זָבוּד
given, Zabud, an Israelite
Definition
Zabud (זָבוּד) is a proper noun referring to a specific Israelite individual in the Old Testament. The name itself means 'given' or 'bestowed,' functioning as a personal name. Its sole biblical occurrence is in 1 Kings 4:5, where Zabud is identified as a priest, a personal advisor to King Solomon, and the son of Nathan. The text highlights his dual role as both a religious figure and a close, trusted confidant of the king.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively as a personal name. It appears in the administrative and court context of Solomon's reign, specifically in the list of his high officials in 1 Kings 4:5. The verse states: 'and Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and the king's friend.' This singular usage denotes a person holding significant political and religious influence.
Etymology
Zabud is derived from the Hebrew root זָבַד (zāḇad, H2064), which means 'to give' or 'to bestow.' It is a passive participle form, literally meaning 'given' or 'bestowed.' This root is also seen in names like Zebadiah ('Yahweh has bestowed'). The name reflects a common Hebrew naming convention where children are seen as gifts from God.
Semantic Range
While primarily a name, Zabud's role embodies the ideal integration of spiritual and civic leadership in Israel's theocratic monarchy. As both 'priest' and the 'king's friend,' he represents a divinely sanctioned counselor, ensuring God's law and wisdom informed royal decisions. His position underscores the biblical model where godly counsel is essential for righteous governance, as seen in Proverbs and the roles of prophets like Nathan.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. 'Zabud' ('given') likely expressed parental gratitude for the child's birth, viewing him as a gift from God. His official title, 'the king's friend,' was a specific court position denoting a trusted, intimate advisor with direct access to the monarch, similar to a chief counselor or confidant, which carried immense political weight.
Nathan (Nāṯān, H5416) — A proper name meaning 'he has given,' sharing the thematic concept of a divine gift, though not a direct synonym. Yahab (yāhab, H3051) — A verb meaning 'to give,' representing the core action from which the name's concept is derived.
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.
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