The Hebrew name Zabdîy, represented by H2067, means giving. It is the name of four distinct Israelites mentioned in the scriptures. The name appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, primarily in genealogical lists and historical narratives.
The name H2067 appears in several different contexts, identifying individuals across Israel's history. The most prominent mention is in the lineage of Achan, where Zabdîy is identified as the grandfather of the man who committed a trespass against the LORD Joshua 7:1. During the process of identifying the guilty party, Zabdîy himself was taken by lot as the head of the clan from which the sinner came Joshua 7:17. Other individuals named Zabdîy include an administrator over King David's wine cellars 1 Chronicles 27:27, an ancestor of a post-exilic worship leader Nehemiah 11:17, and a man listed in the genealogy of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 8:19.
Several related words help clarify the context in which Zabdîy is mentioned, particularly in the story of Achan:
- H5912 ʻÂkân (troublesome; Akan, an Israelite; Achan): This is the name of Zabdîy's grandson, whose sin troubled all of Israel. His identity is firmly established through his lineage back to Zabdîy Joshua 7:18.
- H3756 Karmîy (gardener; Karmi, the name of three Israelites; Carmi): He was the son of Zabdîy and the father of Achan, serving as the direct genealogical link between them Joshua 7:1.
- H2226 Zerach (Zerach, the name of three Israelites, also of an Idumaean and an Ethiopian prince; Zarah, Zerah): As the father of Zabdîy, he was the patriarch of the clan involved in the incident at Ai. The family of the Zarhites is listed among the clans of Judah Numbers 26:20.
- H1121 ben (a son (as a builder of the family name)): This word is essential for tracing the genealogies that feature Zabdîy. It establishes the "son of... son of" structure that clarifies familial responsibility and identity in the biblical text Joshua 7:1.
While a personal name, the context of H2067 highlights important principles within the biblical narrative:
- Genealogical Identification: The primary role of the name Zabdîy is to establish precise lineage. This was crucial in the Achan narrative, where divine judgment was executed by tracing a specific family line from the tribe (Judah), to the clan (Zarhites), to the family head (Zabdîy), and finally to the individual Joshua 7:17-18.
- Corporate Accountability: Zabdîy's inclusion in the lineage of Achan underscores the biblical theme of corporate solidarity. While Achan was the one who sinned, his actions brought wrath upon the entire congregation of Israel Joshua 22:20. Zabdîy is remembered as part of the family line connected to this national crisis.
- Diversity of Roles: The existence of multiple men named Zabdîy demonstrates the variety of roles held by individuals in Israel. One Zabdîy is part of a story of failure Joshua 7:1, while another was a trusted official in David's kingdom overseeing agricultural wealth 1 Chronicles 27:27.
In summary, H2067 is not the name of a major biblical figure, but a name borne by several individuals whose primary function is to provide identity and context within genealogies. The most significant Zabdîy is the ancestor of Achan, embedding his name within a critical story about sin, judgment, and familial accountability. The name's varied appearances show its use across different eras and spheres of Israelite life, from agriculture to temple leadership.
TRV