Bible Figure
Zebedee
father of James and John, two disciples of Jesus
Zebedee was a Galilean fisherman and the father of the apostles James and John. His family operated a fishing business on the Sea of Galilee, apparently with hired workers. Jesus called James and John while they were in the boat with Zebedee mending their nets.
Biography
Zebedee appears principally through his relationship to James and John, who are repeatedly called 'the sons of Zebedee.' Mark's account of their call says that Zebedee was in the boat with hired servants when his sons left to follow Jesus, suggesting a fishing enterprise of some substance. Luke connects James and John with Simon Peter in the fishing business. The Gospels do not record Zebedee becoming a disciple, opposing his sons' decision, or participating directly in Jesus' ministry. The mother of the sons of Zebedee appears separately in Matthew and is commonly identified with Salome in Mark, though Zebedee himself is not present in those scenes.
Biblical Significance
Zebedee's significance is primarily familial and historical. His household produced James and John, two of the most prominent members of the Twelve. The fishing setting of his family also helps illuminate the ordinary Galilean working world from which Jesus called several of His closest disciples.