Back to Search

Zebadiah

People

What is the meaning of Zebadiah in the Bible?

The name Zebadiah identifies several distinct figures in biblical texts, including a Levite doorkeeper, a judge and military officer during the reign of King Asa, a leader who returned from Babylonian exile with Ezra, and an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing that Zebadiah refers to multiple individuals across different historical periods and social roles helps readers accurately trace genealogies, understand the administrative structure of the Judean monarchy, and follow the narrative of the post-exilic community's restoration.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zebadiah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Zebadiah in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Zebadiah 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

"Zebadiah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zebadiah/
Report Error