2199. Zebedaios
Lexical Summary
Zebedaios: Zebedee

Original Word: Ζεβεδαῖος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Zebedaios
Pronunciation: ze-bay-DYE-os
Phonetic Spelling: (dzeb-ed-ah'-yos)
KJV: Zebedee
NASB: Zebedee
Word Origin: [of Hebrew origin]

1. Zebedaeus, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Zebedee.

Of Hebrew origin (compare Zabdiy); Zebedaeus, an Israelite -- Zebedee.

see HEBREW Zabdiy

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of Hebrew origin Zebadyah
Definition
Zebedee, the father of the apostles James and John
NASB Translation
Zebedee (12).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2199: Ζεβεδαῖος

Ζεβεδαῖος, Ζεβεδαίου, , 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); ; Mark 1:19; Mark 3:17; Mark 10:35; Luke 5:10; John 21:2.

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.
2. His wife later approaches Jesus to request places of honor for the boys (Matthew 20:20). That conversation, prompted by maternal ambition, indirectly reflects the family’s ongoing concern for its sons’ future.
3. The title “Boanerges” (“Sons of Thunder,” Mark 3:17) links back to the temperament fostered in Zebedee’s household—energetic, outspoken, and capable of decisive action in the kingdom of God.

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.
• Generational Impact: A parent’s quiet support may shape world-changing ministry, even if one’s own name fades into the background.
• Surrender of Control: Allowing God to redirect children’s lives—even through financial loss—can advance the gospel far beyond the immediate household.

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

Luke 5:10

John 21:2

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 Zebedaíou
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 4:21 N-GMS
GRK: 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
GRK: πλοίῳ μετὰ Ζεβεδαίου τοῦ πατρὸς
NAS: in the boat with Zebedee their father,
KJV: a ship with Zebedee their father,
INT: boat with Zebedee the father

Matthew 10:2 N-GMS
GRK: ὁ τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου καὶ Ἰωάννης
NAS: and James the son of Zebedee, and John
KJV: James [the son] of Zebedee, and John
INT: the [son] of Zebedee and John

Matthew 20:20 N-GMS
GRK: τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου μετὰ τῶν
NAS: of the sons of Zebedee came
KJV: the mother of Zebedee's children
INT: of the sons of Zebedee with the

Matthew 26:37 N-GMS
GRK: δύο υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου ἤρξατο λυπεῖσθαι
NAS: sons of Zebedee, and began
KJV: sons of Zebedee, and began
INT: two sons of Zebedee he began to be sorrowful

Matthew 27:56 N-GMS
GRK: τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου
NAS: and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
KJV: and the mother of Zebedee's children.
INT: of the sons of Zebedee

Mark 1:19 N-GMS
GRK: 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

Mark 1:20 N-AMS
GRK: πατέρα αὐτῶν Ζεβεδαῖον ἐν τῷ
NAS: their father Zebedee in the boat
KJV: their father Zebedee in the ship
INT: father of them Zebedee in the

Mark 3:17 N-GMS
GRK: τὸν τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου καὶ Ἰωάννην
NAS: and James, the [son] of Zebedee, and John
KJV: James the [son] of Zebedee, and John
INT: the [son] of Zebedee and John

Mark 10:35 N-GMS
GRK: δύο υἱοὶ Ζεβεδαίου λέγοντες αὐτῷ
NAS: sons of Zebedee, came
KJV: the sons of Zebedee, come
INT: two sons of Zebedee saying to him

Luke 5:10 N-GMS
GRK: Ἰωάννην υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου οἳ ἦσαν
NAS: sons of Zebedee, who
KJV: John, the sons of Zebedee, which were
INT: John sons of Zebedee who were

John 21:2 N-GMS
GRK: οἱ τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου καὶ ἄλλοι
NAS: in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two
KJV: and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two
INT: the [sons] of Zebedee and others

Strong's Greek 2199
12 Occurrences


Ζεβεδαῖον — 1 Occ.
Ζεβεδαίου — 11 Occ.

2198
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