זְאֵב (ze.ev)
ze.ev
Zeeb
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The Hebrew name zə’ēv translates directly to "wolf." It appears only twice in the Bible, both times referring to a Midianite prince during the period of the Judges. In this context, the name serves as a descriptive title for Gideon’s enemy, highlighting the predatory nature of the opposing forces.
One occurrence identifies Zeeb himself, while the other names a geographical landmark: the winepress of Zeeb (Judges 7:25). This location marks where Gideon defeated Zeeb in battle. The vivid imagery of a prince being slain in a place used for pressing grapes underscores the suddenness and finality of his defeat.
Translators typically retain "Zeeb" as a proper name rather than substituting "Wolf," preserving the historical identity while acknowledging the literal meaning embedded in the Hebrew text. The brevity of its usage leaves little room for broader theological speculation, focusing instead on this specific historical confrontation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zeeb appears only twice in Scripture, serving as a sharp reminder that God’s power exceeds the most aggressive threats we face. In Judges 7:25, the text records the death of this Midianite prince at the winepress of Zeeb. This specific location marks the end of his reign and the beginning of Israel’s deliverance from oppression.
When Gideon later mentions Zeeb in Judges 8:3, he does not boast about his own strength. Instead, he credits God for delivering the princes into Israel’s hands. The name itself means 'wolf,' a creature known for its hunger and danger. Seeing such a formidable enemy defeated shows that no opposition stands against divine purpose.
This brief historical note invites us to trust when circumstances seem overwhelming. The sudden fall of a powerful leader reminds believers that God controls the outcome of conflicts, large and small. We can rest in the knowledge that justice prevails and help comes from the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zeeb4×
- and/ Zeeb1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זְאֵ֔ב2×
- זְאֵב֙1×
- זְאֵ֗ב1×
- וּ/זְאֵ֔ב1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 7:25
They took the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at Oreb’s rock, and Zeeb they killed at Zeeb’s wine press, as they pursued Midian. Then they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon beyond the Jordan.
This verse identifies the specific location where Zeeb was killed, linking his name to a permanent landmark that marks the end of Midianite dominance.
-
Judges 8:3
God has delivered into your hand the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb! What was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger was abated toward him when he had said that.
Gideon references Zeeb here not to boast, but to acknowledge God’s role in the victory, which immediately calms the tension between the tribes.