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H250 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶזְרָחִי
Ezrachi
Adjective (gentilic)
Ezrahite

Definition

The Hebrew Ezrachi (אֶזְרָחִי) is a gentilic adjective meaning 'of the family of Ezrah' or 'native-born.' It appears in the superscriptions of Psalms 88 and 89, identifying Heman the Ezrahite and Ethan the Ezrahite — renowned sages and musicians of Israel. These men were celebrated for their exceptional wisdom, even being compared to Solomon.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Ezrahites — Heman and Ethan — represent the deep tradition of wisdom and worship woven through Israel's history. Psalm 88 (Heman) is the only psalm in the Psalter with no note of hope, ending in darkness — yet it is still offered to God. Ethan's Psalm 89 wrestles with God's covenant faithfulness in the face of apparent failure. Both teach that bringing our darkest moments honestly before God is itself an act of faith. The titles remind us that Scripture's songs come from real people in real pain, still trusting a faithful God.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 88:1 A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. For the director of music. According to mahalath leannoth. A maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.
Psalm 89:1 A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite — wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol.

Related Words

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