Ζεβεδαῖος (Zebedaios)

Zebedaios

Zebedee

G2199 · Greek · New Testament · 11 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 11 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The name Zebedaios, rendered as Zebedee in English Bibles, identifies the father of the apostles James and John. It appears eleven times across the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, consistently serving to distinguish these two disciples from other men with similar names.

Of Hebrew origin, the name means "my gift." In the narrative, Zebedee is portrayed as a working fisherman in Galilee who operates a boat with hired servants (Mark 1:20). His presence anchors the story of his sons’ calling, showing them leaving their family business to follow Jesus. The Gospel accounts mention him primarily to establish the social and familial context of these key followers.

While Zebedee himself does not speak or perform miracles in the text, his role highlights the immediate nature of the disciples' call. He is remembered as the parent of two prominent apostles, linking them to a specific household in Galilee. The name serves as a simple but essential identifier in the lists of Jesus’ inner circle.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Zebedee appears in the Gospels not as a central character, but as the anchor for two of Jesus’ most prominent followers: James and John. His presence in the narrative grounds their calling in real family life. When Jesus calls them, they leave their father and their trade, showing that following Him often requires leaving behind what is familiar and secure.

This detail reminds us that faith does not exist in a vacuum. It is lived out within families and communities. Zebedee’s role highlights the cost of discipleship—not because he was opposed to Jesus, but because his sons prioritized their new mission above their existing responsibilities. Their immediate departure signals a total commitment.

For believers today, this story invites reflection on what we might be leaving behind to follow Christ more closely. It is not about rejecting family, but about recognizing that our primary allegiance belongs to Jesus. This shift in priority can be challenging, yet it leads to a deeper participation in God’s work.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.

of Zebedee6×
of Zebedee,3×
Zebedee2×
of Zebedee.1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

Ζεβεδαίου7×
Ζεβεδαίου,3×
Ζεβεδαῖον1×
Ζεβεδαίου.¶1×

Key Verses

Mark 1:20
Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

This verse captures the decisive moment of calling, showing the sons leaving their father and hired servants behind to follow Jesus immediately.
Matthew 4:21
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.

Here Zebedee is seen mending nets with his sons, illustrating the ordinary, working-class context from which Jesus chose these disciples.
Mark 3:17
James the son of Zebedee; and John, the brother of James, (whom he called Boanerges, which means, Sons of Thunder);

Jesus gives James and John the nickname Boanerges, meaning 'Sons of Thunder,' linking their identity directly to their father’s lineage in a memorable way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Zebedee in the Bible?

Zebedee was the father of the apostles James and John. He was a fisherman in Galilee who worked with hired servants, as noted in Mark 1:20. While he does not speak in the Gospels, his presence helps identify his sons among Jesus’ followers.

Why is Zebedee mentioned so often?

He is mentioned to distinguish James and John from other disciples named James and John. By identifying them as 'the sons of Zebedee,' the Gospel writers clarify their family ties and social background, which was important for early readers.

Did Zebedee follow Jesus?

The Bible does not say that Zebedee himself followed Jesus. His sons left him in the boat to go with Christ (Mark 1:20). This suggests he remained behind, highlighting the immediate and total commitment required of his sons.

Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 4:21

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with…

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the…

Matthew 20:20

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him.

Matthew 26:37

He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.

Matthew 27:56

Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Mark 4 verses

Luke 1 verse

John 1 verse