### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉçay**, represented by `{{H1153}}`, is a proper name meaning **domineering**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The name identifies **Besai**, one of the Nethinim, whose descendants are recorded in the genealogical lists of those who returned from the Babylonian exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1153}}` is used exclusively within post-exilic census records. The name appears in lists that enumerate the families of the Nethinim, or temple servants, who returned to Jerusalem. These accounts specify the "children of **Besai**" as a distinct family unit. The first instance is in a list of families that includes the children of Uzza and Paseah [[Ezra 2:49]]. A parallel account also names the children of **Besai** alongside the children of Meunim and Nephishesim [[Nehemiah 7:52]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Besai's identity and lineage:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is fundamental to the context, used repeatedly in the phrase "the children of **Besai**" to establish him as the patriarch of a specific family line returning from exile ([[Ezra 2:49]], [[Nehemiah 7:52]]).
* `{{H5798}}` **ʻUzzâʼ** (Uzza): This name, meaning "strength," identifies the head of another family of Nethinim whose children are listed immediately before the children of Besai in Ezra's account [[Ezra 2:49]].
* `{{H6454}}` **Pâçêach** (Paseah): Meaning "limping," this name belongs to another patriarch whose descendants are listed with those of Besai, highlighting the community of Nethinim families [[Ezra 2:49]].
* `{{H4586}}` **Mᵉʻûwnîy** (Meunim): In Nehemiah's record, the children of Meunim, or Meunites, are listed directly after the children of Besai, placing them in the same group of returning temple servants [[Nehemiah 7:52]].
### Theological Significance
The contextual significance of `{{H1153}}` is tied to the restoration of Israel after the exile.
* **Genealogical Identity:** The inclusion of Besai's name in these formal records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage for the returning community. It established the legitimacy of his descendants' place among the people of Israel [[Ezra 2:49]].
* **Role of the Nethinim:** Besai is identified as one of the Nethinim, a class of people dedicated to serving the Levites and priests in the temple. The record of his family shows the organized effort to restore the functions of temple worship.
* **Ancestral Headship:** The name **Besai** serves as the marker for a specific patriarchal clan. This illustrates that the large group of returning exiles was structured as a collection of individual families, each with its own named ancestor.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1153}}` is a proper name that identifies **Besai**, the ancestor of a family of Nethinim. Its two occurrences in scripture are vital genealogical markers within the census lists of Ezra and Nehemiah. While not a theological term, the name **Besai** provides a personal identity within the larger historical narrative of Israel's return from Babylon and the re-establishment of its community and worship.
TRV