Banaias
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Banaias in the Bible?
Banaias is a figure mentioned in 1 Esdras 9:35 who divorced his foreign wife, an action consistent with the post-exilic reforms recorded in Ezra. He is likely the same individual as Benaiah, listed in Ezra 10:43 among those who participated in this covenant.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Banaias as a participant in the divorce of foreign wives clarifies the scope of religious reforms in the post-exilic community. It highlights the strict enforcement of separation from surrounding nations to preserve Jewish identity and religious purity during the restoration period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Banaias in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.