### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H2065}}` (זֶבֶד, *zebed*) is derived from the verb `{{H2064}}` (זָבַד, *zabad*), which means "to bestow" or "to give." Consequently, `{{H2065}}` primarily denotes "a gift" or "a bestowal." Its specific contextual usage in the Hebrew Bible indicates a particular type of gift, akin to a "dowry" or a significant present, often implying a divine origin or blessing. It carries the nuance of something freely and generously given, often with a sense of divine provision or favorable disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2065}}` appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly weighty. This appearance is found in [[Genesis 30:20]]: "Then Leah said, 'God has endowed me with a good dowry (זֶבֶד טוֹב); now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons.' So she called his name Zebulun."
In this pivotal passage, Leah's exclamation follows the birth of her sixth son. Her perception of this "good dowry" is multifaceted:
* **Divine Bestowal:** Leah explicitly attributes the "dowry" to God, stating, "God has endowed me." This highlights her understanding that the ability to bear children, particularly sons, is a direct gift from the divine.
* **Children as a Gift:** The "dowry" here refers specifically to her six sons. In ancient Israelite culture, children, especially male offspring, were considered a profound blessing and a sign of God's favor, ensuring the continuation of the family line and providing security.
* **Hope for Marital Harmony:** Leah connects this divine gift to her desire for her husband, Jacob, to "dwell" (`{{H2076}}`, זָבַל) with her. This reveals the emotional and relational dimensions of the "dowry" – it is not merely a material or numerical blessing but one hoped to foster intimacy and stability within her marriage, a longing evident throughout the narrative of Jacob's wives.
* **Wordplay:** The naming of Zebulun (`{{H2074}}`, זְבֻלוּן) is directly linked to Leah's declaration. While the name Zebulun is typically associated with "dwelling," Leah's use of `{{H2065}}` (זֶבֶד) creates a poignant wordplay, suggesting that God's "gift" (זֶבֶד) of sons will cause Jacob to "dwell" (זָבַל) with her.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H2064}}` (זָבַד, *zabad*):** The root verb from which `{{H2065}}` is derived, meaning "to bestow" or "to give." This connection emphasizes the act of giving and the source of the gift, often God.
* **`{{H2074}}` (זְבֻלוּן, *Zebulun*):** The proper name of Leah's sixth son. While the name itself is more directly related to `{{H2076}}` (זָבַל, *zabal*, "to dwell"), Leah's etymological explanation in [[Genesis 30:20]] ties it directly to `{{H2065}}` (זֶבֶד), illustrating the common biblical practice of linking personal names to significant life events or divine pronouncements.
* **`{{H4978}}` (מֹהַר, *mohar*):** This term specifically denotes the "bride-price" or "dowry" paid by the groom to the bride's family. In contrast, `{{H2065}}` in [[Genesis 30:20]] is something received *by* Leah and attributed to God, distinguishing it from a conventional human financial transaction.
* **General terms for "gift":** Other Hebrew words like `{{H4976}}` (מַתָּנָה, *mattanah*) and `{{H4991}}` (מַשְׂאֵת, *mas'et*) are more general terms for a gift or present. `{{H2065}}` carries a specific nuance of a divinely bestowed, significant gift, particularly in the context of human fruitfulness.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H2065}}` in [[Genesis 30:20]] carries profound theological weight:
* **God as the Ultimate Giver:** Leah's declaration, "God has endowed me with a good dowry," unequivocally points to God as the benevolent source of all blessings. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that children are a heritage from the Lord ([[Psalm 127:3]]) and that all good and perfect gifts come from above ([[James 1:17]]).
* **Divine Providence in Human Affairs:** Even amidst the complex and often painful family dynamics of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, God's hand is seen actively providing and blessing. The "dowry" is not earned but freely bestowed, highlighting God's sovereign and gracious involvement in the lives of His people.
* **Fulfillment of Longing:** For Leah, who had struggled with feeling unloved and overshadowed by Rachel, the birth of sons represented a deep personal and societal fulfillment. The "good dowry" is thus a divine answer to her longing for significance and affection, demonstrating God's compassion for the marginalized.
* **Theological Meaning of Names:** The wordplay between *zebed* (gift/dowry) and Zebulun (dwelling) illustrates a theological principle: God's gifts are not merely transactional but are intended to bring about a settled, harmonious, and blessed existence. The divine bestowal leads to a sense of "dwelling" or stability.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2065}}` (זֶבֶד, *zebed*), meaning "a gift" or "dowry," is a rare but highly significant term in the Hebrew Bible. Its sole appearance in [[Genesis 30:20]] reveals Leah's profound recognition that her sixth son, Zebulun, is a "good dowry" bestowed directly by God. This unique usage underscores several key theological truths: God is the ultimate and benevolent giver of all blessings, particularly the gift of children; divine providence actively intervenes in human lives, even amidst relational strife; and God's gifts are intended to bring fulfillment, stability, and a sense of "dwelling" or settledness. Unlike a human dowry, *zebed* in this context represents a spiritual endowment from the Creator, highlighting His grace and faithfulness in answering the deepest longings of His people.
TRV