Bebai
Bebai in the Bible — his sons (descendants) returned to Judah after captivity (EZR 2:11). Referenced in 8 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “void, empty”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 8 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 6 connections
Biography
Bebai is a male biblical figure noted primarily for his descendants who returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity. He is identified as the father of Zechariah, who accompanied Ezra during the return from exile. Bebai's name appears on the sealed document mentioned in Nehemiah 10, indicating his family's participation in the covenant renewal at that time.
Names & Titles
The name Bebai means 'child' and is used as a proper name in the biblical text. It is not indicated that this name was given by God, but it appears twice in the book of Ezra, emphasizing the individual's identity within the post-exilic community.
Family
Scripture records Bebai as the father of Zechariah, who returned with Ezra to Judah. He is also connected by ancestry to Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai, suggesting a lineage that ties him to notable families involved in the restoration period. Additionally, he is a descendant of Jacob, linking him to the broader Israelite heritage.
Significance
Bebai's significance lies in his role as a progenitor of a family that actively participated in the restoration of Judah after the exile. His mention in the list of returnees and on the covenant document underscores the faithfulness of his descendants in recommitting to God’s law. Through his son Zechariah and his family's involvement, Bebai represents the continuity of the Jewish people and their dedication to reestablishing their community under God's guidance.
Names & Labels (2)
Notes
father of Zechariah who went up with Ezra (EZR 8:11), named on the sealed document of NEH 10:1-27 (NEH 10:15)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bebai in the Bible?
Bebai is a male biblical figure noted primarily for his descendants who returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity. He is identified as the father of Zechariah, who accompanied Ezra during the return from exile. Bebai's name appears on the sealed document mentioned in Nehemiah 10, indicating his family's participation in the covenant renewal at that time.
What does the name Bebai mean?
The name Bebai means “void, empty” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.