a form of זָבוּד; given; Zabbud, an Israelite; Zabbud.
Transliteration:Zabbûwd
Pronunciation:zab-bood'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun זַבּוּד (Zabbûwd, `{{H2072}}`) is defined as "given," indicating its derivation from a root signifying bestowal or gift. It is explicitly identified as a form of זָבוּד (Zabud), which itself stems from the verbal root זָבַד (zabad, `{{H2064}}`), meaning "to bestow, to give." The related noun זֶבֶד (zebed, `{{H2065}}`) denotes a "gift" or "endowment." Thus, the name Zabbud intrinsically carries the theological nuance of something divinely granted or a person who is a gift from God. This underlying semantic range points towards divine providence and an acknowledgment of God as the ultimate giver of life and blessing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zabbud (זַבּוּד, `{{H2072}}`) appears singularly in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Ezra 8:14]]. In this passage, Zabbud is identified as one of the "sons of Bigvai" who returned with Ezra from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The context is the second wave of returnees, a pivotal moment in the post-exilic period when the Jewish community was re-establishing itself in the land of Israel. While the text provides no further biographical details about Zabbud himself, the very presence of his name in this list of returnees is significant. The meaning of his name, "given," would have resonated deeply within a community experiencing the miraculous restoration from exile, viewing their return as a direct and gracious gift from Yahweh. His inclusion underscores the divine hand in the re-gathering and rebuilding efforts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Zabbud is directly linked to the Hebrew root זָבַד (zabad, `{{H2064}}`), "to bestow," and the noun זֶבֶד (zebed, `{{H2065}}`), "a gift." This places Zabbud within a broader lexical field of divine giving and human reception. Other biblical names convey similar themes of divine bestowal, such as נָתָן (Nathan, `{{H5416}}`), meaning "He has given," and יְהוֹנָתָן (Yehonatan, `{{H3083}}`), "Yahweh has given." The concept of a "gift" from God is pervasive in scripture, encompassing everything from life itself ([[Genesis 30:20]], where Leah names her son Zebulun, saying "God has endowed me with a good gift," using the root זָבַד) to the land of Israel ([[Psalm 105:44]]) and the Law ([[Exodus 31:18]]). Zabbud, as a person whose very name signifies "given," embodies this theological understanding of divine grace and provision.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Zabbud, though a proper noun with limited textual presence, lies primarily in the meaning of his name: "given." In the context of the post-exilic return, this name serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign initiative and faithful provision. The return from Babylon was not merely a political or human endeavor, but a divine act of restoration, a "gift" to His covenant people. Zabbud's name implicitly acknowledges Yahweh as the source of all good things, particularly the re-establishment of the community in the Promised Land. It speaks to a theology of divine grace, where human existence, national identity, and future hope are understood as unmerited endowments from the Almighty. The name thus functions as a subtle yet profound affirmation of God's enduring covenant love and His active presence in the history of His people, bestowing favor and enabling their return.
### Summary
Zabbud (זַבּוּד, `{{H2072}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "given," directly related to the root for "to bestow" or "gift." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Ezra 8:14]], identifying him as a post-exilic returnee from Babylon. Though little is known about the individual, the name itself carries significant theological weight, underscoring the divine nature of the return from exile as a gracious gift from Yahweh. It reflects a profound understanding of God's active providence and His role as the ultimate giver of life, restoration, and blessing to His people.
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