Ezra 8:11
What does Ezra 8:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 8:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 8:11 means
Zechariah son of Bebai leads twenty and eight males from the sons of Bebai. This smaller count still receives full mention, reaffirming that every contribution is valued. The return required courage to leave settled lives in Babylon for an uncertain future in Jerusalem. Small groups are not overlooked; their names are woven into the communal memory. Ezra’s record thus honors faithfulness across all scales. Moreover, such entries likely served practical needs—allocation of supplies, travel order, and roles—showing how spiritual obedience walks hand in hand with prudent administration when God’s people pursue His purposes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai; and with him twenty and eight males.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai; and with him twenty and eight males.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah, the son of Bebai; and with him twenty-eight males.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And from the sons of Bebai: Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight who are males.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Of the sons of Bebai, Zacharias the son of Bebai: and with him eight and twenty men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And of the children of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty-eight males.
Context
Verse 11 nears the end of the list of groups, which continues through verse 14. The variation in numbers across families gives a realistic picture of the caravan’s composition. The list’s conclusion will make way for Ezra’s assessment at Ahava (verse 15) and the crucial realization that no Levites were among them, prompting quick action to ensure proper temple service staffing (verses 16–20). The following sections highlight spiritual dependence on God through fasting (verses 21–23) and careful entrusting of the sacred offerings (verses 24–30).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 10:28
And of the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, Athlai.
- Nehemiah 7:16
The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
- Ezra 2:11
The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.