feminine from זָבַד; giving; Zebidah, an Israelitess; Zebudah.
Transliteration:Zᵉbîydâh
Pronunciation:zeb-ee-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma זְבִידָה (Zᵉbîydâh), transliterated as Zebidah or Zebudah, is a feminine proper noun. Its etymology traces back to the root זָבַד (zabad), which carries the core meaning of "to bestow," "to give," or "to endow." Therefore, זְבִידָה itself signifies "giving" or "gift." As a personal name, it likely reflects the hopes or circumstances surrounding the individual's birth, potentially acknowledging divine provision or the idea of the child as a divine endowment. The semantic range is thus confined to this specific meaning, functioning solely as an anthroponym within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name זְבִידָה (Zᵉbîydâh) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 23:36]]. In this solitary instance, Zebidah is identified as the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah and the mother of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. The verse reads: "Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah, from Rumah."
The context is purely genealogical, serving to establish the lineage of King Jehoiakim, who succeeded his brother Jehoahaz. While the biblical narrative extensively details Jehoiakim's wicked reign and his defiance against the Lord and the prophet Jeremiah, Zebidah herself is not described further. Her significance within the text is solely as the maternal link in the royal succession, highlighting the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping concerning the Davidic dynasty, even for figures whose personal actions are not elaborated upon. The inclusion of the mother's name was a common practice in the regnal formulas of the kings of Judah, providing an additional identifier and perhaps a link to the maternal family's influence or standing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root זָבַד (zabad), which is Strong's number `{{H2064}}`. This root means "to bestow," "to give," or "to endow." While זָבַד (zabad) itself appears infrequently in its verbal form (e.g., [[Genesis 30:20]] where Leah exclaims, "God has endowed me with a good endowment"), it is more commonly found as the basis for personal names.
Other names derived from this root include:
* זְבַדְיָה (Zebadyah), Strong's `{{H2067}}`, meaning "Yahweh has bestowed" or "gift of Yahweh." This name appears multiple times, notably for a son of Ishmael ([[1 Chronicles 12:5]]) and a Levite ([[2 Chronicles 17:8]]).
* זָבָד (Zabad), Strong's `{{H2066}}`, a masculine name also meaning "gift" or "endowment," belonging to several individuals in the Old Testament, including one of David's mighty men ([[1 Chronicles 11:41]]).
The concept of "giving" or "gift" is pervasive in biblical theology, encompassing divine provision (e.g., manna as a gift, the land as a gift), human offerings (sacrifices, tithes), and the ultimate gift of salvation. While Zebidah is a proper noun, its underlying meaning connects it to this broader theological theme of God as the ultimate giver of life and blessing, and the human response to such divine bestowal.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, Zebidah's theological significance is primarily indirect, tied to her role within the Davidic lineage during a critical period leading to the Babylonian exile. The name itself, "giving" or "gift," subtly points to the overarching biblical theme of divine sovereignty and God as the ultimate source of all good things. Even in the context of the reign of a wicked king like Jehoiakim, whose mother was Zebidah, the name serves as a quiet reminder of God's ongoing act of creation and provision.
Her inclusion in the biblical record, despite the brevity of her mention, underscores the meticulousness of the inspired text in tracing genealogies, which were crucial for establishing covenantal lines, particularly the promise concerning the Davidic dynasty. The name "Zebidah" could be seen as a testament to her parents' faith or hope at her birth, acknowledging God as the giver of life and blessing, regardless of the future moral failings of her offspring. It highlights that God's gifts are bestowed according to His sovereign will, yet human responsibility for choices remains paramount. In a broader sense, it reminds readers that every life is a "gift," and even seemingly minor figures contribute to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
Zebidah (זְבִידָה, `{{H2080}}`) is a feminine proper noun derived from the root זָבַד (zabad, `{{H2064}}`), meaning "giving" or "gift." She is mentioned only once in the Bible, in [[2 Kings 23:36]], as the mother of King Jehoiakim of Judah. Her significance lies in her role within the royal genealogy, connecting her to the Davidic line during a period of Israel's decline. The name itself, though applied to a person with no further narrative detail, subtly points to the theological concept of God as the ultimate giver of all things, including life and lineage, reflecting divine providence even amidst human waywardness. Her presence in the biblical record, however brief, underscores the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies and their importance in tracing God's covenantal purposes.
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