Zavan
LocationsGeographical Setting
Zavan is a settlement identified in the genealogical records of the returning exiles in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
What is the meaning of Zavan in the Bible?
Zavan is a place mentioned in Ezra 2:59 and Nehemiah 7:61, where some of the Israelites returned from exile. It is likely a variant spelling or a different name for the same location.
SIGNIFICANCE
The mention of Zavan in these biblical texts highlights the complexity of the post-exilic Jewish community's return to Jerusalem and the various locations they settled in.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Zavan held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zavan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zavan clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 2:59Nehemiah 7:61
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
"Zavan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zavan/