Bible Dictionary
BAVVAI
Bavvai was a Levite and ruler of half the district of Keilah who helped repair Jerusalem’s wall after the return from Babylon. He may have been related to, or identical with, Binnui.
Definition
Bavvai was a Levite, the son of Henadad, and ruler of half the district of Keilah. He helped repair the wall of Jerusalem after the return from Babylon. He may have been identical with, or related to, Binnui.
Biblical Usage
Bavvai is named among those who took part in rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall in the postexilic period. His role combined Levitical identity with local leadership.
Historical Background
Bavvai belonged to a Levitical family and governed half the district of Keilah. The supplied material leaves his relationship to Binnui uncertain.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bav'-a-i (bawway; Septuagint Codex Alexandrinus, Benei; Codex Vaticanus, Bedei; the King James Version Bavai, "wisher" (?) (Ne 3:18)): Perhaps identical with or a brother of Binnui (Ne 3:24). See BINNUI. Bavvai, "the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah," was of a Levitical family. He is mentioned as one of those who repaired the wall of Jerusalem after the return from Babylon (Ne 3:17 f).</p>