בִּלְשָׁן (bil.shan)
bil.shan
Bilshan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Bilshan appears in only two verses, both within the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah. It identifies a specific individual among the Israelites who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel’s leadership. The text lists him alongside other family heads, marking his presence in the restored community.
Lexicographers offer different interpretations of its etymology. Some suggest it means "in slander," while others propose "inquirer." Regardless of the precise linguistic root, the name serves as a historical marker for one of the many families who rebuilt their lives after the deportation. Its brevity in Scripture highlights the vast number of ordinary people whose names are preserved not for dramatic deeds, but for their faithful return.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bilshan appears in the genealogies of Ezra and Nehemiah as one of the family heads who returned from exile to Jerusalem. These lists preserve the names of ordinary people whose faithful return helped restore their community after the Babylonian deportation.
Though we know little about Bilshan personally, his presence reminds us that God values every member of His people. The restoration of Israel relied on many individuals like him, each contributing to the rebuilding of their lives and faith.
This word highlights how Scripture honors the quiet faithfulness of those who rebuild. It encourages us to see our own contributions, however small they may seem, as part of God's larger work in restoring His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bilshan2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּלְשָׁ֛ן2×
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:
Bilshan is listed among the leaders returning with Zerubbabel, showing his role in the post-exilic community.
-
Nehemiah 7:7
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
The parallel list confirms Bilshan's inclusion in the restored community, emphasizing continuity across generations.