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Zereda

biblical_place theological_term standard

Zereda is an Old Testament place name, known as the hometown of Jeroboam son of Nebat (1 Kings 11:26). Its exact location is uncertain.

At a Glance

Zereda is an Old Testament location named as the hometown of Jeroboam son of Nebat.

Key Points

Description

Zereda is a biblical place name mentioned in 1 Kings 11:26 as the hometown of Jeroboam son of Nebat. The biblical text provides very limited information about the site itself, and its precise identification remains uncertain. Zereda does not function as a theological concept or doctrine term; it is best handled as a geographical entry within a Bible dictionary.

Biblical Context

In 1 Kings 11:26, Jeroboam son of Nebat is introduced as an Ephraimite from Zereda, a detail that helps locate him within the narrative of Solomon’s later reign and the coming division of the kingdom.

Historical Context

Zereda is known only from its biblical mention. Historical and archaeological identification remains uncertain, so claims about its exact site should be stated cautiously.

Jewish and Ancient Context

The Old Testament text preserves Zereda primarily as an identifying marker for Jeroboam’s origin. No additional Jewish or ancient source information is necessary for the basic entry.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The Hebrew form is a place name transliterated into English as Zereda. The Bible does not provide a detailed explanation of the name’s meaning in context.

Theological Significance

Zereda has little direct theological significance beyond its role in identifying Jeroboam’s origin and setting the stage for the divided kingdom narrative.

Philosophical Explanation

As a place name, Zereda illustrates how biblical geography can serve narrative and historical purposes without carrying independent doctrinal content.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not overstate Zereda’s importance. Scripture identifies the town, but does not securely locate it or develop it into a theological symbol.

Major Views

Most discussion concerns the site’s location and possible identification, not doctrinal meaning. The safest reading is simply to treat it as an obscure biblical hometown.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Zereda should not be turned into a doctrinal term or used to support speculative typology. Its main role is historical and narrative.

Practical Significance

Zereda reminds readers that the Bible’s historical narratives are grounded in real places and people, even when some locations remain obscure to modern readers.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Zereda

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