Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as it allows scholars and readers alike to grasp the original meanings, nuances, and cultural contexts of Scripture. The word Ζαβουλών (Zaboulon), transliterated as Zebulun in English, is significant because it refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, making it crucial for understanding New Testament references to Jewish heritage and geography. This word also highlights the broader interplay between Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic languages in the ancient world, particularly in the cultural and historical context of the Bible.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ζαβουλών (Zaboulon) [zah-boo-LOHN]
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew זְבֻלוּן (Zebulun), meaning “dwelling” or “exalted.” The name is linked to the patriarch Jacob’s blessing in Genesis 49:13.
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, indeclinable; it refers to a specific name and does not change form according to case.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Zebulun: Refers to the tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This term is used to denote both the person, Zebulun, a son of Jacob, and the geographical region occupied by his descendants.
Similar Words: Γαλιλαία (Galilaia) [gah-lee-LAH-yah], meaning “Galilee,” which is another region of Israel mentioned in the New Testament. While Ζαβουλών and Γαλιλαία are both proper nouns referring to places in Israel, Ζαβουλών specifically refers to the territory of the tribe of Zebulun, whereas Γαλιλαία refers to a broader region in northern Israel.
Further Insights: Ζαβουλών is an indeclinable proper noun in Greek, meaning it does not change form regardless of its grammatical case (nominative, genitive, etc.). This reflects its use as a specific name rather than a common noun. As a result, understanding its grammatical use relies on recognizing its function within a sentence’s structure rather than inflection. For more information on reading and understanding Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Lists Ζαβουλών as a proper noun referring to one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It highlights its appearances in genealogies and historical passages, emphasizing its role in describing both a person and a region in biblical texts.
- Thayer’s: Defines Ζαβουλών as “Zebulun,” focusing on its use as the name of a tribe of Israel. Thayer’s also connects it to the Old Testament, where Zebulun is mentioned as the tenth son of Jacob, further linking it to the genealogical history of Israel.
- Vine’s: Highlights the significance of Ζαβουλών in both the Old and New Testaments, particularly its geographical implications. Vine’s emphasizes the use of this word in context with prophecies and the delineation of tribal territories.
- LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that Ζαβουλών is used as a proper name in biblical and classical Greek texts. It provides references to its appearances in Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing its status as a transliterated name from Hebrew.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies Ζαβουλών as Strong’s G2194 and notes its occurrences in the New Testament, particularly where the text refers to the tribe of Zebulun. Strong’s provides an essential link between Greek usage and its Hebrew origin, adding depth to the understanding of its use in scriptural texts.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 4:13 – “And leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun [Ζαβουλών] and Naphtali.”
- Matthew 4:15 – “The land of Zebulun [Ζαβουλών] and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.”
- Revelation 7:8 – “From the tribe of Zebulun [Ζαβουλών], twelve thousand were sealed.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Genesis 49:13 | “Zebulun [Ζαβουλών] shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon.” |
| Septuagint | Deuteronomy 33:18 | “Rejoice, Zebulun [Ζαβουλών], in your going out, and Issachar, in your tents.” |
| Septuagint | Judges 5:18 | “Zebulun [Ζαβουλών] is a people who risked their lives to the death; Naphtali too, on the heights of the field.” |
Summary of Ζαβουλών (G2194: Zaboulon)
Ζαβουλών (Zaboulon, Strong’s G2194) is an important proper noun in both the Old and New Testaments, referring to the tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It highlights a significant part of Israel’s genealogical history and geographical landscape, often appearing in contexts that emphasize heritage and territorial boundaries. This word provides insight into the Hebrew roots of Greek translations and helps contextualize various passages that reference tribal divisions, geographical locations, and cultural heritage in Biblical narratives.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the tribe of Zebulun, represented by the Greek word Ζαβουλών (Zaboulon), was known for its seafaring activities? According to the blessing of Jacob in Genesis 49:13, Zebulun would dwell “at the shore of the sea,” hinting at its maritime trade and interaction with surrounding nations. This prophecy aligns with the tribe’s territory located near the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing its role in Israel’s historical and economic landscape.
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