### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Zabbay**, represented by `{{H2079}}`, identifies an Israelite figure from the post-exilic period. The name is believed to be an orthographical error for **Zaccai** `{{H2140}}`. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, placing it within the narratives of community restoration in Ezra and Nehemiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical record, `{{H2079}}` appears in two distinct contexts related to the rebuilding of the nation of Israel. In Nehemiah, his son Baruch is noted for his zealous work on the wall of Jerusalem, as he "earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest" [[Nehemiah 3:20]]. In Ezra, Zabbai is listed among the sons of Bebai who were part of the community during the time of covenant renewal. The text in [[Ezra 10:28]] explicitly connects this name to Zaccai `{{H2140}}`, reinforcing the likelihood of a scribal variant.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify Zabbai's identity and context:
* `{{H2140}}` **Zaccai**: This name means "pure" and identifies another Israelite. The definition of **Zabbay** suggests it is an error for **Zaccai**, a link that is textually supported in the list of the sons of Bebai [[Ezra 10:28]].
* `{{H1263}}` **Baruch**: Meaning "blessed," this is the name of Zabbai's son. He is distinguished by his earnest effort in repairing the wall of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:20]].
* `{{H893}}` **Bebai**: Zabbai is listed as one of the sons of **Bebai**, a family line mentioned among those who returned from exile and were involved in the events of Ezra's time [[Ezra 10:28]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2079}}` is rooted in its association with the crucial period of Israel's restoration after the Babylonian exile.
* **Commitment to Restoration:** Zabbai is primarily known through his son, Baruch, whose work on the wall was done "earnestly" `{{H2734}}`, a term that indicates heat or blazing anger and zeal. This highlights a passionate commitment to rebuilding Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:20]].
* **Covenant Accountability:** His inclusion in the list of the "sons of Bebai" places him within the community that was called to account for its faithfulness to God's law under Ezra's leadership [[Ezra 10:28]].
* **Genealogical Identity:** The name, whether as Zabbai or the closely related Zaccai, serves as a marker of family lineage, which was of vital importance for establishing identity and inheritance for those who had returned to the land.
### Summary
In summary, **Zabbay** `{{H2079}}` is a name tied directly to the themes of rebuilding and covenant renewal in post-exilic Israel. Though mentioned only twice, his presence in the genealogies of Ezra and Nehemiah connects him to a family that was zealous in restoring the physical walls of Jerusalem and participating in the spiritual purification of the community. His story illustrates the importance of individual and family contributions to the larger work of national restoration.
TRV