זֶבַח
Zebach, a Midianitish prince
Definition
Zebach is the name of a Midianite prince who, along with his co-ruler Zalmunna, led the Midianite forces against Israel during the time of the judges. He is a key antagonist in the narrative of Gideon's victory (Judges 8). After Gideon's initial military success, he pursued and ultimately captured Zebach and Zalmunna. The story culminates in Gideon executing them in retribution for their earlier murder of his brothers (Judges 8:18-21). The name itself means 'sacrifice,' which carries an ironic weight given his fate.
Biblical Usage
The name Zebach appears exclusively in the book of Judges, chapters 7 and 8, within the narrative of Gideon's campaign. It is used nine times, always referring to this specific Midianite leader. He is consistently paired with Zalmunna, presented as a dual ruler or military commander of the Midianite forces (e.g., Judges 8:5, Judges 8:12). The usage is purely as a proper noun for an individual.
Etymology
Zebach is identical to the common Hebrew noun זֶבַח (zebach, H2077), which means 'sacrifice' or 'slain offering.' It is derived from the root verb זָבַח (zavach), meaning 'to slaughter' or 'to sacrifice.' As a personal name, it was likely given with a religious or aspirational meaning, a practice common in the ancient Near East, though its application to this figure becomes grimly ironic.
Semantic Range
The story of Zebach highlights themes of divine justice and retribution within the cyclical narrative of the Book of Judges. His capture and execution by Gideon are portrayed as the completion of God's deliverance and a just punishment for violence against Gideon's family (Judges 8:18-19). Understanding his name ('sacrifice') adds a layer of providential irony, suggesting his defeat was a divinely ordained offering of justice. The narrative underscores that God uses flawed human agents, like Gideon, to accomplish His purposes of judgment and deliverance.
In the ancient Near East, names often carried significant meaning, sometimes related to deities or virtues. 'Zebach' (Sacrifice) may have been intended to invoke divine favor or signify devotion. As a Midianite prince, Zebach represents the nomadic tribal groups that frequently raided and oppressed settled Israelite communities during the period of the judges. His paired leadership with Zalmunna reflects a common pattern of dual military or tribal authority.
None applicable for a proper 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.
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