Old Testament
Ezra 8:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
From the descendants of Bebai: Zechariah son of Bebai, along with 28 males.
Compare translations
And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.
What Ezra 8:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we learn about a group of people who are part of a larger community returning from exile. Zechariah, the son of Bebai, is mentioned specifically, along with 28 other men. This detail highlights the importance of family and community in their journey. Each person counted represents a commitment to rebuilding their lives and their society. The mention of names and numbers signifies that everyone has a role to play in the collective effort. It’s a reminder that even in large groups, individual contributions matter. The return from exile is not just a physical journey; it symbolizes hope and restoration. Each person’s presence is a step toward healing and renewal for their community. This passage encourages us to recognize the value of our own contributions, no matter how small they may seem, in the larger picture of life and community. It’s about coming together to support one another in times of change and challenge, just as these men did in their return.
How to apply Ezra 8:11 to your life
Consider how you can contribute to your community, no matter how small your role may seem. Every effort counts, and together, we can create positive change. Reflect on the importance of supporting one another during challenging times, just as these men did in their journey back home. Your presence matters in the collective effort to rebuild and restore hope in your surroundings. Embrace the journey of renewal in your own life.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezra Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezra 8:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezra 8:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezra
- Author
- Ezra the priest and scribe
- Written
- Around 440 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Returning Jewish exiles
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezra 8:11 mean?
Ezra 8:11 lists Zechariah, the son of Bebai, and 28 other men who returned from exile. This verse emphasizes the importance of community and individual contributions in the journey of rebuilding their lives.
What is the significance of the names in Ezra 8:11?
The names in Ezra 8:11 highlight the role of families and individuals in the collective effort to return from exile. Each name represents a commitment to restoration and the rebuilding of their community.
How does Ezra 8:11 relate to community?
Ezra 8:11 shows that community is built on the contributions of individuals. The mention of Zechariah and the other men signifies that everyone plays a vital role in the journey of renewal and restoration.
What themes are present in Ezra 8:11?
Key themes in Ezra 8:11 include community, restoration, individual contribution, hope, and the journey of returning home. These themes reflect the collective effort to rebuild after a period of exile.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.