Original Word: זַבְדִּי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Zabdiy
Pronunciation: ZAB-dee
Phonetic Spelling: (zab-dee')
KJV: Zabdi
NASB: Zabdi
Word Origin: [from H2065 (זֶבֶד - gift)]

1. giving
2. Zabdi, the name of four &Š Israelites

Zabdi

From zebed; giving; Zabdi, the name of four &? Israelites -- Zabdi.

see HEBREW zebed

Word Origin
from zebed
Definition
"gift," four Isr.
NASB Translation
Zabdi (6).

זַבְדִּי proper name, masculine (compare Arabic gift;? gift of ׳י, see Dr^{Stud. Bib. i. 5 & references}; perhaps my gift, gift to me: compare זַבְדִּיאֵל; in Late Hebrew proper name זבדי (זַבְדִּי or זַבְדַּי?); NT Ζεβεδαῖος, e.g. Mark 1:19, ᵑ6 , Zebedee) —

1 grandfather of Achan, of Judah (ᵐ5 Ζαμβρ(ε)ι etc., ᵐ5^L Ζαβδ(ε)ι) Joshua 7:1 (app. = זִמְרִי 1 Chronicles 2:6, ᵐ5 Ζαμβρ(ε)ι) 1 Chronicles 2:17; 1 Chronicles 2:18.

2 a Benjamite 1 Chronicles 8:19.

3 an officer of David 1 Chronicles 27:27.

4 a Levite Nehemiah 11:17 (omitted by B; A Ζεχρι, ᵐ5^L Ζεχρει) probably read זִכְרִי, as "" 1 Chronicles 9:15.

Name Significance

Zabdi carries the idea of “a gift” or “endowment” from the LORD, highlighting divine generosity toward His covenant people. Each bearer of the name stands as a reminder that the lives, skills, and vocations of God’s servants are entrusted gifts to be stewarded for His glory.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Judahite lineage in the time of Joshua (Joshua 7:1, 17-18). Zabdi is grandfather to Achan, whose hidden sin brought defeat upon Israel at Ai. “But the Israelites were unfaithful regarding the things devoted to destruction… Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites” (Joshua 7:1). Though innocent of Achan’s act, Zabdi’s name becomes linked to the covenant principle that concealed transgression by even one member jeopardizes the whole community.
2. Benjaminite family head (1 Chronicles 8:19). Here Zabdi appears among sons of Shaharaim, contributing to the chronicler’s effort to trace post-exilic identity back to pre-kingdom roots.
3. Royal viticulturist in David’s administration (1 Chronicles 27:27). “Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards, and Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars.” The verse showcases administrative breadth under David and hints at the technical competence entrusted to Zabdi—a reminder that kingdom service encompasses skilled labor as well as priestly or military roles.
4. Levitical worship leader in post-exilic Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:17). “Mattaniah son of Mika, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led thanksgiving and prayer…” Thus Zabdi stands in the musical heritage of Asaph, underscoring continuity of praise from the monarchy through restoration.

Historical Threads and Ministry Significance

Covenant Solidarity. The Judahite Zabdi’s place in Achan’s genealogy illustrates corporate responsibility: sin in the camp compromises national blessing. Yet subsequent occurrences reveal how God continues to raise up men named Zabdi to strengthen His people, proving that grace surpasses past failures.

Vocational Diversity. From viticulture to liturgical leadership, bearers of the name serve in varied capacities. Scripture elevates all lawful callings—administrative, agricultural, artistic—as spheres for honoring God. Zabdi the Shiphmite affirms that excellence in practical tasks supports the advance of the kingdom.

Inter-Tribal Unity. Appearances among Judah, Benjamin, and Levi display the interwoven fabric of Israel. Whether through chronicled genealogies or restored worship, Zabdi figures help bind tribes together in covenant purpose, prefiguring the New Testament church’s unity across backgrounds.

Generational Faithfulness. The Nehemiah reference situates Zabdi within Asaph’s line, where musical worship traditions are transmitted across centuries. This exemplifies the duty to preserve doctrinally sound praise and pass it on to rising generations.

Practical Application

• Steward every talent—manual, managerial, or musical—as a gift from the LORD.
• Guard personal holiness; hidden compromise can hinder corporate mission.
• Affirm the value of detail-oriented labor in God’s economy; vineyard oversight mattered as much as battlefield valor.
• Cultivate generational discipleship, ensuring that worship and thanksgiving continue unbroken.

Concluding Reflection

Across conquest, monarchy, exile, and restoration, Zabdi names mark pivotal moments when God preserved and purified His people. Each occurrence encourages believers today to value covenant fidelity, vocational diligence, and enduring worship, confident that every good gift indeed “comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

וְזַבְדִּֽי׃ וזבדי׃ זַבְדִּ֖י זַבְדִּ֛י זַבְדִּ֨י זַבְדִּֽי׃ זבדי זבדי׃ vezavDi wə·zaḇ·dî wəzaḇdî zaḇ·dî zaḇdî zavDiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts