Zebedee
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zebedee in the Bible?
The father of the apostles James and John, a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee, and the husband of Salome.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Zebedee's role as a fisherman and father of two key apostles provides context for the social background and familial ties of Jesus' inner circle in the Gospels.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zebedee reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zebedee in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zebedee 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
"Zebedee." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zebedee/