Ezra 8 11

Ezra 8:11 kjv

And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.

Ezra 8:11 nkjv

of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty-eight males;

Ezra 8:11 niv

of the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him 28 men;

Ezra 8:11 esv

Of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah, the son of Bebai, and with him 28 men.

Ezra 8:11 nlt

From the family of Bebai: Zechariah son of Bebai and 28 other men.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 11 Meaning

Ezra 8:11 records the specific contribution of the sons of Elam to Ezra's second return from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. It names Shecaniah, the son of Jehiel, as the leader of this group, indicating that he returned accompanied by sixty males. This verse is part of a meticulous register of returning families and their heads, underscoring the organized and divinely orchestrated nature of the restoration movement. It highlights the individual and collective commitment of a remnant of Israel to leave their established lives in Babylon and journey to the promised land, contributing to the rebuilding of their spiritual and national identity under God's covenant.

Ezra 8 11 Context

Ezra chapter 8 details the second wave of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra the scribe. Prior to this journey, Ezra diligently gathered leaders and families at the river Ahava (Ezra 8:15) to ensure a substantial and representative contingent. The immediate context of verse 11 is part of a detailed roster from verses 2-14, which lists the heads of the ancestral houses, along with the number of males returning with them. This meticulous accounting served several purposes: validating lineage, establishing leadership, determining the strength of the returning community, and ensuring that no significant clan was left out. Historically, this return marks a critical moment in the post-exilic period, emphasizing the divine impetus for the restoration of Israel, rebuilding of the Temple (though largely complete, it still needed resources and ongoing support), and re-establishing Mosaic Law. The precise counting and registration in this verse reflect Ezra's emphasis on order, purity, and accountability, laying groundwork for renewed covenant fidelity.

Ezra 8 11 Word analysis

• וּמִבְּנֵי (ū-mib-bənê): "And from the sons of". This compound phrase highlights derivation and origin. It signifies that the individuals named belong to a specific ancestral lineage, underscoring the importance of tribal and family identity in ancient Israel. The meticulous detailing of "sons of" indicates a focus on specific, traceable family groups that formed the fabric of the returning community.
• עֵילָם (Êlām): "Elam." Refers to an ancient region east of Mesopotamia, but here denotes a specific family or clan within the Jewish exile community that originally settled in or was associated with that area. The mention of "sons of Elam" underscores the dispersion of the Jewish people and the geographical spread from which the remnant was called back, fulfilling prophetic expectations of gathering from various lands.
• שְׁכַנְיָה (Šəḵanyâ): "Shecaniah." Meaning "Jehovah has settled" or "Jehovah has dwelt." He is presented as a significant leader, the head of this particular household or clan for the return journey. His name suggests God's presence or establishment, perhaps echoing the divine initiative behind the entire return. It highlights the structured, family-oriented leadership integral to the communal return.
• בֶן־יְחִיאֵל (ḇen-Yəḥî’ēl): "son of Jehiel." "Jehiel" means "God lives" or "May God live." This patronymic (father's name) provides further identity and lineage for Shecaniah, emphasizing the crucial role of ancestry and hereditary status in establishing communal identity and rights within the Israelite framework, particularly important for genealogical records in the post-exilic period.
• וְעִמּוֹ (wə-‘im-mô): "and with him." This phrase explicitly connects the following individuals to Shecaniah, establishing his leadership and responsibility over them. It implies followership and organizational structure, essential for a large and arduous journey. It speaks to the communal aspect of the return, not just individuals traveling alone.
• שִׁשִּׁשׁם (ši-šîm): "sixty." This is a precise numerical count, signifying the careful and deliberate census Ezra conducted. Importantly, the Masoretic Text (MT), the basis for most modern translations, renders this as "sixty." Some ancient versions, including certain Septuagint manuscripts and the KJV, read "twelve." The scholarly consensus based on Hebrew textual evidence supports "sixty," indicating a substantial group rather than a very small one, emphasizing the collective strength of the returning families.
• זְכוּרִים (zəḵûrîm): "males." This specific designation (explicitly men, excluding women and children) implies that these sixty were adult men capable of physical labor, protection, or other duties associated with the perilous journey and the rebuilding effort. They represented the strength, security, and working force of the returning contingent, signifying those who would actively participate in the national and religious reconstruction.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• וּמִבְּנֵי עֵילָם (And from the sons of Elam): This phrase immediately situates the group geographically (as a family from Elam) and genealogically. It shows the widespread nature of the diaspora and the deliberate act of gathering from across the regions of exile, fulfilling prophetic promises of return. The detail highlights the divine care in remembering each scattered group.
• שְׁכַנְיָה בֶן־יְחִיאֵל (Shecaniah the son of Jehiel): This unit provides specific leadership identity. It establishes accountability and proper lineage, crucial for the spiritual and social integrity of the repatriated community. The careful documentation of names reflects a meticulous organizational effort, essential for maintaining Israelite identity and ensuring that only the rightful heirs participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple.
• וְעִמּוֹ שִׁשִּׁים זְכוּרִים (and with him sixty males): This specifies the collective contribution and the group's strength. The number "sixty" suggests a notable company of able-bodied men, indicating significant human resources committed to the venture. The explicit "males" underscores the primary laborers, defenders, and heads of households upon whom the successful establishment of the community in Jerusalem would depend. It implicitly reflects a ready, dedicated force for the work ahead.

Ezra 8 11 Bonus section

The Hebrew word זְכוּרִים (zəḵûrîm) exclusively meaning "males" (as opposed to אֲנָשִׁים 'anashim' which means "men" but can be used more broadly, or בְּנֵי אָדָם 'b'nei adam' for "people/mankind") is noteworthy. It is a precise term in this enumeration context, confirming that the census counted those designated for specific roles often tied to strength, leadership, and public service. This detail supports the understanding that Ezra was counting those who would form the core of the rebuilding and defensive forces, much like a military register, emphasizing their practical utility and capability for the monumental task ahead. The inclusion of names like Shecaniah and Jehiel, while common, signify not just generic participants but individuals with identifiable lineages and presumably known characters or statuses, further validating the structure and trustworthiness of Ezra’s account of this pivotal moment in post-exilic history. The meticulous record-keeping demonstrated here mirrors the Levitical concerns for purity and identity, vital for restoring proper Temple service and societal order in Jerusalem.

Ezra 8 11 Commentary

Ezra 8:11 serves as a snapshot within Ezra’s meticulous roster, highlighting the dedication of the sons of Elam under Shecaniah’s leadership. The specificity of "sixty males" emphasizes a prepared and able-bodied contingent ready for the arduous journey and the subsequent rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. This detail underscores several critical biblical themes: the faithfulness of God in gathering His scattered remnant, the crucial role of human leadership in spiritual enterprises, and the corporate nature of faith and obedience. The deliberate counting reflects Ezra's wisdom in assessing the human resources needed for God's work, ensuring not just a haphazard return but an organized movement. This systematic approach ensured the returnees were accounted for, disciplined, and prepared for the challenges of establishing God's kingdom and Temple worship in their ancient homeland. It teaches the value of order, accountability, and the active participation of dedicated individuals within a unified body for God's purposes. For instance, just as Shecaniah gathered his males for a physical journey, spiritual leaders today are called to gather and mobilize "males" (meaning devoted, capable individuals) for the work of the Kingdom, be it evangelism, discipleship, or community service. The precision implies God values those who are accounted for and committed to His work, showcasing a collective, purposeful journey guided by God's plan.