Ezra 8 14

Ezra 8:14 kjv

Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.

Ezra 8:14 nkjv

also of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.

Ezra 8:14 niv

of the descendants of Bigvai, Uthai and Zakkur, and with them 70 men.

Ezra 8:14 esv

Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men.

Ezra 8:14 nlt

From the family of Bigvai: Uthai, Zaccur, and 70 other men.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 14 Meaning

Ezra 8:14 states that among those returning to Judah with Ezra were individuals from the lineage of Bigvai, specifically naming Uthai and Zabbud, accompanied by seventy additional male participants. This verse provides specific numerical and ancestral details for a segment of the second wave of exiles journeying from Babylon to Jerusalem under Ezra's leadership. It highlights the careful record-keeping and the structured organization of the returning community, underscoring the divine provision and willingness of various families to participate in the restoration efforts.

Ezra 8 14 Context

Ezra chapter 8 details the second major return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, led by Ezra himself. Unlike the first return under Zerubbabel, this expedition focuses on the restoration of the Law and religious purity. Ezra carefully records the leaders of each returning family and the total numbers involved, demonstrating meticulous care for lineage and responsibility. Verse 14 falls within the passage where Ezra lists the prominent families and their male members who were assembled at the Ahava canal before beginning the hazardous journey to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:1-14). This specific verse provides a final detail of the family groups, noting a significant number of additional males who joined. The immediate concern following this listing is Ezra's discovery of no Levites among them and his subsequent actions to gather Levites and Temple servants to accompany them, essential for the worship and service in Jerusalem. Historically, the Persian Empire allowed certain conquered peoples to return to their homelands, often for administrative or economic stability, but in the biblical narrative, this return is portrayed as divine orchestration to fulfill prophetic promises and restore God's covenant people. The detailed genealogy counters assimilation pressures and reinforces the distinct identity of Israel.

Ezra 8 14 Word analysis

• And of the sons of Bigvai (וּמִבְּנֵ֤י בִגְוַי֙ - u-mi-benē Bigwai): "And from the sons of Bigvai." This phrase establishes a familial connection, common in ancient Near Eastern and biblical society. Family identity was crucial for tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and maintaining covenant identity. Bigvai was a prominent family already listed among those who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2, Neh 7:7), indicating continuity and the breadth of the restoration movement involving descendants from previous generations of returnees or branches of the family that remained. Their participation signifies a unified commitment to the re-establishment of the community in Jerusalem.

• Uthai (עוּתַ֖י - ‘Ūtay): A specific individual's name. The listing of specific names within larger family groups (like "sons of Bigvai") emphasizes that while community return was important, individual participation and accountability were also noted. Uthai's precise role beyond being a participant is not explicitly stated elsewhere, but his inclusion among the leaders of this sub-group implies some level of responsibility or prominence.

• and Zabbud (וְזַבּ֑וּד - wĕ-Zabbūd): Another specific individual named as a leader from the Bigvai lineage. Similar to Uthai, Zabbud's direct contribution is unstated, yet his presence underscores the detailed recording characteristic of Ezra’s account, highlighting that these individuals were recognized figures within their families and the wider returning community. This attention to detail reflects a broader biblical concern for lineage and identity.

• and with them seventy males (וְעִמָּהֶ֥ם שִׁבְעִ֖ים זְכָרִֽים - wĕ-‘immāhem shiv‘im zekārîm): "And with them seventy males."

  • with them: This indicates that Uthai and Zabbud were the recognized leaders or representatives of this particular contingent of seventy men. It highlights the structured nature of the caravan, organized by family groups under named leaders.

  • seventy (shiv‘im): The number seventy holds significant symbolic weight in the Bible. It often represents completeness, totality, or a significant gathering. Examples include the seventy nations in Gen 10, the seventy elders chosen to assist Moses (Ex 24:1, Num 11:16), the seventy souls who went down to Egypt (Deut 10:22), and later the seventy disciples sent out by Jesus (Lk 10:1). In the context of the return from exile, it could represent a divinely ordained, sufficient, or representative number of participants from this lineage, contributing to the re-population and rebuilding efforts of Judah, following the seventy years of Babylonian exile prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer 29:10). Its presence underscores the scale of the return.

  • males (zekārîm): Specifically states men, implying they were primarily for tasks such as labor, defense, religious leadership, or establishing families within the land. This focus on "males" is common in biblical censuses, often highlighting those eligible for military service, community participation, or responsible for carrying on family lines. While women and children also returned, the enumeration of "males" signifies the specific focus on those contributing to the community's physical and social rebuilding.

Ezra 8 14 Bonus section

The careful enumeration of individuals and groups like those of Bigvai in Ezra reflects a broader theme in Scripture concerning God's precise dealings with His people and the importance of His "book" where names are recorded, such as the Book of Life. This particular verse, part of Ezra’s assembly at the Ahava river, precedes the challenging decision to embark on the journey without military escort, trusting entirely in God's protection (Ezra 8:21-23). The willing participation of these individuals, particularly the seventy males from the Bigvai line, speaks to their faith and courage, stepping into a daunting future with the hope of restoring Jerusalem and its spiritual life. The fact that Ezra found a lack of Levites only after compiling these lists suggests that God sometimes waits for His servants to make their best human efforts before revealing the next steps or areas requiring specific divine intervention. The "sons of Bigvai" already appear in the first return census (Ezra 2:2), implying that either different branches of the family were returning now or some members had initially stayed behind and now felt compelled to join this new wave. This continuity across the returns highlights an enduring connection to the covenant land among prominent families.

Ezra 8 14 Commentary

Ezra 8:14 provides a concise, final entry in the meticulous census of families returning from Babylon with Ezra. While seemingly a simple list, it underscores several crucial points about the post-exilic community. Firstly, it highlights the importance of genealogy and lineage in maintaining Israel's identity and purity, essential for the covenant community. Each family, down to the individuals like Uthai and Zabbud, was carefully accounted for, showing God's continued faithfulness to His promises of restoration. Secondly, the mention of "seventy males" connected to the house of Bigvai reinforces the substantial commitment from various segments of the exiled population to embark on this perilous journey. The number seventy, imbued with biblical symbolism of completeness or representation, subtly suggests a divinely appointed group, perhaps fulfilling God’s purposes for the restoration. The detailed nature of Ezra's record serves as both a historical account and a testament to God's hand guiding every individual step of the return to Judah, signifying the renewal of the people, the land, and worship in accordance with His Law. This demonstrates that no participant, regardless of their societal standing, was overlooked in the divine plan for rebuilding the nation and Temple.