צְבֹיִים (tse.vo.im)
tse.vo.im
Zeboiim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name tsevo’im, meaning "gazelles," identifies one of the five cities situated in the Jordan Valley plain alongside Sodom and Gomorrah. Its occurrence is sparse, appearing only four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Genesis account of the regional conflict and briefly in Hosea.
The etymology connects the city to swift, graceful animals, a fitting image for a location described as well-watered and fertile before its destruction. This single descriptive detail anchors the place name in the natural landscape of the region, contrasting sharply with the later biblical narrative of its ruin.
While the text does not elaborate on the city’s internal life, the name itself serves as a brief geographical marker. It reminds readers that this was once a thriving settlement, now remembered only through its association with judgment and its evocative, animal-based title.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zeboiim means gazelles. It appears in Genesis as one of the cities in the Jordan Valley plain. These places were once fertile and well-watered. The name itself suggests grace and speed, fitting for a landscape that supported life before its destruction.
In Hosea, God uses Zeboiim as an example of judgment. Yet the context shows deep sorrow. He asks how He can give up His people. The reference to these cities highlights the pain of separation rather than just the punishment. It reminds us that even when consequences are real, God’s heart is moved by compassion.
This word connects a specific place to a broader story of grace and loss. It invites reflection on how history remembers both judgment and mercy. The gazelle-like name stands in contrast to the ruins, pointing to what was lost and what remains in memory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zeboiim2×
- like/ Zeboiim1×
- and/ Zeboiim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צְבוֹיִ֔ם2×
- כִּ/צְבֹאיִ֑ם1×
- וּ/צְבֹיִ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:2
they made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; and the king of Bela (also called Zoar).
This verse lists Zeboiim as a distinct kingdom ruled by Shemeber, showing it was an independent political entity involved in the regional conflict.
-
Hosea 11:8
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused.
Here God uses Zeboiim alongside Admah to express His internal struggle and compassion, questioning how He can hand over His people to a similar fate.
-
Genesis 10:19
The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim—to Lasha.
This verse places Zeboiim geographically within the border of the Canaanites, marking it as part of the established landscape before the narrative of judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zeboiim mean?
Why is Zeboiim mentioned in Hosea?
Where is Zeboiim located?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and…
Genesis 14:2they made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; and…
Genesis 14:8The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also called…