Zebedee is a notable figure in the New Testament, primarily recognized as the father of two of Jesus' twelve apostles, James and John. His name, of Hebrew origin, means "gift of God." Zebedee's presence in the biblical narrative, though not extensive, provides insight into the familial and social context of some of Jesus' closest followers.

Family and Occupation

Zebedee was a fisherman by trade, operating along the Sea of Galilee. This profession was common in the region and provided a livelihood for many families. Zebedee's fishing business was significant enough to employ hired servants, indicating a level of prosperity and social standing (Mark 1:20). His wife, Salome, is believed to have been a follower of Jesus, and she is mentioned in the Gospels as one of the women who supported Jesus' ministry and witnessed His crucifixion (Mark 15:40-41).

Father of Apostles

Zebedee's sons, James and John, were among the first disciples called by Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew recounts their calling: "Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him" (Matthew 4:21-22). This passage highlights the immediate and decisive response of James and John to Jesus' call, leaving their father and the family business to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).

Role and Influence

While Zebedee himself does not appear to have been a direct follower of Jesus, his role as the father of two prominent apostles suggests his indirect influence on the early Christian community. The willingness of James and John to leave their father and livelihood reflects the transformative impact of Jesus' ministry and the radical commitment required of His disciples.

Zebedee's family is further distinguished by the close relationship between Jesus and his sons. James and John, often referred to as the "sons of Zebedee" or "Boanerges," meaning "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17), were part of Jesus' inner circle, along with Peter. They were present at significant events such as the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3) and were entrusted with special teachings and experiences.

Legacy

Zebedee's legacy is primarily carried through his sons, who played crucial roles in the early Church. James became the first apostle to be martyred, as recorded in Acts 12:2, while John is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. The faith and dedication of Zebedee's family underscore the profound impact of Jesus' call and the enduring influence of those who chose to follow Him.

In summary, Zebedee, though a relatively minor character in the Gospel narratives, is an essential figure due to his connection to James and John. His life and family provide a backdrop to the transformative power of Jesus' ministry and the foundational role of the apostles in the spread of Christianity.Zeb'edee (11 Occurrences)

Matthew 4:21
And having advanced thence, he saw other two brothers, James of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, refitting their nets, and he called them,
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Matthew 10:2
And of the twelve apostles the names are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James of Zebedee, and John his brother;
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Matthew 20:20
Then came near to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee, with her sons, bowing and asking something from him,
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Matthew 26:37
And having taken Peter, and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful, and to be very heavy;
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Matthew 27:56
among whom was Mary the Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and of Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
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Mark 1:19
And having gone on thence a little, he saw James of Zebedee, and John his brother, and they were in the boat refitting the nets,
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Mark 1:20
and immediately he called them, and, having left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, they went away after him.
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Mark 3:17
and James of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, and he put on them names -- Boanerges, that is, 'Sons of thunder;'
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Mark 10:35
And there come near to him James and John, the sons of Zebedee, saying, 'Teacher, we wish that whatever we may ask for ourselves, thou mayest do for us;'
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Luke 5:10
and in like manner also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon; and Jesus said unto Simon, 'Fear not, henceforth thou shalt be catching men;'
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John 21:2
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas who is called Didymus, and Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, and the 'sons' of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.
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Zeb'edee (11 Occurrences)
Zeb'edee. Zebedee, Zeb'edee. Zebedees . Multi-Version Concordance Zeb'edee
(11 Occurrences). Matthew 4:21 And having advanced thence ...
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Zebedee (11 Occurrences)

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Zebedees (2 Occurrences)

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