Meaning & History
Etymology and Biblical Context
Ziba is a Hebrew name meaning "station" or "branch." In the Old Testament, Ziba is the name of a servant of King Saul, mentioned in the Second Book of Samuel. He serves as a steward of Saul's household after the king's death and later becomes involved in the conflict between David and Saul's descendant Mephibosheth. The name's simple meaning reflects the servant's supporting role in the narrative, tied to the royal station he managed.
Notable Bearers
The only notable biblical figure named Ziba is the servant of Saul. According to 2 Samuel 9, Ziba is introduced as a former servant of Saul who informs David about Saul's grandson Mephibosheth, whom David restores to his grandfather's lands. Later, Ziba deceives David to gain his trust during Absalom's rebellion, a story recounted in 2 Samuel 16. The narrative positions Ziba as a shrewd and adaptive figure in the intrigues of the royal court.
Related Names and Variants
In the original Biblical Hebrew, the name is Tziva, with the spelling varying across translations. As a masculine name, Ziba is rarely used outside religious contexts, but it appears in English Bibles and some modern revivals.
- Meaning: "station" (Hebrew)
- Origin: Hebrew, from the Old Testament
- Type: Biblical male name
- Usage: English Bible, limited contemporary use
- Related: Tziva (Biblical Hebrew)