Ibzan
maleJudgesMeaning: “Splendid; active”
A judge from Bethlehem with thirty sons and thirty daughters, who led Israel seven years.
Biography
Ibzan of Bethlehem was a "minor" judge who succeeded Jephthah and judged Israel seven years (Judges 12:8–9). Like several of the minor judges, his record centers on a large and well-connected family: he "had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons" — arranging marriages that knit his household into the wider community. He was buried at Bethlehem after his years of leadership.
Life Timeline
Judges Israel seven years from Bethlehem
On the Bible timeline
Ibzan belongs to the Conquest & the Judges era (c. 1400 – 1050 BC).
- c. 1375 – 1050 BCThe Age of the Judges
Themes & lessons from Ibzan
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Ibzan appears.
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 bookJudges2 verses
Judges 12:8
And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.
Judges 12:10
Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Bethlehem.
Frequently asked about Ibzan
Who was Ibzan in the Bible?
A judge from Bethlehem with thirty sons and thirty daughters, who led Israel seven years.
What does the name Ibzan mean?
The name Ibzan means “Splendid; active”.
What did Ibzan do in the Bible?
Ibzan served as judge of israel.
Where does Ibzan appear in the Bible?
Ibzan is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: Judges.
What can we learn from Ibzan?
The story of Ibzan touches on themes of judges of israel — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Ibzan's life.
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