Zebedee in the Bible — Who Was Zebedee?

A Galilean fisherman whose two sons left him in the boat to follow Jesus (Mark 1:19-20). He appears briefly in the Gospels, always identified as the father of James and John. His wife (sometimes called Salome) also appears as a follower of Jesus who was present at the crucifixion.

Themes

Faith Identity Healing Purpose Spiritual Warfare Forgiveness Shame Hope

Connected To

Family

James John

Roles

Husband of SalomeFisherman

Read Their Story

5 chapters across 4 books

matthew

The Request That Made Everyone MadMatthew 20:20-28

Zebedee is referenced here as the father of James and John, identifying the family behind the ambitious request and grounding the episode in a specific household dynamic.

The Call That Changed EverythingMatthew 4:18-22

Zebedee is present in the boat when Jesus calls his two sons, James and John — he watches them leave the family fishing business to follow a stranger, his sons' departure marking the cost of their calling.

john

Back to the BoatsJohn 21:1-8

Zebedee is referenced indirectly through his sons — James and John — who are among the seven disciples fishing through the fruitless night before Jesus appears at dawn.

luke

Borrowed Boat, Impossible CatchLuke 5:1-7

Zebedee is identified here as the father of James and John, establishing the family connection that makes the partners' decision to abandon their boats and follow Jesus all the more striking.

Zebedee

Themes

Connected To

Read Their Story

matthew

john

luke

You Might Also Like

Explore More

Browse Nearby

mark