Sotai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Sotai in the Bible?
A group of returnees from Babylonian exile listed in Ezra 2:55 and Nehemiah 7:57, identified as descendants of Solomon's servants.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying this clan clarifies the social stratification within the post-exilic community, distinguishing between free Israelites and those of servile origin who served in the Temple, thereby illuminating the complex hierarchy described in the restoration narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Sotai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sotai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sotai clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 2:55Nehemiah 7:57
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
"Sotai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sotai/