זָבָד (za.vad)
za.vad
Zabad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zabad means "he endows" or "gift," appearing eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical records and historical narratives. It identifies several distinct individuals across the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, as well as during the post-exilic period under Ezra.
Among these bearers is a descendant of Judah listed in 1 Chronicles 2, connecting him to the royal line through Nathan. The name also marks a figure in 2 Chronicles 24 who conspired against King Joash, illustrating how personal identity intersects with political turmoil in ancient Israel.
Later, the name appears among those who returned from exile and took steps to separate from foreign wives, as recorded in Ezra 10. This usage highlights the community’s effort to maintain religious distinctiveness after the Babylonian captivity.
Though the individuals named Zabad are not central protagonists, their presence in Scripture underscores the importance of lineage and covenant faithfulness in biblical history. The name itself serves as a reminder that every person carries a story within God’s larger narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zabad carries the meaning of a gift or endowment from God. In Scripture, it appears in genealogies that trace the lineage of Judah and Benjamin, as well as in records of those who returned from exile. These brief mentions remind us that every individual has a place in God’s larger story, even if their names are listed simply among ancestors or community members.
When we read about Zabad in Ezra 10, we see a person committed to maintaining religious distinctiveness after the Babylonian captivity. This reflects a broader theme of faithfulness and covenant loyalty that resonates with believers today. It is encouraging to know that our own lives, however ordinary they may seem, are woven into the historical narrative of God’s people.
Whether listed in a family tree or noted as part of a community effort, these names affirm that God values each person. Your presence in the body of Christ is significant, just as Zabad’s presence in the biblical record matters. We can find comfort in knowing that our stories are known and cherished by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zabad5×
- and/ Zabad3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זָבָ֣ד2×
- זָבָֽד\׃1×
- זָבָ֗ד1×
- זָבָ֖ד1×
- וְ/זָבָד֙1×
- וְ/זָבָ֥ד1×
- וְ/זָבָ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:36
Attai became the father of Nathan, and Nathan became the father of Zabad,
This verse places Zabad in the lineage of Judah, connecting him to the royal line through Nathan.
-
II Chronicles 24:26
These are those who conspired against him: Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess.
Here Zabad is identified as a conspirator against King Joash, showing how personal identity intersects with political turmoil.
-
Ezra 10:27
Of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza.
Zabad is listed among those who returned from exile and took steps to separate from foreign wives, highlighting community faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Zabad mean?
Who are the different people named Zabad in the Bible?
Why is Zabad mentioned in Ezra 10?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
Attai became the father of Nathan, and Nathan became the father of Zabad,
I Chronicles 2:37and Zabad became the father of Ephlal, and Ephlal became the father of Obed,
I Chronicles 7:21Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they…
I Chronicles 11:41Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,