Uthai עוּתַי

Male H5793H 1 book

Exile who returned to Jerusalem with Ezra

Who is Uthai in the Bible?

Uthai was an exile who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon with Ezra the scribe, as recorded in Ezra 8:14. He served as one of the leaders of a group of 70 males from the descendants of Bigvai during this restoration journey under the Persian king Artaxerxes. Though little is known about Uthai personally, his inclusion in the biblical record highlights the importance of the return from exile in the fifth century BC, when Jewish exiles were commissioned to reestablish worship and observance of the Torah in Jerusalem. Uthai's participation in this journey represents the faithful remnant that played a crucial role in rebuilding Jewish life and religious practice after the Babylonian captivity.

Biography

Uthai was one of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon with Ezra the scribe. He, along with Zabbud, is recorded as leading a group of 70 males of the descendants of Bigvai in this return journey. This took place during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, who commissioned Ezra to lead a group back to Judah to reestablish worship and law according to the Torah. Uthai was part of this important group helping to restore Jewish life in Jerusalem after the exile.

In Scripture

1 biblical book ; 1 with study content
Ezra 1 verse
  • Ezra 8:14

    "and from the descendants of Bigvai, both Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men."

    Study Ezra →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew עוּתַי