Lexical Summary Zebedaios: Zebedee Original Word: Ζεβεδαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zebedee. Of Hebrew origin (compare Zabdiy); Zebedaeus, an Israelite -- Zebedee. see HEBREW Zabdiy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Zebadyah Definition Zebedee, the father of the apostles James and John NASB Translation Zebedee (12). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2199: ΖεβεδαῖοςΖεβεδαῖος, Ζεβεδαίου, ὁ, Zebedee (זַבְדַי for זַבְדִּי (i. e. my gift), a form of the proper name which occurs a few times in the O. T., as 1 Chronicles 27:27 (the Sept. Ζαβδι), munificent (others for זְבַדְיָה gift of Jehovah); from זָבַד to give), a Jew, by occupation a fisherman, husband of Salome, father of the apostles James and John: Matthew 4:21; Matthew 10:2 (3); Topical Lexicon Name and Family Context Zebedee appears in the Gospels as the father of two prominent apostles, James and John (Matthew 10:2). His wife is most likely Salome, who followed Jesus to the cross and tomb (Matthew 27:56; compare Mark 15:40). The repeated designation “sons of Zebedee” preserves his memory as the patriarch of a household that became foundational to early Christian witness. Occupation and Status Zebedee worked the Sea of Galilee as an owner-operator of a fishing business. Simon Peter and Andrew also fished commercially, yet Mark notes that James and John left their father “in the boat with the hired men” (Mark 1:20). The presence of paid employees implies that Zebedee’s enterprise was successful enough to provide steady income and social standing in Capernaum or Bethsaida. The family partnership with Simon (Luke 5:10) shows a cooperative network typical of first-century Galilean fisheries, supplying salted or dried fish to local markets and possibly to the larger Decapolis region. Role in the Gospel Narratives 1. The call of James and John (Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19-20) highlights Zebedee’s pivotal moment: he watches his sons respond immediately to Jesus’ summons. Spiritual Significance of His Household Although Zebedee himself is never recorded as leaving his nets to follow Jesus, the spiritual fruit that emerged from his family is undeniable. James became the first apostolic martyr (Acts 12:2), and John lived to pen the Fourth Gospel, three epistles, and Revelation. The family demonstrates how God can transform an ordinary trade home into a launching pad for extraordinary ministry. Zebedee’s willingness to release his sons illustrates parental faith that places obedience to Christ above economic security or family continuity. Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Vocational Faithfulness: Zebedee models diligence in secular work, reminding believers that legitimate labor can coexist with vibrant spiritual legacy. Historical and Cultural Notes Galilean fishing required physical strength, teamwork, and knowledge of seasonal patterns. Boats were typically 26-30 feet long, accommodating oars, a mast, and several crew. Families like Zebedee’s would mend linen nets daily (Matthew 4:21) and operate under taxation from Herod Antipas. That economic pressure accentuates the radical nature of abandoning the business at Jesus’ call. Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 4:21; 10:2; 20:20; 26:37; 27:56 Mark 1:19; 1:20; 3:17; 10:35 These twelve references consistently frame Zebedee in relation to his sons, underscoring the biblical theme that a person’s greatest contribution may come through those he nurtures rather than through his own public deeds. Forms and Transliterations Ζεβεδαιον Ζεβεδαῖον Ζεβεδαιου Ζεβεδαίου ζέμα Zebedaion Zebedaîon Zebedaiou ZebedaíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 4:21 N-GMSGRK: τὸν τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου καὶ Ἰωάννην NAS: James the [son] of Zebedee, and John KJV: James [the son] of Zebedee, and John INT: the [son] of Zebedee and John Matthew 4:21 N-GMS Matthew 10:2 N-GMS Matthew 20:20 N-GMS Matthew 26:37 N-GMS Matthew 27:56 N-GMS Mark 1:19 N-GMS Mark 1:20 N-AMS Mark 3:17 N-GMS Mark 10:35 N-GMS Luke 5:10 N-GMS John 21:2 N-GMS Strong's Greek 2199 |
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