זָבַד

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word zâbad, represented by H2064, is a primitive root meaning to confer; endure. This specific term appears only 1 time in the entire Bible, making its single context critically important for understanding its meaning. It describes the act of bestowing a gift or endowment upon someone.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H2064 is found in the narrative of Leah, a wife of Jacob. After bearing her sixth son, she exclaims that God has endued her with a good dowry. In this context, the word signifies a divine gift conferred upon her. Leah perceives the birth of another son not just as a blessing, but as a purposeful endowment from God that she believes will secure her husband's affection and cause him to dwell with her Genesis 30:20.

Related Words & Concepts

The meaning of H2064 is illuminated by several words used in the same verse that are conceptually linked to it:

• H2065 zebed (a gift; dowry): This noun is derived from H2064 and represents the thing being conferred. Leah identifies her son as the "good dowry" that God has given her Genesis 30:20.
• H2082 zâbal (to reside; dwell with): This verb describes the outcome Leah hopes for as a result of the gift. Because God has endued her, she believes her husband will now dwell with her Genesis 30:20.
• H2074 Zᵉbûwlûwn (habitation; Zebulun): The name given to the son born from this event. His name, meaning "habitation," directly reflects Leah's hope, which is founded on the gift conferred by God Genesis 30:20.

Theological Significance

Though used only once, the theological weight of H2064 is significant within its context.

• Divine Endowment: The act of conferring the gift is attributed directly to God (H430). This highlights that blessings, status, and honor within the family ultimately originate from divine provision, not solely from human effort or circumstance Genesis 30:20.
• Purposeful Gifting: The endowment is not aimless; it is given with a specific relational purpose in mind. Leah sees the gift as a means to secure her husband's presence, linking God's blessing to the fulfillment of deep personal and relational needs.
• Memorialized Blessing: The event is so meaningful that it is memorialized in the name of her son, Zebulun. The name itself becomes a testimony to God's act of endowing Leah and her resulting hope for "habitation."

Summary

In summary, H2064 provides a concise and powerful picture of a divinely conferred gift. Its single appearance in scripture, spoken by Leah, frames the birth of her son Zebulun as a "good dowry" from God. This word, along with its related terms, illustrates a poignant moment where a divine blessing is seen as the key to securing honor, relationship, and a permanent place within the family structure.