ZEBEDEO (from the Heb. Zabhdaj, abbreviation of Zēbhadājāh, “gift of Jahweh”). — Father of the apostles James the Greater (v.) John (v.). Salome (v.).
He was probably originally from Bethsaida and directed the fishing business in which his sons, several hired hands, and the partners Andres (v.) Peter (v.) worked; the latter were subsequently called to the apostolate together with the sons of Z. On that occasion Z., with his sons and the hired hands, was occupied in mending the nets (Mc. 1:16–20). He must have enjoyed a certain degree of prosperity. From the fact that Salome was able to follow and assist Jesus during the final period of his public life and even to Calvary, it may be deduced that Z. had died before the Passion of the Savior.
Pietro De Ambroggi