בָּֽבְלַי (bav.li)
bav.li
Babylonian
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term bavli is an adjective meaning "Babylonian," derived from the noun for Babylon itself. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Ezra 4:9, where it functions as a substantive to identify a group of people. The text lists them among various ethnic groups resettled by the Assyrian king, highlighting their distinct origin and identity within the imperial administration.
The root word for Babylon carries an etymological association with "confusion" or "mixing," reflecting the ancient narrative of the Tower of Babel. While this connection is linguistic rather than theological in this specific instance, it adds a layer of historical resonance to the term. Here, bavli simply denotes nationality, marking these individuals as subjects from the powerful Mesopotamian empire that had previously conquered Judah.
Translators consistently render this word as "Babylonians" to maintain clarity about the geopolitical context. The usage serves a documentary purpose in Ezra, listing the diverse populations involved in the opposition to Jerusalem’s rebuilding. It reminds readers of the vast reach of foreign empires and the specific ethnic tensions present during the restoration period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bavli appears in Scripture to identify people from Babylon, a powerful empire that once conquered Judah. In Ezra 4:9, it is listed among other groups resettled by foreign kings. This simple adjective marks their national origin within a complex political landscape.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God’s people have always lived under the shadow of great worldly powers. The Babylonians were not just enemies; they were part of the imperial machinery that sought to stop Jerusalem’s rebuilding. Yet, history shows that human empires rise and fall, while God’s purposes for His city remain steady.
When you feel overwhelmed by external pressures or opposing forces, remember that God was present in Ezra’s day. He protected His people despite the combined efforts of many nations. Your trust is not in the stability of earthly kingdoms, but in the faithfulness of God who guides history toward His good ends.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Babylonians/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָבְלָיֵ/א֙1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:9
Then Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites,
This verse lists the Babylonians among other resettled groups opposing Jerusalem's rebuilding, showing their role as part of a broader imperial coalition against God's people.