זַבְדִּיאֵל (zav.di.el)
zav.di.el
Zabdiel
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 name Zabdiel, meaning "God is my endowment" or "my gift is God," appears only twice in Scripture, linking two distinct eras of Israel’s history. In 1 Chronicles 27:2, it identifies the father of Jashobeam, a commander in King David’s military guard during the United Monarchy.
Centuries later, the name resurfaces in Nehemiah 11:14 among those who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. Here, Zabdiel is listed as a son of Haggedolim and serves as a priest. The recurrence of this rare name suggests a family lineage that maintained its identity and religious role through the turbulent transition from monarchy to exile and return.
Though brief, these mentions highlight how names in biblical genealogies often carry theological weight, affirming that even in times of political change, God remains the source of all gifts and protection for His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zabdiel carries a quiet but powerful promise: "God is my endowment." In a world that often measures worth by accumulation or status, this name reminds us that our truest treasures come from the Creator. It suggests a life anchored in gratitude, recognizing that every blessing—whether strength, provision, or purpose—is a gift held loosely in open hands.
Though mentioned only twice, Zabdiel’s story bridges two eras of Israel’s history. In 1 Chronicles, he is the father of a military commander during King David’s reign, a time of national stability. Centuries later, his descendant serves as a priest overseeing returnees rebuilding Jerusalem in Nehemiah 11:14. This lineage shows how faithfulness can endure through political collapse and exile, preserving identity when everything else changes.
For you, this name invites reflection on what you consider your greatest gifts. Are they sources of pride or tools for service? Zabdiel’s legacy encourages us to view our lives as entrusted resources, meant to honor God whether in times of peace or reconstruction. His family’s continuity reminds us that God preserves those who remain faithful across generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zabdiel2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זַבְדִּיאֵ֖ל1×
- זַבְדִּיאֵ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 27:2
Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel. In his division were twenty-four thousand.
This verse places Zabdiel in the United Monarchy, linking his family to the military structure of David’s reign and establishing their early role in Israel’s national defense.
-
Nehemiah 11:14
and their brothers, mighty men of valor, one hundred twenty-eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim.
Here, a descendant named Zabdiel serves as an overseer among returning exiles, showing how the family maintained priestly responsibility and identity after the Babylonian captivity.