Zebulun

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew zĕbûlûn, linked to “honor” or “dwelling,” reflecting Leah’s wording at his birth (Genesis 30:20).
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period
• Main References: Genesis 30:19–20; Genesis 35:23; Genesis 46:14; Genesis 49:13; Numbers 1:30–31; Numbers 2:7; Numbers 26:26–27; Deuteronomy 33:18–19; Judges 4:6; Judges 5:18; 1 Chronicles 2:1; 1 Chronicles 12:33
• Key Connections: Son of Jacob and Leah; brother of Issachar; ancestor of the tribe of Zebulun within Israel.

Who was Zebulun?

Zebulun was the sixth son born to Jacob through Leah and one of the twelve patriarchal sons of Israel.
His birth name is explained in Leah’s statement about honor and household standing (Genesis 30:20).
He appears in the genealogical lists of Jacob’s family that became the tribes of Israel (Genesis 46:14).
Jacob’s blessing links his descendants with a coastal-oriented future (Genesis 49:13).

Key Events & Achievements

• Birth and naming: Leah bore Zebulun and interpreted his name in connection with “honor” (Genesis 30:19–20).
• Patriarchal blessing: Jacob pronounced a distinctive blessing over Zebulun concerning future territory and trade access (Genesis 49:13).
• Tribal identity in Israel: Zebulun’s descendants are counted and organized as a tribe in the wilderness census and camp order (Numbers 1:30–31; 2:7; 26:26–27).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Zebulun’s legacy is chiefly preserved through the formation and recognized place of his descendants among the tribes of Israel.

Key Verse

“Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon.” — Genesis 49:13, ESV