Zabud is a name found in the King James Bible, appearing 1 time in the text.
Who This Was
Zabud appears in the King James Bible only once, in 1 Kings 4:5, within a list of King Solomon’s chief officials. The passage reads: “And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king’s friend.” This brief mention places Zabud among the trusted men who served in Solomon’s court during the height of Israel’s united monarchy, a time of peace, prosperity, and extensive administrative organization.
Zabud is identified as the son of Nathan. He held the position of “principal officer,” a role that likely placed him in a significant position of authority within the king’s government. Alongside this official duty, he is specifically called “the king’s friend.” This title, “the king’s friend,” appears to have been a recognized and honored position in ancient Near Eastern royal courts, denoting someone who was a close personal confidant and advisor to the king, not merely a subordinate official. The source note confirms that Zabud was a friend of King Solomon and served as a priest and advisor.
Scripture tells us nothing further about Zabud’s life, his family beyond his father Nathan, or his later years. He is remembered in the biblical record for two things: his official role as principal officer and his personal relationship as the king’s friend. His inclusion in this list of Solomon’s officials shows that he was considered significant enough to be named among the key figures of Solomon’s reign, even though the details of his service are not recorded.
The Name
The Hebrew name Zabud (זָבוּד) is generally understood to be derived from the root זָבַד (zavad), which carries the meaning of “to give,” “to bestow,” or “to endow.” On this basis, the name is often explained as meaning “given” or “endowed.” Some scholars connect it to the idea of a gift or something bestowed, which would fit a name expressing gratitude or dedication. While the precise nuance is not entirely certain, the meaning “given” or “bestowed” is well established and widely accepted among Hebrew name studies. It is not a name whose meaning is lost or unrecoverable.
A Closing Thought
Zabud’s single verse reminds us that faithfulness in God’s kingdom is not measured by how much of our story is recorded, but by how well we serve where God places us. He was a trusted friend and a faithful officer, and that was enough to be remembered in Scripture. Most of us will never have our names in a history book, but we can all be the kind of friend and servant whose quiet loyalty honors those we serve and, ultimately, honors God.
At a Glance
- Gender: Male
- Testament: Old
- Mentions in the KJV: 1
Where It Appears in Scripture
- 1 Kings 4:5 — And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king’s friend: