זְבַדְיָהוּ (ze.vad.yah)
ze.vad.yah
Zebadiah
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 Zebadiah, meaning "gift of Jehovah," appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is not the name of a central narrative figure but rather a marker of lineage, identifying several distinct individuals across different eras of Israel’s history.
These bearers of the name span various social roles: a Benjamite ancestor from the wilderness period, warriors serving under King David, priests returning from exile with Ezra, and Levites or princes during the reign of Jehoshaphat. The repetition highlights how this theological name was common among faithful families who viewed their existence as a divine endowment.
By appearing in lists of returnees and temple servants, the name underscores the continuity of Israel’s worship community. Even when individual stories are absent, the presence of Zebadiah in these records affirms the value placed on preserving tribal and priestly identities during periods of restoration and rebuilding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zebadiah carries the meaning 'gift of Jehovah,' a title that appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible. It is not attached to a single famous hero, but rather marks several distinct individuals across Israel’s history. From warriors serving King David to priests returning from exile, these men represent faithful families who saw their lives as divine endowments.
Seeing this name repeated in genealogical records reminds us that God values every member of His community. Whether listed among tribal ancestors or temple servants, each Zebadiah contributed to the continuity of Israel’s worship. Their presence affirms that preserving identity and faithfulness matters deeply to God, even when individual stories are not fully told.
This pattern offers comfort today. Your place in God’s family is secure, regardless of whether your role is visible or hidden. Like those ancient bearers of the name, you are a gift to the community of faith, valued for your unique contribution to the whole.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Zebadiah6×
- Zebadiah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/זְבַדְיָ֥ה3×
- זְבַדְיָ֙הוּ֙1×
- זְבַדְיָ֖ה1×
- וּ/זְבַדְיָֽה\׃\ \ס1×
- וּ/זְבַדְיָ֨הוּ1×
- וּ/זְבַדְיָ֡הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:15
Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,
This verse lists Zebadiah as a Benjamite ancestor, establishing the name's early tribal roots during the wilderness period.
-
II Chronicles 17:8
and with them Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
Here Zebadiah is among the Levites sent by King Jehoshaphat to teach the law, showing his role in spiritual instruction rather than combat.
-
Ezra 8:8
Of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael; and with him eighty males.
This occurrence identifies Zebadiah as a son of Shephatiah returning from exile with eighty males, highlighting his part in the post-exilic restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Zebadiah mean?
Who are the different people named Zebadiah in the Bible?
Why is Zebadiah mentioned so often in genealogies?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,
I Chronicles 8:17Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,
I Chronicles 26:2Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,
I Chronicles 27:7The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him. In his division…