בִּגְוַי (big.vay)
big.vay
Bigvai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Bigvai is a proper name appearing five times in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The sources suggest it may mean "in my bodies" or possibly "happy," though the exact etymology remains uncertain. He is identified as an exile who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, likely serving as the head of a family or clan during this period of restoration.
His presence in the text highlights the communal nature of the return from Babylon. Bigvai is listed among the leaders in Ezra 2:2 and again in Ezra 2:14, indicating his role in organizing the people. Later, he signs the covenant agreement in Nehemiah 10:16, joining other prominent figures in pledging loyalty to God’s law. These references show him not as a central protagonist, but as part of the broader group responsible for rebuilding Jewish identity and community life after the exile.
The repetition of his name across different lists underscores the importance of genealogy and leadership continuity during this era. While the text does not detail his personal actions or speeches, his inclusion in official records reflects the value placed on those who facilitated the return and subsequent reorganization of society. Bigvai’s story is one of quiet participation in a pivotal historical moment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bigvai appears in the lists of those who returned from Babylon, standing alongside Zerubbabel and Jeshua. His name marks him as a leader among the exiles who chose to go back to Jerusalem. This was not a small trip but a major step in restoring their community and faith.
He is listed again with his family’s numbers, showing that he helped organize the people for rebuilding. Later, he signs the covenant agreement, pledging loyalty to God’s law alongside other leaders. His quiet presence reminds us that God uses ordinary people to carry out His plans.
Even though we do not know his personal story, Bigvai’s inclusion in Scripture shows that every participant matters. His life encourages us to trust that God sees and values our faithful steps, no matter how small they seem.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bigvai5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּגְוַ֖י2×
- בִגְוָ֔י2×
- בִגְוַ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:2
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
Bigvai is named among the primary leaders who returned with Zerubbabel, highlighting his role in the initial restoration effort.
-
Ezra 2:14
The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty-six.
His family’s size is recorded, indicating his leadership in organizing the returning exiles.