Zabdi זַבְדִּי
Ancestor of Achan, who sinned against Israel
Who is Zabdi in the Bible?
Zabdi, also known as Zimri, was a descendant of Judah and an ancestor of Achan in the tribe of Judah (Joshua 7:1, 7:17-18). He appears in the biblical record primarily through his connection to Achan, who committed a grave sin during Israel's conquest of Jericho by taking forbidden plunder that God had devoted to destruction. When Achan's transgression was revealed through a process of divinely guided elimination, the consequences extended beyond him alone, as he and his family were executed for the violation. Zabdi's inclusion in Achan's genealogy illustrates a significant biblical theme: the far-reaching consequences of individual sin within the covenant community, as Israel itself suffered military defeat at Ai because of Achan's disobedience.
Biography
Zabdi, also known as Zimri, was a descendant of Judah and an ancestor of Achan. Achan, from the tribe of Judah, violated God's command by taking forbidden plunder from Jericho during Israel's conquest of the city. As a result, Israel suffered a defeat at Ai. When Achan's sin was discovered through a process of elimination, he and his family were stoned and burned. Zabdi is mentioned in Achan's genealogy, highlighting the connection between an individual's sin and its impact on the entire community.
Family
Siblings
- Ethan Tribe of JudahSon of ZerahSon of Zerah; grandson of Judah.View full profile →
- Heman Tribe of JudahSon of ZerahGrandson of Judah through Zerah.View full profile →
- Calcol Tribe of JudahSon of ZerahSon of Zerah, grandson of JudahView full profile →
- Dara Tribe of JudahSon of ZerahSon of Zerah, grandson of JudahView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentJoshua 3 verses
- Joshua 7:1
"The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites."
Study Joshua → - Joshua 7:17
"He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the clan of the Zerahites was selected. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward, and the family of Zabdi was selected."
Study Joshua → - Joshua 7:18
"And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected."
Study Joshua →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 2:6
"The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | זַבְדִּי |
| Named | Hebrew | זִמְרִי |