Zabbai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zabbai in the Bible?
Zabai appears in the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah as a man who had married a foreign wife and as the father of Baruch, potentially corresponding to the figures Jozabad or Zaccai in other textual traditions.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Zabai's role clarifies the historical context of the Ezra-Nehemiah reforms, illustrating the specific social tensions and legal measures taken to enforce endogamy among the returned exiles.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zabbai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zabbai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zabbai clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Zabbai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zabbai/