or זְבַדְיָהוּ; from זָבַד and יָהּ; Jah has given; Zebadjah, the name of nine Israelites; Zebadiah.
Transliteration:Zᵉbadyâh
Pronunciation:zeb-ad-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name זְבַדְיָה (Zebadyâh, `{{H2069}}`) is a theophoric compound name, meaning "Yahweh has given" or "Yahweh has bestowed." It is derived from two components: the verbal root זָבַד (zâbad), meaning "to bestow" or "to give," and יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`, `{{H3050}}`). The name thus functions as a declarative statement about God's character and action, affirming that Yahweh is the source of all good things, actively bestowing gifts upon His people. The "gift" implied in such a name can encompass life itself, a child, a particular skill, a position of responsibility, or divine favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zebadiah appears eight distinct times in the Hebrew Bible, identifying various individuals, primarily during the periods of the monarchy and the post-exilic return. While the Strong's definition mentions "nine Israelites," common scholarly consensus identifies eight distinct persons. Each occurrence underscores the individual's identity as someone "given" by Yahweh, often in roles of service or significance.
1. **A Benjamite (Son of Beriah):** Listed in the genealogies of Benjamin, residing in Jerusalem. [[1 Chronicles 8:15]]
2. **A Benjamite (Son of Elpaal):** Another figure in the Benjamite genealogies, noted as a head of a father's house in Jerusalem. [[1 Chronicles 8:17]]
3. **A Gederathite:** One of David's mighty men, who joined him at Ziklag. He is described as a "valiant man, a mighty man of war, fit for the battle." [[1 Chronicles 12:7]] This highlights the divine gifting of strength and prowess.
4. **A Korahite Gatekeeper:** Son of Meshelemiah, a gatekeeper for the tabernacle/temple. He was the firstborn and a "man of valor." [[1 Chronicles 26:2]] This suggests a divine endowment for a sacred role.
5. **A Levite Official (Jehoshaphat's Reign):** One of the Levites sent by King Jehoshaphat throughout Judah to teach the Law of the Lord to the people. [[2 Chronicles 17:8]] His inclusion among those commissioned for spiritual instruction emphasizes God's provision of leadership.
6. **A Levite Chief Judge (Jehoshaphat's Reign):** Son of Ishmael, he was appointed by King Jehoshaphat as the chief officer for all the king's matters in the house of Judah and Jerusalem. [[2 Chronicles 19:11]] This high administrative and judicial role reflects a divine bestowal of wisdom and authority.
7. **A Son of Michael (Return from Exile):** Listed among those who returned with Ezra from Babylon, leading a contingent of 80 male descendants of Shephatiah. [[Ezra 8:8]] His presence among the returnees signifies God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land.
8. **A Priest (Post-Exilic):** One of the priests who had married foreign wives during the time of Ezra and pledged to put them away. [[Ezra 10:20]] This context reveals the challenges and reforms faced by the returned community, with Zebadiah being among those who acknowledged their sin.
Across these diverse roles—warriors, gatekeepers, teachers, judges, and returning exiles—the consistent thread is the foundational meaning of the name: God's active hand in their lives, providing them with their very existence and often equipping them for specific tasks within the community of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Zebadiah is deeply connected to several key biblical concepts:
* **Theophoric Names:** It belongs to a large category of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element, such as `{{H3050}}` (Yah) or `{{H430}}` (El). Examples include Jonathan ("Yahweh has given," `{{H3083}}`), Mattaniah ("Gift of Yahweh," `{{H4993}}`), and Nathaniel ("God has given," `{{H5417}}`). These names serve as miniature theological statements, affirming God's attributes and actions.
* **Divine Gifting and Provision:** The root זָבַד (zâbad, "to bestow, give") highlights God as the ultimate giver. This concept is pervasive throughout Scripture, where God is depicted as the source of life, breath, and all things (e.g., [[Acts 17:25]]). It relates to the broader theme of divine grace and blessing.
* **Stewardship:** While the name emphasizes God's giving, it implicitly calls for a response of gratitude and responsible stewardship from those who have received. The individuals named Zebadiah, often in positions of leadership or service, were expected to faithfully manage what God had bestowed upon them.
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness:** The recurrence of such names across generations, particularly in challenging times like the return from exile, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, continually providing and sustaining them.
### Theological Significance
The name Zebadiah, "Yahweh has given," carries profound theological weight.
Firstly, it is a powerful affirmation of **divine sovereignty and grace**. It reminds humanity that existence, abilities, and opportunities are not self-generated or earned but are freely bestowed gifts from a benevolent God. This perspective fosters humility and dependence upon the Creator.
Secondly, it speaks to **God's active involvement in human history and individual lives**. The name is not merely a passive descriptor but a declaration of God's dynamic presence, selecting, equipping, and directing individuals for His purposes. The various Zebadiahs, from warriors to judges, serve as testaments to God's specific provisions for specific roles.
Thirdly, the name implicitly challenges the recipient and the community to **recognize and respond to God's generosity**. If Yahweh has given, then what is the appropriate response? It calls for gratitude, faithful service, and a life lived in accordance with the divine will, acknowledging the source of all blessings.
Finally, in a broader sense, names like Zebadiah served as **constant theological reminders** within Israelite society. They reinforced the understanding that the very fabric of their lives, their nation, and their future was intricately woven with the active, giving hand of Yahweh, fostering a theology of dependence and hope in God's unfailing provision.
### Summary
The Hebrew name זְבַדְיָה (Zebadyâh, `{{H2069}}`), meaning "Yahweh has given," is a rich theological statement embedded within the identities of various Israelites throughout biblical history. It powerfully declares God's character as the ultimate bestower of all things—life, ability, and purpose. Each biblical occurrence of the name, whether identifying a warrior, a gatekeeper, a teacher, or a judge, serves as a testament to God's active and gracious involvement in the lives of His people, equipping them for their roles and sustaining them through His provision. The name Zebadiah thus stands as a constant reminder of divine sovereignty, grace, and the call to grateful stewardship in response to the immeasurable gifts of Yahweh.
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