Ezra 2:14
The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 5
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
The size of Bigvai's clan (over 2,000) made it the second-largest family group in the return census. Such numbers required considerable organization for the 900-mile journey from Babylon. Travel occurred in family units under ancestral leadership, preserving social structure that would facilitate resettlement.
Large families provided economic advantage in rebuilding. Agricultural work, construction, and defense all benefited from numerous hands. The census numbers weren't merely statistical—they represented labor force, military strength, and reproductive capacity essential for national restoration after demographic catastrophe.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the balance between cultural adaptation (Persian names) and covenant faithfulness teach about engaging secular culture?
- How can large, established families leverage resources and influence for kingdom purposes today?
- What patterns from multigenerational faithfulness should inform family discipleship and legacy-building?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six. Bigvai (בִּגְוַי, Bigvai, possibly 'in my body' or from Persian 'fortunate') led one of the largest returning families—2,056 people. This substantial number indicates a prominent clan that maintained cohesion through exile. Size didn't guarantee spiritual vitality (many large families remained in Babylon), but it did provide organizational strength for rebuilding.
The name's possible Persian origin suggests some families adopted aspects of Babylonian culture while maintaining Jewish identity. This wasn't necessarily syncretism but cultural adaptation—a pattern continued in the diaspora. Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah all bore pagan names while remaining faithful to Yahweh. The tension between cultural engagement and spiritual compromise required constant vigilance.
Bigvai also appears in Ezra 8:14 and Nehemiah 10:16, showing multigenerational participation in restoration. The family's continued prominence through successive returns and covenant renewals demonstrates sustained commitment beyond initial enthusiasm.