זֶ֫בֶד (ze.ved)
ze.ved
dowry
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zebad denotes a formal endowment or gift, appearing only once in the Old Testament within Genesis 30:20. In this specific context, Rachel attributes her new son, Issachar, to God’s "gift" (zebad) following the birth of Joseph and Dinah. The term emphasizes the tangible nature of the blessing, framing the child not merely as a biological outcome but as a bestowed endowment from the divine.
Lexical sources identify zebad closely with the concept of a dowry or a substantial present, highlighting its value and permanence. Unlike casual offerings, this word carries the weight of a significant transfer of worth. Its singular usage underscores the unique theological emphasis in Genesis on God’s direct intervention in family lineage, where children are viewed as precious gifts rather than mere social obligations.
Translators typically render zebad as "gift" or "endowment," capturing the sense of something given freely yet carrying substantial weight. The rarity of the word suggests it was reserved for moments of particular significance, marking Rachel’s joy and her perception of God’s generous provision in a narrative defined by rivalry and longing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word zebad appears only once in Scripture, found in Genesis 30:20. Leah speaks of God having endowed her with a good dowry after bearing her sixth son, Zebulun. This rare term highlights the tangible nature of divine blessing, framing children not as social obligations but as precious gifts from God.
When we face seasons of longing or comparison, this verse reminds us that our worth and family are rooted in God’s generous provision. It invites us to see our lives as a series of endowments rather than achievements. May you find peace in knowing that what matters most is freely given by the Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an endowment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זֵ֣בֶד1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 30:20
Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good dowry. Now my husband will live with me, because I have borne him six sons.” She named him Zebulun.
This verse uniquely uses zebad to describe Leah’s perception of God’s tangible blessing through her sixth son, Zebulun.