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H902 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בִּגְוָי
Bigvai
Proper noun, masculine
Bigvai; a leader of returned exiles from Babylon

Definition

The Hebrew name Bigvai appears among the leaders who returned from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2, Nehemiah 7:7). The name is likely of Persian origin, possibly meaning "of God" or "happy/fortunate." He led a company of 2,056 returnees (Ezra 2:14).

Usage & Theological Significance

Bigvai appears in the great restoration narrative — the return from exile. His inclusion among the named leaders of the return demonstrates that God remembers His people individually, even those with foreign-sounding names. The exile and return is one of Scripture's most powerful pictures of death and resurrection: God's people scattered in judgment, then regathered in grace (Ezekiel 37; Jeremiah 29:10–14).

Key Bible Verses

Ezra 2:2 Those who came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah.
Ezra 2:14 The descendants of Bigvai: 2,056.
Nehemiah 7:7 The men who came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum and Baanah.
Jeremiah 29:10 When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.
Ezekiel 37:12 I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.

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