Zebidah

Zebidah is a female given name derived from the Hebrew root zavaḏ, meaning "to give." In biblical context, Zebidah is noted as the wife of King Josiah of Judah and the mother of King Jehoiakim. Her name appears in the Old Testament (2 Kings 23:36) spelled Zebidah in some translations and Zebudah in others, reflecting textual variants. The name is used primarily in English Bible translations and among Christian communities.

Historical Context

Zebidah lived during a turbulent period in Judah's history. Her husband, King Josiah, was a renowned reformer who sought to centralize worship in Jerusalem and eliminate idolatry. He died at the Battle of Megiddo in 609 BC when Zebidah's son, Jehoiakim (born Eliakim), was placed on the throne by Egyptian Pharaoh Necho II. According to the biblical account in 1 Chronicles 3:15, Jehoiakim's mother was Zebidah, daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

Linguistic Notes

Zebidah belongs to a family of Hebrew names built on the root zavaḏ, meaning "to give," suggesting a meaning like "the Lord has given" or "gift." Variant forms include Zebudah (as in some English Bibles) and the original Biblical Hebrew Zevida. The name is related to names such as Zebedee and Zabdiel through the same root.

Usage and Distribution

As a given name, Zebidah is rare and largely confined to biblical contexts. It is occasionally used in religious families or among Christians who select names from the Old Testament. Its usage is nearly exclusive to English-speaking world due to its biblical origin.

• Meaning: "gift" or "given" (from Hebrew 'zavaḏ')
• Origin: Hebrew
• Usage: English Bible, Christian
• Variant: Zebudah, Zevida