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זַבְדִּי (zav.di)

zav.di

Zabdi

H2067 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
6 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Zabdi, meaning "endowment" or "gift," appears in six verses across Joshua, Chronicles, and Nehemiah. It identifies several distinct men in Israel’s history, most notably as the grandfather of Achan in the tribe of Judah (Joshua 7:1). This connection places him at a pivotal moment when the community faced crisis due to hidden sin, highlighting how individual actions impacted the whole nation.

Later biblical records list other men with this name, including a Benjaminite descendant of Shimei and an official under King David who managed vineyard produce for wine cellars (1 Chronicles 27:27). The recurrence of the name suggests that receiving or giving gifts was valued within these families. Translators typically leave the name as Zabdi, preserving its original sound while letting the meaning of "gift" resonate in the background.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Zabdi carries the simple, beautiful meaning of "gift" or "endowment." While it appears in Scripture primarily as a genealogical marker, its presence reminds us that every person in God’s family is part of a larger story. In Joshua 7, Zabdi is identified as the grandfather of Achan, whose actions brought judgment upon Israel. This connection shows how deeply our lives are intertwined with those around us, and how even distant ancestors play a role in the unfolding of history.

Yet the name also appears among leaders who managed resources for God’s people, such as the official over vineyards in 1 Chronicles 27:27. This suggests that receiving gifts is not just about personal gain, but about stewardship and service. When we recognize our lives as gifts from God, we are invited to use them wisely for the good of others. The name Zabdi whispers a quiet truth: we are all recipients of grace, called to pass it on.

Whether listed in a genealogy or serving in a specific role, these men reflect the dignity of being known by God. Their stories encourage us to trust that our place in God’s plan is purposeful, even when it seems small or hidden. We can find comfort in knowing that every gift we receive is meant to bless others.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Zabdi5×
  • and/ Zabdi1×

Forms in the text

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

  • זַבְדִּ֨י2×
  • זַבְדִּֽי\׃1×
  • זַבְדִּ֛י1×
  • זַבְדִּ֖י1×
  • וְ/זַבְדִּֽי\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Joshua 7:1
    But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. Therefore Yahweh’s anger burned against the children of Israel.

    This verse identifies Zabdi as the grandfather of Achan, linking the name to a critical moment of covenant failure and divine judgment in Israel's history.

  • Nehemiah 11:17
    and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

    This occurrence connects Zabdi to Mattaniah, a leader in thanksgiving, highlighting the name's presence among those who facilitated worship and prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Zabdi mean?

The name Zabdi is Hebrew for "gift" or "endowment." It appears in several genealogies and lists of officials in the Old Testament, reflecting a value placed on receiving and stewarding blessings from God.

Who was Zabdi in the Bible?

Zabdi is not a single individual but a name shared by several men. Most notably, he was the grandfather of Achan (Joshua 7:1), and also an official over vineyards under King David (1 Chronicles 27:27). The name appears in various tribal contexts, including Judah and Benjamin.

Why is Zabdi mentioned in Joshua 7?

Zabdi is mentioned to establish the lineage of Achan, whose sin brought judgment on Israel. By tracing Achan’s ancestry back to Zabdi, the text emphasizes the seriousness of covenant faithfulness and the impact of individual actions on the community.

Is there a spiritual lesson from the name Zabdi?

The name reminds believers that life itself is a gift from God. It encourages stewardship, gratitude, and awareness of how our lives connect with others in God’s plan. Like those named Zabdi, we are called to manage what we have received for His glory.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)

Joshua 3 verses
Joshua 7:1

But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi,…

Joshua 7:17

He brought near the family of Judah, and he selected the family of the Zerahites. He brought near the family of the…

Joshua 7:18

He brought near his household man by man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe…

I Chronicles 2 verses
Nehemiah 1 verse