Ezra
Ezra in the Bible — son of Seraiah (EZR 7:1), scribe skilled in the Law (EZR 7:6). Ezra belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “help; court”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
A priest and scribe who led the second wave of exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem (458 BC). Ezra was deeply devoted to God's Law and brought religious reform to the post-exilic Jewish community. He discovered that many Jews had intermarried with pagan peoples and led them in repentance and covenant renewal. Ezra's reading of the Law to the assembled people brought revival and restoration of proper worship.
Significance
Ezra reestablished the centrality of God's Word in Jewish life after the exile. His devotion to Scripture and religious reform prefigures the New Testament emphasis on God's Word and spiritual purity. He helped preserve Jewish identity during a critical period.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- עֶזְרָא
- Transliteration
- ezra
- Meaning
- help
- Greek
- Εσδρας
- Reference
- EZR 7:1
- Strong's
- H5830
Notes
as "priest" would be a descendant of Aaron
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ezra in the Bible?
Ezra is described in the Bible as son of Seraiah (EZR 7:1), scribe skilled in the Law (EZR 7:6). Ezra belonged to the tribe of Levi.
What does the name Ezra mean?
The name Ezra means “help; court” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.