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זֶבֶד

𐤆𐤁𐤃

zebed

H2065 noun

SILEX Entry

Root זבד to endow, to bestow, to give as a gift

Definition

A present or gift, particularly one given as a mark of goodwill or favor; in some contexts, a gift given in the context of marriage (dowry). The word refers to something bestowed freely, with a focus on the act of giving rather than the legal or ritual stipulation surrounding the gift. In biblical contexts, used for both material gifts in general and specifically bridal gifts.

Semantic Range

gift, present, dowry, endowment, something bestowed or granted, mark of favor

Root / Etymology

From the root זבד (z-b-d), meaning 'to endow, to bestow' or 'to give as a gift.' The noun זֶבֶד (zebed) is derived nominally and carries the sense of 'that which is given.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

זֶבֶד is a relatively rare noun in the Hebrew Bible, appearing notably in narrative context (Genesis 30:20), where it refers to a 'good gift' (זֶבֶד טוֹב) from God, in the context of childbearing. The term has a general sense of gift or endowment and is sometimes contrasted with דּוֹר (dor), which can refer to a ceremonial dowry or betrothal payment. English translations sometimes render זֶבֶד as 'dowry' but its usage is broader, referring more generally to a bestowed gift, whether from a human or divine source. The word does not carry precise legal or social connotations of bride-price (מוֹהַר, mohar) but is more general in its semantics. In later Jewish interpretive literature, the term is associated with the notion of a God-given endowment but such interpretations go beyond the original biblical setting.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from זָבַד; a gift; dowry.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

זבד (z-b-d) — to endow, to bestow, to give as a gift

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2064 זָבַד he has endowed me
H2066 זָבָד And Zabad
H2067 זַבְדִּי and My-Gift
H2068 זַבְדִּיאֵל El-has-given
H2069 זְבַדְיָה And Yah has given

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2065-01 זֵ֣בֶד zeved HNcmsa a good dowry/gift bestowed gift 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2065-01 Genesis 30:20 זֵ֣בֶד zeved HNcmsa a good dowry/gift bestowed gift
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