Lexical Summary zabal: To dwell, to reside, to exalt Original Word: זָבַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dwell with A primitive root; apparently properly, to inclose, i.e. To reside -- dwell with. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition probably to dwell NASB Translation dwell (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זָבַל] verb probably exalt, honour (Assyrian zabâlu COTGloss and id. on Genesis 30:20; 1 Kings 8:13, compare DlPr 62 f. so De; Phoenician proper name, feminine בעלאזבל (probably = Baal has exalted) compare אִיזֶבֶל above; compare Arabic  take up and carry; > NöZMG 1886, 729, who connects these verbs with Syriac  bear, carry, compare Hebrew סָבַל) — Qal Imperfect יִזְבְּלֵנִי אִישִׁי Genesis 30:20b (J), my husband will honour me (in explanation of name Zebulun (see below); on another apparently explanation in va compare זבד); > AV and others dwell with me, compare Thes Rob-Ges who derive dwell with from an assumed meaning be round (compare דור); and others (compare MV8. 9), who derive dwell as denominative from זְבֻל in sense dwelling. Topical Lexicon Root Themeזָבַל carries the idea of elevated regard that results in closeness—either “honor” bestowed or “dwelling” enjoyed. It speaks of a relationship in which someone is given valued place, so that presence and esteem coincide. Biblical Occurrence Genesis 30:20: “Then Leah said, ‘God has endowed me with a good gift. Now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.’ So she named him Zebulun.” Leah’s declaration ties the name Zebulun (זְבֻלוּן) to her hope that Jacob will finally grant her the respect and nearness she has long desired. Her use of זָבַל places emphasis on more than mere change of status; it anticipates fellowship born of recognition. Historical Implications 1. Household Dynamics Leah, often overshadowed by Rachel, links the birth of her sixth son to the expectation of honor. The single use of זָבַל exposes both the deep ache of neglected spouses and the cultural weight placed on sons. The word captures her yearning for relational restoration, demonstrating that the covenant family was not immune to the strains of partiality. 2. Eponymous Significance for Zebulun A name formed from the verb folds personal aspiration into tribal destiny. When Jacob later blesses Zebulun (Genesis 49:13) and Moses prophesies prosperity for the tribe (Deuteronomy 33:18–19), the root concept of honored dwelling is echoed: a coastal inheritance, favorable trade, and shared joy with Issachar all portray a tribe granted space and dignity among Israel. Theological Reflections • Honor that Springs from God Leah explicitly credits God for the “good gift.” Her recognition trains the reader to see honor and dwelling not as human achievements but as divine endowments. The same principle undergirds later Scripture: “For the LORD bestows favor and honor” (Psalm 84:11). • Relational Restoration The verb underscores God’s concern for fractured relationships. The hope that Jacob will finally “dwell with” or “honor” Leah foreshadows the reconciliation theme woven through redemption history—culminating in God dwelling with His people (Revelation 21:3). Ministry Application 1. Restoring Worth in Marginalized Hearts Like Leah, many feel unnoticed. The theology of זָבַל offers a pastoral reminder that true honor originates in the Lord and can heal the deepest insecurities. 2. Cultivating Honoring Marriages Husbands are challenged to embody Jacob’s long-delayed honor proactively (Ephesians 5:25–33), ensuring that spouses experience both esteem and presence. 3. Building Communities of Dwelling Churches are called to reflect the verb’s joint facets—valuing every member and fostering genuine fellowship (Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 4:9). Christological and Eschatological Insight Jesus Christ personifies the fullness of זָבַל. The Father declares, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17), bestowing supreme honor, and through the Spirit the Son “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). Believers now experience honored dwelling in Him and anticipate the consummation when “the dwelling place of God is with man” (Revelation 21:3). Summary זָבַל, though attested once, threads honor and dwelling through Israel’s story—from a longing wife to a flourishing tribe and onward to the Messiah who grants everlasting esteem and abiding presence to all who trust in Him. Forms and Transliterations יִזְבְּלֵ֣נִי יזבלני yiz·bə·lê·nî yizbeLeni yizbəlênîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 30:20 HEB: טוֹב֒ הַפַּ֙עַם֙ יִזְבְּלֵ֣נִי אִישִׁ֔י כִּֽי־ NAS: my husband will dwell with me, because KJV: will my husband dwell with me, because I have born INT: A good now will dwell my husband because 1 Occurrence |
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