patronymically from זְבוּלוּן; a Zebulonite or descendant of Zebulun; Zebulonite.
Transliteration:Zᵉbûwlônîy
Pronunciation:zeb-oo-lo-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2075}}` (Zᵉbûwlônîy) is a gentilic noun, signifying an individual belonging to or descended from the tribe of Zebulun. It is formed by appending the gentilic suffix "-î" to the proper noun `{{H2074}}` (Zᵉbûwlûn), the name of the sixth son born to Jacob and Leah, who became the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The root of the tribal name, זבל (zabal), carries connotations of "dwelling" or "exaltation," as reflected in Leah's statement at Zebulun's birth in [[Genesis 30:20]]: "God has endowed me with a good dowry; now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons." While `{{H2075}}` itself does not directly convey this root meaning, it inherits the tribal identity and historical narrative associated with it. Its semantic range is narrow and precise, exclusively designating a member of the tribe of Zebulun.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2075}}` appears in various books of the Hebrew Bible, primarily in contexts that enumerate, describe, or highlight the roles of the tribes of Israel. Its occurrences consistently serve to identify individuals or groups by their tribal affiliation, underscoring the importance of tribal identity in ancient Israelite society.
* In [[Numbers 26:27]], during the second census of Israel in the wilderness, the "Zebulonites" are counted among the tribes, demonstrating the continued distinctiveness and organization of the tribal families.
* [[Judges 4:10]] and [[Judges 5:18]] depict the Zebulonites as active participants in the military efforts against Sisera, emphasizing their courage and commitment in times of national crisis. [[Judges 5:18]] specifically praises "Zebulun, a people who risked their lives even to death."
* [[Judges 12:11]] mentions Elon, a judge of Israel, as a "Zebulonite," indicating the tribe's contribution to the leadership of the nation during the period of the judges.
* [[1 Chronicles 12:33]] describes the men of Zebulun who came to David at Hebron to make him king, noting their significant number ("fifty thousand") and their military expertise ("expert in war with all weapons of war, arrayed for battle with a loyal heart"). This passage highlights their loyalty and martial prowess in the establishment of the Davidic monarchy.
The consistent use of `{{H2075}}` across these diverse contexts illustrates the enduring significance of tribal identity for land allocation, military service, and political allegiance within ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H2075}}` is enhanced by examining related terms and concepts:
* **`{{H2074}}` (Zᵉbûwlûn):** The eponymous ancestor and the name of the tribe itself. The tribal blessings in [[Genesis 49:13]] ("Zebulun shall dwell at the seashore; he shall be a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon") and [[Deuteronomy 33:18-19]] ("Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and Issachar, in your tents! They shall call peoples to the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall draw out the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand") provide insights into the tribe's anticipated geographical location, economic activities, and spiritual role.
* **`{{H7626}}` (Shevet):** The general Hebrew term for "tribe" or "rod," which contextualizes the "Zebulonite" within the broader tribal structure of Israel, a foundational element of its national identity.
* **Gentilic Nouns:** `{{H2075}}` belongs to a class of words (e.g., `{{H3064}}` - Yehûdîy, "Judean"; `{{H5216}}` - Naptālîy, "Naphtalite") that define individuals by their tribal or national origin. These terms are crucial for understanding the social, political, and religious organization of ancient Israel.
* **Land Inheritance:** The identity of a Zebulonite was inextricably linked to the land allotted to the tribe in Canaan, as detailed in [[Joshua 19:10-16]]. This territory, located in the northern region of Israel, was central to their collective identity and livelihood.
### Theological Significance
The existence and usage of the term `{{H2075}}` (Zebulonite) bear significant theological weight. It underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to the patriarchs, particularly concerning the multiplication of their descendants into a great nation, organized into twelve distinct tribes. Each tribe, including Zebulun, was integral to God's unfolding redemptive plan for Israel.
The portrayal of Zebulonites in military contexts (e.g., [[Judges 4:10]], [[1 Chronicles 12:33]]) highlights the tribe's active participation in God's battles for His people. This demonstrates a theological principle of corporate responsibility and divine enablement for the nation's defense and establishment in the Promised Land. Their willingness to "risk their lives" ([[Judges 5:18]]) exemplifies a spirit of devotion to the covenant and the Lord.
Furthermore, the prophetic blessings on Zebulun (e.g., [[Genesis 49:13]], [[Deuteronomy 33:18-19]]) speak to God's specific provisions and purposes for each tribal entity, even before their full manifestation. The identity of a Zebulonite thus carries the weight of these divine pronouncements and the expectation of their fulfillment.
In the New Testament, while `{{H2075}}` itself does not appear, the region of Zebulun (along with Naphtali) gains profound theological significance. [[Matthew 4:13-16]] explicitly links Jesus' ministry in Galilee to the prophecy in [[Isaiah 9:1-2]], stating that "the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali...Galilee of the Gentiles" would be the place where "the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light." This connection elevates the ancient tribal territory to a pivotal role in the dawning of the Messiah's redemptive work, giving the historical identity of the Zebulonite a deep eschatological and salvific resonance.
### Summary
The term `{{H2075}}` (Zᵉbûwlônîy) precisely identifies an individual as a member or descendant of the tribe of Zebulun. Derived from the tribal patriarch `{{H2074}}` (Zᵉbûwlûn), its usage in the Hebrew Bible consistently delineates tribal identity within contexts of census, military organization, and leadership. This gentilic noun is intrinsically linked to the broader concepts of Israelite tribal structure, land inheritance, and covenant fulfillment. Theologically, the `{{H2075}}` identity testifies to God's faithful preservation of His people, His specific purposes for each tribe, and their active participation in the divine drama of salvation history. Moreover, the prophetic connection of Zebulun's territory to the Messiah's ministry in the New Testament imbues this ancient tribal designation with enduring theological significance, highlighting its role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
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