Lexical Summary Zaboulón: Zebulun Original Word: Ζαβουλών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ZebulunOf Hebrew origin (Zbuwluwn); Zabulon (i.e. Zebulon), a region of Palestine -- Zabulon. see HEBREW Zbuwluwn NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Zebulun Definition Zebulun, a son of Jacob and one of the Isr. tribes NASB Translation Zebulun (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2194: ΖαβουλώνΖαβουλών, ὁ, indeclinable (זֲבֻלון (but on the Hebrew form see B. D.) habitation, dwelling, Genesis 30:20), Vulg.Zabulon; Zebulun, the tenth son of Jacob; by metonymy, the tribe of Zebulun: Matthew 4:13, 15; Revelation 7:8. Topical Lexicon Biblical Background of ZebulunZebulun is the sixth son of Leah and the tenth of Jacob’s twelve sons (Genesis 30:19-20). His descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel and are regularly listed among the tribes in both historical and prophetic passages. The Greek form Ζαβουλών (Strong’s 2194) preserves this heritage in the New Testament. Territorial Allotment and Historical Setting After the conquest, Joshua assigned Zebulun a portion of lower Galilee bounded by Naphtali to the north and Issachar to the south (Joshua 19:10-16). The land lay near major north–south trade routes and stretched toward the Mediterranean, providing access to maritime commerce. Because of this strategic location, Zebulun frequently interacted with Gentile populations—background that helps explain the prophetic label “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Matthew 4:15). Prophetic Blessings and Expectations Jacob foretold, “Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a haven for ships; his border will extend toward Sidon” (Genesis 49:13). Moses later blessed the tribe: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys… for they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the treasures hidden in the sand” (Deuteronomy 33:18-19). These pronouncements highlight commercial prosperity and missionary outreach—calling “the peoples to a mountain” for worship—foreshadowing the tribe’s role in bringing light to the nations. Role in Israel’s National Story During the period of the Judges, Zebulun answered Deborah’s call, rallying to Barak’s side against Sisera (Judges 4:6-10). In the united-monarchy era the tribe provided seasoned warriors for David at Hebron, described as “experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon” (1 Chronicles 12:33). These vignettes confirm a tradition of courageous loyalty to covenant leadership. Messianic Fulfillment in the Gospel of Matthew Matthew twice names Ζαβουλών when recording Jesus’ move from Nazareth to Capernaum: “Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah” (Matthew 4:13-14). By anchoring the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-2 in real geography, the evangelist underscores that the promised “great light” dawned first upon the historically marginalized tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. Christ’s Galilean ministry thus validated the enduring trustworthiness of Old Testament prophecy and revealed God’s heart for those dwelling “in the shadow of death.” Eschatological Promise in Revelation Revelation 7:8 includes Ζαβουλών among the sealed: “twelve thousand from the tribe of Zebulun.” This future scene affirms that, despite centuries of dispersion, God preserves a faithful remnant from every tribe. Zebulun’s presence among the 144,000 testifies to divine fidelity and anticipates Israel’s ultimate restoration. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Fulfilled Prophecy: The explicit mention of Zebulun in Matthew 4 confirms that God orchestrates history with precision, fulfilling promises made across millennia. Lessons for Today’s Church • Geographic or social obscurity does not limit divine calling; the “least” may become first in God’s redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations Ζαβουλων Ζαβουλὼν Zaboulon Zaboulōn ZaboulṑnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 4:13 NGRK: ἐν ὁρίοις Ζαβουλὼν καὶ Νεφθαλίμ NAS: in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. KJV: the borders of Zabulon and INT: in [the] region of Zebulun and Naphtali Matthew 4:15 N Revelation 7:8 N |
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