Original Word: צְרוּעָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine
Transliteration: Tsruw`ah
Pronunciation: tse-roo-AH
Phonetic Spelling: (tser-oo-aw')
KJV: Zeruah
NASB: Zeruah
Word Origin: [feminine passive participle of H6879 (צָּרַע - leper)]

1. leprous
2. Tseruah, an Israelitess

Zeruah

Feminine passive participle of tsara'; leprous; Tseruah, an Israelitess -- Zeruah.

see HEBREW tsara'

Word Origin
from the same as tsaraath
Definition
mother of Jeroboam
NASB Translation
Zeruah (1).

צְרוּעָה noun feminine mother of Jeroboam 1 Kings 11:26, ᵐ5^A Σαρουα.

Name Overview

Zeruah is identified in Scripture as the widow mother of Jeroboam son of Nebat, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the united monarchy divided. Her single appearance is in the narrative that sets the stage for Jeroboam’s rise and the judgment that would eventually fall upon the house of Solomon.

Biblical Setting

“Now Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephraimite from Zeredah, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, rebelled against Solomon” (1 Kings 11:26).

Although only one line mentions her, that line is strategically placed: immediately before the prophet Ahijah’s dramatic prophecy of the divided kingdom (1 Kings 11:29-39). Zeruah therefore stands at a literary crossroads between the glory of Solomon’s reign and the fracture that followed.

Historical Significance

1. A Widow in Israel. By describing Zeruah as a widow, the text invites readers to consider Jeroboam’s formative years. Without a father’s presence, he likely shouldered responsibilities early, developing administrative skill while still in Ephraim.
2. Maternal Influence. Ancient Near Eastern genealogies often highlight mothers when their role shapes future events (e.g., Jochebed, Hannah). The Chronicler later notes that Jeroboam “appointed priests for the high places” (2 Chronicles 11:15); the earlier reference to his mother subtly frames how family environment can precede national apostasy.
3. Political Undercurrents. Zeruah’s Ephraimite lineage connects her son to long-standing tribal tensions with Judah (Judges 8:1; 2 Samuel 19:41-43). Jeroboam’s eventual revolt therefore sprang not merely from personal ambition but from a backdrop of tribal grievances felt keenly in his mother’s district of Zeredah.

The Spiritual Climate of Zeruah’s Day

Solomon’s later reign was marked by heavy taxation and the accommodation of foreign cults (1 Kings 11:1-8). A widow living under such conditions would have experienced economic pressure and spiritual confusion, yet the Law provided specific protections for widows (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-21). Zeruah’s status thus contrasts covenant ideals with royal policy, foreshadowing the prophetic critique that Jeroboam himself would later ignore.

Implications for Covenant Theology

The single mention of Zeruah reminds readers that covenant history often turns on seemingly minor characters. Her son fulfilled the divine word concerning Solomon’s kingdom (1 Kings 11:11-13). Yet Jeroboam’s subsequent sins brought judgment on Israel (1 Kings 14:15-16). The narrative upholds the consistency of God’s promises: mercy to David’s line and justice toward rebellion, demonstrating that family backgrounds neither guarantee faithfulness nor preclude divine purpose.

Lessons for Ministry

• God Sees the Hidden. A lone widow in Ephraim is recorded in the sacred text, encouraging ministries to value overlooked individuals.
• Parental Responsibility and Limitation. Zeruah’s influence mattered, yet her son’s choices were his own; faithful upbringing does not override personal accountability.
• Watchfulness Over Ambition. Social disadvantage can sharpen skills and create leaders, but without surrender to the Lord, giftedness may usher in idolatry rather than blessing.
• Compassion for Widows. From the Law through the Prophets to James 1:27, Scripture calls God’s people to practical care, echoing what Zeruah herself would have needed.

Related Passages

1 Kings 11:26-40 (the rise of Jeroboam)

1 Kings 12:1-33 (the division of the kingdom and golden calves)

1 Kings 14:1-20 (prophecy against Jeroboam’s house)

2 Chronicles 10; 11:13-17; 13:1-20 (parallel history)

צְרוּעָה֙ צרועה ṣə·rū·‘āh ṣərū‘āh tzeruAhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts