of the root might subtly underscore that this divine gift is not temporary but a lasting blessing, a permanent affirmation of God's favor.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the singular occurrence of זָבַד (zâbad) as a verb, direct lexical comparisons are limited. However, the concept it conveys—that of divine bestowal or gifting—is a pervasive and foundational theme throughout the Hebrew Bible. Other words that express similar ideas of God's provision and generosity include:
* `{{H5414}}` נָתַן (nātan): "to give," a very common and broad term for imparting or bestowing anything.
* `{{H5068}}` נָדַב (nādab): "to incite, to offer willingly," often used in the context of freewill offerings, implying a generous and uncompelled act of giving.
* `{{H1288}}` בָּרַךְ (bārak): "to bless," which frequently involves the bestowal of favor, prosperity, or offspring as a divine act.
The noun זֶבֶד (zeved), directly derived from this root and found in [[Genesis 30:20]], serves as a concrete manifestation of the "gift" or "dowry" that is conferred, directly linking the action of the verb to its beneficial outcome. The theological concept of God as the ultimate giver and provider, a theme woven throughout Scripture, is powerfully affirmed by the meaning of זָבַד.
### Theological Significance
The solitary use of זָבַד (zâbad) in [[Genesis 30:20]] carries profound theological weight, serving as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in the lives of individuals. Leah's declaration, "God has endowed me with a good dowry," highlights several critical theological principles:
1. **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** God is portrayed as the ultimate source of all blessings, including the gift of children, which was considered a primary sign of divine favor and prosperity in ancient Israel. Leah attributes her fertility directly to God's "endowment," acknowledging His sovereign hand in her life's circumstances.
2. **The Nature of Divine Gifts:** The "good dowry" implies a gift of significant value, not merely a temporary alleviation of distress but a lasting and fundamental change in Leah's status and perceived worth within her family. It speaks to God's capacity to bestow gifts that are truly beneficial and enduring.
3. **God's Responsiveness to Human Need:** In the context of Leah's long-standing desire for more children and her rivalry with Rachel, God's "endowment" can be seen as a response to her plight, demonstrating His compassion and attentiveness to the cries of His people.
4. **Human Acknowledgment of Divine Goodness:** Leah's utterance is an act of faith and public acknowledgment, transforming a personal experience into a theological statement about God's direct intervention and goodness. It underscores the importance of recognizing and giving thanks for God's provision.
This unique occurrence of זָבַד thus serves as a poignant reminder of God's capacity and willingness to confer blessings, even in unexpected ways, thereby demonstrating His enduring faithfulness and generosity.
### Summary
The Hebrew root זָבַד (zâbad), Strong's H2064, carries the primary meaning "to confer" or "to bestow," with a secondary nuance of "to endure." Its sole appearance in the Masoretic Text is in [[Genesis 30:20]], where Leah declares that God has "endowed" her with a "good dowry" (זֶבֶד טוֹב) upon the birth of her son Zebulun. This singular usage powerfully illustrates the concept of divine providence and God's active, benevolent bestowal of blessings. It underscores God's role as the ultimate giver, providing gifts of lasting significance and eliciting an acknowledgment of His sovereign goodness from those who receive them. Though rare, זָבַד encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's generous and enduring provision in the lives of His people.
TRV