בֵּצָ֑י (be.tsay)
be.tsay
Bezai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Betzai is a proper name appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, found in Ezra 2:17 and Nehemiah 10:18. The sources identify him as a chief among the returning exiles during the post-exilic period, leading a family or clan back to Jerusalem. The name itself is interpreted to mean "conqueror," a title that carries significant weight for those rebuilding their community after years of displacement.
Although the word occurs in just two verses, its presence marks an important moment in biblical history. As a leader of the people, Betzai represents the organized effort to restore religious and social life in the land. His name serves as a reminder that the return from exile was not merely a physical journey but a re-establishment of identity under divine guidance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often carry more weight than we immediately realise. Bezai appears in lists of those who returned from exile, marking him as a leader among his people. The meaning of his name, 'conqueror,' offers a quiet reminder that spiritual restoration requires strength and resolve.
When communities rebuild, individual roles matter. This name reminds us that God remembers each person involved in the work of renewal. It is not just about grand events but also about faithful families stepping forward to restore their identity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bezai2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֵצָ֔י2×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:17
The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three.
This verse lists Bezai's family among the first returnees, highlighting his role in the initial restoration of Jerusalem.
-
Nehemiah 7:23
The children of Bezai: three hundred twenty-four.
The slight difference in numbers here compared to Ezra shows the careful record-keeping of those rebuilding their community.