Original Word: אֶזְבַּי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ezbay
Pronunciation: ez-bah'-ee
Phonetic Spelling: (ez-bah'ee)
KJV: Ezbai
NASB: Ezbai
Word Origin: [probably from H231 (אֵזוֹב - hyssop)]

1. hyssop-like
2. Ezbai, an Israelite

Ezbai

Probably from 'ezowb; hyssop-like; Ezbai, an Israelite -- Ezbai.

see HEBREW 'ezowb

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
the father of one of David's men
NASB Translation
Ezbai (1).

אֶזְבָּ֑י proper name, masculine father of one of David's men 1 Chronicles 11:37 (where בֶּןאֶֿזְבָּ֑י = הָאַרְבִּי 2 Samuel 23:35).

Biblical Occurrence

Ezbai appears once in Scripture, within the roll of David’s elite warriors: “Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai” (1 Chronicles 11:37). His name is preserved only as the patronymic of Naarai, yet that solitary notice places him in the illustrious context of the mighty men who secured David’s throne and, through it, the messianic line.

Historical Background

The list in 1 Chronicles 11 parallels 2 Samuel 23 and reflects the early‐monarchy period (circa 1010–970 B.C.). Compiled after the exile, the Chronicler seeks to highlight covenant faithfulness and divine preservation of the Davidic dynasty. Even passing references like “son of Ezbai” serve that theological agenda, anchoring post-exilic Israel’s hope in God’s historic acts.

Family and Tribal Connections

Although Scripture does not name Ezbai’s tribe, the grouping of his son beside warriors with Judean affiliations (for example, “Hezro the Carmelite,” “Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite”) suggests a southern provenance. The Chronicler’s ordering hints that Ezbai’s household was integrated into the broader Judean support of David before or soon after his accession at Hebron (2 Samuel 5:1–3).

Role within the “Thirty” and Davidic Kingdom

Naarai ranks among “the Thirty,” a cadre distinguished for valor and loyalty. By extension, Ezbai’s household contributed to the military stability that enabled David to unify Israel, subdue surrounding nations, and establish Jerusalem as the worship center. Thus, Ezbai’s legacy is inseparable from the covenant promise that David’s throne would be “established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16).

Spiritual and Ministry Implications

1. Generational Influence: Though unnamed in exploits, Ezbai’s significance lies in raising a son fit for kingdom service. His example affirms the formative power of godly parenthood (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Proverbs 22:6).
2. The Ministry of the Unheralded: Scripture often immortalizes obscure figures to remind believers that every role, public or hidden, contributes to God’s redemptive plan (1 Corinthians 12:22).
3. Faith amid Fragmentary Records: The scant detail about Ezbai invites trust that God “is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10). Christian ministry today echoes that assurance.

Intertextual Observations

• The dual witness of Samuel–Kings and Chronicles to David’s warriors underscores the consistency of revelation; variant spellings (for example, “Naarai son of Ezbai” versus “Paarai the Arbite,” 2 Samuel 23:35) reflect complementary perspectives rather than contradiction, illustrating textual richness without compromising historical truth.
• Chronicles consistently foregrounds priestly and kingly themes; the presence of Ezbai’s line among the warriors reinforces the unity of worship and warfare in Israel’s theocratic life.

Legacy in Redemptive History

While Ezbai stands silent in the narrative, his seed served the anointed king, who foreshadows the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1). The inclusion of minor patriarchs like Ezbai prepares the reader to value every link in the chain leading to the Messiah and to recognize that God weaves His salvation account through both celebrated heroes and little‐known saints.

אֶזְבָּֽי׃ אזבי׃ ’ez·bāy ’ezbāy ezBaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts