from זָבַד; giver; Zabad, the name of seven Israelites; Zabad.
Transliteration:Zâbâd
Pronunciation:zaw-bawd'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun זָבָד (Zâbâd, `{{H2066}}`) is derived from the verbal root זָבַד (zâbad, `{{H2064}}`), which signifies "to bestow," "to give," or "to endow." Consequently, Zâbâd inherently carries the semantic meaning of "giver" or "one who has been given to" (though the active sense of "giver" is more prominent for a personal name). As a proper noun, it functions as a personal name, likely reflecting either the parents' recognition of the child as a divine "gift" or an aspiration for the child to embody the quality of generosity. Its core meaning thus centers on the act of giving and receiving, often with a theological undertone of divine provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zabad appears multiple times in the Old Testament, attributed to several distinct individuals, highlighting its commonality in ancient Israel. The definition notes "seven Israelites," though a survey of occurrences reveals at least eight distinct individuals, with some names potentially overlapping or being listed without patronymics.
1. **A Descendant of Judah:** Zabad, son of Nathan and father of Ephlal, is listed in the genealogy of Jerahmeel, a branch of the tribe of Judah ([[1 Chronicles 2:36-37]]). This occurrence places him within a significant lineage, though no specific deeds are attributed to him.
2. **An Ephraimite:** Zabad, son of Tahath, is mentioned as an Ephraimite whose descendants were killed by men of Gath while raiding their livestock ([[1 Chronicles 7:21]]). This brief mention highlights a tragic event in the tribal history of Ephraim.
3. **One of David's Mighty Men:** Zabad, son of Ahlai, is listed among David's elite warriors, specifically as one of the "thirty" ([[1 Chronicles 11:41]]). This indicates a man of strength, courage, and loyalty, serving in the king's inner circle.
4. **A Benjamite at Ziklag:** Zabad, a Korahite from the tribe of Benjamin, is noted among those who joined David at Ziklag while he was still fleeing from Saul ([[1 Chronicles 12:7]]). This demonstrates his early allegiance to David's cause.
5. **A Conspirator Against King Joash:** Perhaps the most infamous Zabad is the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess, who, along with Jehozabad, conspired against and murdered King Joash of Judah ([[2 Chronicles 24:26]]). This Zabad's actions stand in stark contrast to the benevolent meaning of his name, providing a profound irony.
6. **Those Who Married Foreign Wives (Ezra):** Three individuals named Zabad are listed in the book of Ezra among those who had married foreign wives during the post-exilic period and were required to put them away:
* Zabad, son of Zattu ([[Ezra 10:27]])
* Zabad, son of Hashum ([[Ezra 10:33]])
* Zabad, son of Nebo ([[Ezra 10:43]])
These occurrences underscore a period of spiritual and social reform, where adherence to Mosaic law regarding marriage was strictly enforced to preserve the purity of the Israelite community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for זָבָד (Zâbâd, `{{H2066}}`) is its root, זָבַד (zâbad, `{{H2064}}`), a verb meaning "to bestow," "to give," or "to endow." From this same root, we find the masculine noun זֶבֶד (zebed, `{{H2067}}`), which translates to "gift" or "dowry." This noun is famously used by Leah in [[Genesis 30:20]] when she names her sixth son Zebulun, declaring, "God has endowed me with a good dowry (zebed)."
Conceptually, Zâbâd is intertwined with themes of divine providence, human generosity, and the nature of gifts. It relates to the broader biblical understanding of God as the ultimate Giver of life, blessings, and all good things ([[James 1:17]]). It also touches on human responsibility in giving and receiving, whether in acts of charity, loyalty, or even in the ironic context of treachery.
### Theological Significance
The name Zabad, meaning "giver" or "gift," carries subtle but profound theological implications. Firstly, it often reflects a parental acknowledgment of a child as a "gift" from God, a common theme in biblical naming practices (e.g., Samuel, Nathan). This points to God's sovereignty over life and His benevolent nature as the source of all blessings.
Secondly, the contrast between the name's meaning and the actions of certain individuals bearing it, particularly Zabad the murderer of King Joash, is striking. This irony serves as a powerful reminder that a name's inherent meaning does not dictate a person's character or destiny. It underscores the human capacity for sin and rebellion, even when bearing a name that suggests generosity or divine favor. Such instances highlight the biblical emphasis on deeds and choices over mere nomenclature.
Finally, the repeated appearance of Zabad among those who had taken foreign wives in Ezra's time can be seen as another layer of theological irony. While their name suggests "giving," their actions demonstrated a "giving away" of covenant fidelity, requiring a return to obedience and the "giving back" of their foreign spouses to restore the community's purity. Thus, Zabad, as a proper name, serves as a quiet witness to both divine grace and human responsibility throughout the biblical narrative.
### Summary
זָבָד (Zâbâd, `{{H2066}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root זָבַד (zâbad, `{{H2064}}`), signifying "giver" or "gift." It appears as the name of multiple Israelites across various periods, including a descendant of Judah, an Ephraimite, one of David's mighty men, a Benjamite, a conspirator against King Joash, and several men in Ezra's time who had married foreign wives. The name's meaning connects to the broader biblical concept of divine provision and human generosity, as seen in the related noun זֶבֶד (zebed, `{{H2067}}`), meaning "gift." The theological significance of Zabad is often found in the ironic contrast between the name's benevolent meaning and the actions of certain individuals who bore it, particularly Zabad the regicide and those who violated the marriage covenant in Ezra. This highlights the disjunction between a person's name and their moral character, emphasizing the importance of actions and obedience in the biblical worldview.
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