Bible Dictionary
Besai
Besai was the ancestor of a group of Nethinim who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel after the exile.
Definition
Besai was the ancestor of a group of Nethinim. The descendants of Besai returned to Judea with Zerubbabel after the exile.
Biblical Usage
The children of Besai are listed among the Nethinim who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel.
Historical Background
The name is explained in the supplied material as “sword” or “downtrodden.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(sword). “Children of Besai” were among the Nethinim who returned to Judea with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:49; Nehemiah 7:52)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be'-si (becay, "downtrodden"): The descendants of Besai (Nethinim) returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezr 2:49; Ne 7:52 = Basthai, 1 Esdras 5:31).</p>