Ezra 8:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} also of Bigvai {H902}; Uthai {H5793}, and Zabbud {H2072}{H2139}, and with them seventy {H7657} males {H2145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Bigvai: 'Utai and Zakur, and with them 70 males.

Berean Standard Bible

and from the descendants of Bigvai, both Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:14 is a succinct yet significant verse, part of a meticulous register detailing the Jewish families and their male members who embarked on the perilous journey from Babylonian exile back to Jerusalem with Ezra. This specific entry highlights Uthai and Zabbud from the prominent Bigvai family, along with the seventy men accompanying them, underscoring the careful enumeration and organized nature of this second major wave of returnees, essential for establishing communal identity, land claims, and the spiritual and social re-establishment of post-exilic Judah under divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:14 is situated within a lengthy and vital genealogical and numerical list that spans Ezra 8:1-14. This chapter meticulously records the heads of families and the numbers of males who returned with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem. The preceding verses systematically name various family lines (e.g., of Phinehas, of Ithamar, of David) and their respective numbers, culminating in this verse, which concludes the enumeration of the returning groups. This detailed roster is not merely an administrative record but serves to authenticate the lineage of the returnees, establish their right to participate in the rebuilding of the Temple and community, and demonstrate the organized fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people. The enumeration precedes the account of the journey itself, setting the stage by identifying the faithful remnant who committed to this arduous undertaking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 8 occurred around 458 BC, approximately 80 years after the initial return led by Zerubbabel and Joshua (c. 538 BC) and nearly a century after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Babylon in 586 BC. The Jewish exiles had established lives in Babylon, making the decision to return to a desolate homeland a profound act of faith and commitment. King Artaxerxes I of Persia granted Ezra, a priest and skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, royal permission and resources to lead this contingent, emphasizing the Persian Empire's policy of supporting local religious practices to maintain stability. In ancient Near Eastern societies, meticulous genealogical records were crucial for land ownership, tribal identity, and religious purity, especially for a people returning from exile to reclaim their heritage. The focus on "males" (seventy males in this verse) was typical for censuses related to military strength, communal labor, or religious duties, highlighting the practical aspects of re-establishing a functional society.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in Ezra 8, including the specific details of [Ezra 8:14](/ezra/8-14 "Ezra 8:14 - Returnees with Ezra"), contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Providence**, showcasing God's meticulous care for His covenant people, orchestrating their return and preserving their lineage even amidst foreign rule. The fact that these specific families and individuals are named reflects God's attention to every detail of His restoration plan, echoing the careful enumerations found in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - Census of Israel"). Secondly, the emphasis on family heads and their accompanying numbers highlights **Community and Identity**, underscoring the vital process of rebuilding the nation family by family, reinforcing who belonged to the covenant community and held legitimate claims in the land. This re-establishment of identity was crucial after generations in exile. Thirdly, the return itself embodies **Commitment to Restoration**, as these individuals demonstrated immense faith and sacrifice by leaving established lives in Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and restore true worship, driven by a desire to live according to God's Law, as championed by Ezra himself (cf. [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Dedication to the Law")). Finally, the listing implicitly conveys the **Importance of Every Individual**, demonstrating that each name, each family, and each group, no matter how seemingly small (like "seventy males"), played a significant and valued role in God's grand plan of restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bigvai (Persian, _Bigway'_):** This is a prominent Persian name, likely meaning "gardener" or "fortunate." The family of Bigvai was significant, appearing in earlier lists of returnees (Ezra 2:2, Nehemiah 7:19). Its inclusion here signifies the continuity and importance of certain families in the post-exilic community. The fact that "sons of Bigvai" are mentioned first in this verse indicates their leadership or prominence among the seventy males who accompanied them, underscoring the hierarchical and familial structure of the returning groups.
* **Uthai (Hebrew, _'Uthay_):** This Hebrew name likely means "my help" or "God is my help." While not a widely known biblical figure, his inclusion here, alongside Zabbud, highlights the specific individuals who served as leaders or representatives for their family contingent. The meaning of his name subtly resonates with the overarching theme of divine assistance and providence that characterized the entire return from exile.
* **Zabbud (Hebrew, _Zabbud_):** This Hebrew name means "given" or "bestowed." Like Uthai, Zabbud is presented as a key figure within the Bigvai contingent. The names of these individuals, though seemingly just a list, carry inherent meanings that, when considered collectively, speak to God's gracious provision and the active participation of His people in the restoration process.
* **Males (Hebrew, _zekarim'_):** This term specifically denotes adult men, as opposed to a general count of people, which would include women and children. The focus on "males" for the count of seventy is significant because it typically refers to those capable of military service, communal labor, or holding specific religious or civic duties. This precision in counting reflects the practical need for able-bodied men to rebuild the city, the Temple, and re-establish the community's defenses and infrastructure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons also of Bigvai;":** This phrase introduces another family group contributing to the returning exiles, following a pattern established in the preceding verses of Ezra 8. The "sons of Bigvai" refers to the descendants or members of the Bigvai family, indicating a familial unit rather than just individuals. The inclusion of "also" links this entry to the continuous list of families, emphasizing its place within the larger, comprehensive register of returnees.
* **"Uthai, and Zabbud,":** These are two specific individuals identified as leaders or prominent members within the Bigvai family contingent. Their names are singled out, suggesting they held positions of responsibility or were key representatives of their family unit among the returnees. Their mention personalizes the list, reminding the reader that these numbers represent real people who made a conscious decision to participate in the restoration.
* **"and with them seventy males.":** This clause specifies the number of adult men who accompanied Uthai and Zabbud from the Bigvai family. The number "seventy" is not inherently symbolic here but represents a significant contingent, demonstrating a substantial contribution from this particular family to the overall strength and manpower of the returning community. The emphasis on "males" highlights the practical and functional aspect of the census, focusing on those who could contribute to the physical and social rebuilding efforts in Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ezra 8:14, and indeed throughout much of Ezra 8, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. This technique involves the systematic listing of names, places, or numbers. In this context, it serves multiple purposes: it authenticates the lineage of the returnees, establishing their right to land and heritage; it provides a meticulous record of those who participated in God's redemptive plan, underscoring the divine order and precision in the restoration; and it emphasizes the collective effort and significant human resources committed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. The specific mention of "Uthai, and Zabbud" within the "sons of Bigvai" can also be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where specific individuals represent the larger family unit or contingent they lead. While seemingly dry, this detailed listing technique imbues the narrative with a sense of historical veracity and divine intentionality, highlighting that every individual and family was known and accounted for in God's grand design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:14, though a simple entry in a list, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and the significance of every individual in His redemptive plan. The careful enumeration of families and the specific count of "seventy males" reflect a divine order and providence that oversees the restoration of Israel. It underscores that God knows His own, not just as a collective, but as distinct individuals and families, each with a vital role to play in the unfolding of His purposes. This attention to detail highlights the covenant faithfulness of God, who ensured the preservation and return of a remnant to re-establish His dwelling place and worship in Jerusalem. It also challenges us to recognize the value of every person within the community of faith, affirming that no contribution is too small or insignificant in God's eyes.

* [Nehemiah 7:6](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6 - List of Returnees")
* [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2-3 - Census of Israel")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list in Ezra 8:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, who cares about every individual within His community. Just as He meticulously recorded each family and the number of males returning from exile, He knows and values every person in His church today. This should inspire us to value and affirm the unique gifts and contributions of every member, recognizing that each plays an indispensable role in the body of Christ. Furthermore, the commitment of these returnees, who left established lives to embark on a difficult journey for God's purposes, serves as a powerful example of faith and sacrifice. It challenges us to examine our own willingness to step out in faith, to commit our resources and ourselves to God's kingdom work, even when it requires personal cost or inconvenience. The meticulous record-keeping also speaks to the importance of good stewardship, accountability, and order within our spiritual and organizational endeavors, reflecting the character of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 8:14 challenge our view of seemingly "small" contributions within God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways are we called to demonstrate the same commitment and willingness to sacrifice for God's purposes as these returnees?**
* **How can we better recognize and value every individual within our own faith communities, understanding their unique role in God's plan?**

### FAQ
**Why are these lists of names so important in the Bible?**

Answer: Lists of names, like the one in Ezra 8:14, are crucial for several reasons. Theologically, they demonstrate God's meticulous care and knowledge of His people, affirming His covenant faithfulness. Historically and culturally, they served to authenticate lineage, which was vital for land claims, tribal identity, and eligibility for priestly service or community leadership in ancient Israel. For a people returning from exile, these lists were essential for re-establishing their identity and legal standing in the land. They also highlight the human element of God's plan, showing that real people, often making great sacrifices, were actively involved in the unfolding of His redemptive purposes. Such lists provide a tangible record of God's work through specific individuals and families, reinforcing the narrative of restoration and continuity.

**What was the significance of "seventy males" specifically?**

Answer: The number "seventy" in Ezra 8:14, referring to "seventy males," likely indicates a specific, organized contingent from the Bigvai family. While the number seventy can hold symbolic significance elsewhere in the Bible (e.g., the seventy nations in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - Table of Nations"), the seventy elders of Israel in [Exodus 24:1](/exodus/24-1 "Exodus 24:1 - Elders on Mount Sinai"), or the seventy disciples sent out by Jesus in [Luke 10:1](/luke/10-1 "Luke 10:1 - Seventy Disciples")), in this specific context within a census, it primarily denotes a precise, counted group. The emphasis on "males" (Hebrew: *zekarim*) indicates that this count was for able-bodied men, crucial for the physical labor of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, for defense, and for fulfilling various community duties. It signifies a substantial and organized contribution of manpower to the returning community, essential for their survival and re-establishment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record-keeping and the careful enumeration of individuals in Ezra 8:14, highlighting God's attention to every person in the returning community, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Old Testament restoration from exile, driven by God's faithfulness to His covenant people, foreshadows the greater spiritual restoration and new creation accomplished through Jesus. Just as the returnees were gathered to rebuild a physical temple and a covenant community, Christ gathers His people, not from one nation, but from all nations, to build His spiritual temple—the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation")). The significance of every individual name in Ezra points to the New Covenant reality where every believer is a vital member of the [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ"), known personally by the Good Shepherd ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd")). The names of Uthai and Zabbud, along with the seventy males, represent those who chose to participate in God's redemptive work. In the new covenant, those whose names are written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life") are the true spiritual Israel, redeemed by the [blood of the Lamb](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed in the Blood of the Lamb"), participating in an eternal restoration that far surpasses the physical return to Jerusalem. Christ is the ultimate leader who gathers His people, enabling them to live in true spiritual freedom and purpose, fulfilling the deepest longings for identity and community that the exiles sought.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 7:19

The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.

Ezra 2:14

The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.

Nehemiah 10:12

Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,