Saphatias
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Saphatias in the Bible?
Saphatias was a patriarch of a family of returning exiles recorded in 1 Esdras 8:34, with members of his lineage traveling with both Zerubbabel and Ezra.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the Saphatias family helps readers reconcile the different lists of returnees found in 1 Esdras and Ezra-Nehemiah, providing a clearer picture of the diverse groups that reestablished the Jewish community in Jerusalem.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Saphatias reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Saphatias in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Saphatias clarify?
Related Topics
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Saphatias." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/saphatias/