probably by orthographical error for זַכַּי; Zabbai (or Zaccai), an Israelite; Zabbai.
Transliteration:Zabbay
Pronunciation:zab-bah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זַבַּי (Zabbay, `{{H2079}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name, appearing only once in the biblical text. The Strong's definition explicitly notes that it is "probably by orthographical error for זַכַּי" (Zaccai, `{{H2140}}`). This suggested emendation is crucial for understanding its potential meaning.
If זַבַּי is indeed an error for זַכַּי, its semantic range derives from the Hebrew root זָכָה (zakhah), which means "to be pure," "to be clean," "to be innocent," or "to be justified." Therefore, זַכַּי (Zaccai) would mean "pure," "innocent," or "just."
Without this proposed correction, the root for זַבַּי (זָבַב) is less clearly attested in Hebrew in a positive sense for a personal name, often relating to "flowing" or "gushing," sometimes in a negative context (e.g., זָב - zav, a discharge or flow). However, given the explicit note in the lexicography, the connection to זַכַּי and its meaning of "pure" is the most academically sound interpretation for this proper noun.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name זַבַּי (Zabbay, `{{H2079}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in a single instance:
* [[Ezra 10:28]]: "Of the sons of Bebai, Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, [and] Athlai."
This verse is part of a larger list in Ezra 10 detailing the men who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period and were required to put them away as part of Ezra's reforms. The context is one of covenant renewal and purification of the community after the return from Babylonian exile. Zabbai is identified as one of the "sons of Bebai," indicating his lineage within a family group mentioned in other post-exilic records (e.g., [[Ezra 2:11]], [[Nehemiah 7:16]]).
The significance of Zabbai's inclusion in this list is not found in any specific action attributed to him beyond his participation in the collective transgression and subsequent repentance. His presence underscores the widespread nature of the issue of intermarriage and the communal effort required to restore fidelity to the Mosaic Law. The act of putting away foreign wives was a critical step in re-establishing the distinct identity and purity of the Israelite community before God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to זַבַּי (Zabbay, `{{H2079}}`) is זַכַּי (Zaccai, `{{H2140}}`). As noted, זַבַּי is likely an orthographical variant or error for זַכַּי.
* **זַכַּי (Zaccai, `{{H2140}}`)**: This name also appears in the post-exilic lists ([[Ezra 2:9]], [[Nehemiah 7:14]]) as the head of a family, meaning "pure" or "innocent." The shared context of the return from exile and the emphasis on communal purity strengthens the proposed connection between the two names.
* **Root זָכָה (zakhah)**: This verbal root is the foundation for זַכַּי, meaning "to be clean," "to be pure," "to be innocent," or "to be justified." It is used in contexts of ritual purity ([[Leviticus 15:31]]), moral purity ([[Job 15:15]]), and divine judgment ([[Psalm 51:4]]).
* **Concepts:** The overarching concepts related to זַבַּי (via זַכַּי) and its biblical context include:
* **Purity (טוֹהֳרָה, *tohorah*):** Central to Israelite worship and covenant relationship, signifying separation from defilement.
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, *qodesh*):** God's intrinsic nature, to which His people are called to conform.
* **Repentance (תְּשׁוּבָה, *teshuvah*):** The turning away from sin and back to God, exemplified by the actions in Ezra 10.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** The adherence to the terms of the covenant between God and Israel, which intermarriage threatened.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, the theological significance of זַבַּי (Zabbay, `{{H2079}}`) is primarily derived from its probable etymology and the specific biblical context in which it appears.
1. **Thematic Resonance of Purity:** If Zabbay indeed means "pure" or "innocent" (via Zaccai), his inclusion in the list of those who had taken foreign wives in [[Ezra 10:28]] carries a profound theological irony and hope. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin (defilement through intermarriage) even among those whose names might signify purity. More importantly, it underscores the divine imperative for purity within the covenant community. The act of putting away foreign wives was not merely a social reform but a theological necessity for the restoration of Israel's holiness and distinct identity as God's chosen people. The name itself, therefore, subtly points to the desired state of the community: a pure people belonging to a holy God.
2. **Repentance and Restoration:** The narrative in Ezra 10 is a powerful testament to repentance and God's willingness to restore His people. Zabbai, along with others, participated in a communal act of confession and separation from sin. His presence on this list, especially if his name implies "purity," can be seen as a prophetic echo of the outcome of true repentance: a return to a state of purity and right standing before God. It illustrates that even those who fall short can be cleansed and reintegrated into the covenant through obedience and a renewed commitment to God's commands.
3. **Divine Purpose in Naming:** While human parents bestow names, biblical proper nouns often carry a deeper, divinely inspired significance. The potential meaning "pure" for an individual involved in a purification movement during a critical juncture in Israel's history might suggest a divine hand at work, either in the naming itself or in the providential inclusion of such a name in a text emphasizing purity. It speaks to God's enduring desire for a sanctified people, reflecting His own character.
### Summary
זַבַּי (Zabbay, `{{H2079}}`) is a personal name appearing once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Ezra 10:28]]. Lexicographical consensus suggests it is an orthographical error for זַכַּי (Zaccai, `{{H2140}}`), meaning "pure," "innocent," or "just," derived from the root זָכָה (to be pure). Zabbai is listed among the men who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period and subsequently put them away as part of Ezra's reforms to restore the purity and fidelity of the Israelite community to the Mosaic covenant. The name's probable meaning "pure" carries significant theological weight in this context, underscoring the themes of defilement and the imperative for purity within the covenant. It also highlights the transformative power of repentance and God's work of cleansing and restoring His people to a state of holiness and right relationship with Him.
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