זַבּוּד
Zabbud, an Israelite
Definition
Zabbud is a proper name given to an Israelite man who returned from exile in Babylon with Ezra. The name means 'given' or 'endowed,' likely expressing gratitude for a child or a blessing from God. He is specifically listed among the 'sons of Bigvai' who accompanied Ezra on the journey to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:14). As a proper name, it does not have multiple senses or meanings, but its significance lies in its bearer's role in the post-exilic restoration community.
Biblical Usage
The name Zabbud is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezra 8:14. It appears in a list of male heads of families who returned with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem. This context is part of the historical record of the return from exile, specifically detailing the companions who made the perilous journey to rebuild the Jewish community in Judah.
Etymology
Zabbud (זַבּוּד) is a proper name derived from the Hebrew root זָבַד (zābad, H2064), meaning 'to give' or 'to endow.' It is explicitly noted as a form of the name Zabbud (זָבוּד, H2071), which carries the same meaning. The name is thus a participle meaning 'given,' reflecting a common naming convention where children were seen as gifts from God.
Semantic Range
While the name Zabbud itself is not theologically loaded, its meaning—'given'—connects to the broader biblical theme of God as the giver of all good gifts, including children and restoration. His inclusion in Ezra's company highlights God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and regathering His people after exile, a key act in salvation history. Understanding the name's meaning enriches the reading of Ezra 8 by personalizing the historical list, reminding us that each individual was a 'given' part of God's restored community.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, describing circumstances of birth, character, or divine action. A name like Zabbud ('given') likely indicated the parents' thankfulness for the child's birth, viewing him as a gift from God. This contrasts with modern naming, which often prioritizes sound or family tradition over literal meaning.
Zabbud (זָבוּד, H2071) — A variant spelling of the same name with identical meaning. Zebadiah (זְבַדְיָה, H2069) — A related name meaning 'Yahweh has given,' incorporating the divine name.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →