בַּוַּי (bav.vay)
bav.vay
Bavvai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Bavvai, meaning “my goings,” appears only once in Scripture at Nehemiah 3:18. It identifies a specific individual, the son of Henadad, who played a role in the physical restoration of Jerusalem’s walls after the exile. In this context, the name serves as a personal marker within a larger narrative of communal rebuilding.
Translation variations highlight how different versions handle this rare proper noun. The King James Version renders it as Bevai, while the New International Version uses Binnui. Despite these differences in spelling, all sources agree on the core identity: a Jew active during the return from Babylon who contributed to the city’s reconstruction.
The etymology of Bavvai offers a subtle insight into its bearer’s life. The root suggests movement or journey, which aligns with the historical moment of returning to Zion. This name stands as a quiet testament to the ordinary individuals whose labor made the restoration of Jerusalem possible, anchoring the biblical record in real human effort.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bavvai means "my goings" or "my journeys." It appears only once in the Bible, in Nehemiah 3:18. This brief mention identifies a man who helped rebuild Jerusalem's walls after the exile. His life reminds us that God uses ordinary people for significant work.
When we think of biblical heroes, we often imagine leaders or prophets. Yet here is Bavvai, a local leader focused on physical labor. His name suggests movement and progress. This aligns with the story of returning to Zion and restoring what was lost. It shows that faith involves active participation in community life.
Your own "goings" matter to God. Whether you are working on a project or serving your neighbors, your efforts contribute to something greater. Like Bavvai, you are part of a larger restoration. Trust that your daily actions have eternal value.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bavvai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּוַּ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:18
After him, their brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah made repairs.
This verse uniquely identifies Bavvai as the son of Henadad and ruler of Keilah, highlighting his specific role in the wall repairs.