Zabdiel
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zabdiel in the Bible?
The name Zabdiel appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to the father of Jashobeam, a leader of the Davidic army, and to a priestly overseer during the post-exilic period; additionally, 1 Maccabees identifies an Arabian named Zabdiel who assassinated the Seleucid king Alexander Balas.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between these separate figures clarifies the historical timeline of the Davidic monarchy, the restoration of the priesthood, and the political intrigues of the Hellenistic period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zabdiel reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zabdiel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zabdiel clarify?
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
"Zabdiel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zabdiel/