Ezra 2 31

Ezra 2:31 kjv

The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

Ezra 2:31 nkjv

the people of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;

Ezra 2:31 niv

of the other Elam ? 1,254

Ezra 2:31 esv

The sons of the other Elam, 1,254.

Ezra 2:31 nlt

The citizens of West Elam ? 1,254

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 31 Meaning

Ezra 2:31 records the return of a specific group of exiles from Babylonian captivity to Judah. It lists "the children of the other Elam," numbering one thousand two hundred fifty-four individuals. This verse is part of a comprehensive register detailing the various families and clans who responded to King Cyrus's decree to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The distinction "the other Elam" indicates a specific need to differentiate this family or clan from another group also identified by the name "Elam" within the same list, underscoring the importance of precise ancestral lineage and communal identity in post-exilic Israel.

Ezra 2 31 Context

Ezra chapter 2 meticulously lists the individuals, families, and communities that returned from Babylonian exile under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua after Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC. This chapter functions as a critical census, detailing those who were part of the initial wave of returnees to Judah. The emphasis on names, family lineages ("children of"), and numerical counts underscores the importance of identity, heritage, and the meticulous re-establishment of the covenant community in their ancestral land. Such a list was essential for determining tribal inheritance, priestly service qualifications, and for organizing the immense task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. The verse falls within this extensive registry, noting another group that bears the family name "Elam," distinguished here as "the other" due to the prior mention of a similar named group in the same chapter.

Ezra 2 31 Word analysis

• The children of (בְּנֵי - bənê):
  • Significance: A common Hebrew construct term, literally "sons of" or "descendants of."
  • Indicates: Familial or clan affiliation.
  • Role: Identifies individuals not just by their own names but by their foundational ancestral connection. Essential for tracing lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel.
• the other (אַחֵר - ʼaḥēr):
  • Meaning: "Another," "different," "the other."
  • Significance: This crucial word differentiates this specific group of Elam from the earlier "children of Elam" listed in Ezra 2:7 (which coincidentally lists the same number, 1254).
  • Implication: Suggests that there were two distinct family branches or administrative divisions sharing the same prominent ancestral name, "Elam." It highlights the detailed and specific nature of the register, aiming for accuracy despite potential confusions arising from repeated family names. This precision was vital for land allocation and communal organization.
• Elam (אֵילָם - ʼêlām):
  • Meaning: A proper noun, functioning as a personal name.
  • Identity: Refers to the patriarchal head or founder of this specific family group or clan. It is distinct from the geographical kingdom of Elam.
  • Repetition: The recurrence of the name Elam in two entries with identical numbers suggests either: 1) two entirely separate families named Elam; 2) two divisions of a larger single Elamite family that were recorded separately for administrative reasons; or 3) a scribal variant for a single large family broken into two recorded segments. The context favors distinct but similarly named groups or administrative listings.
• one thousand two hundred fifty-four (אֶלֶף מָאתַיִם חֲמִשִּׁים וְאַרְבָּעָה - ʼelef mâṯayim ḥămiššîm wəʼarbaʿāh):
  • Significance: The precise numerical count.
  • Function: Demonstrates meticulous record-keeping. Lists like these served administrative, legal, and theological purposes, ensuring proper identification for land rights, tax levies, and religious service.
  • Scope: Each number represents lives, families, and a significant portion of the repatriated community, foundational to the re-establishment of Judah. The sheer detail testifies to the scale of the return and the organizational efforts required.

• "The children of the other Elam": This phrase precisely identifies a particular lineage that had to be differentiated from another prominent lineage bearing the same ancestral name. The meticulous record-keeping reflects the strong emphasis on genealogical purity and identity, crucial for reconstituting the covenant community and ensuring legitimate claims to the land and to service in the rebuilt temple, especially concerning the priestly and Levitical families.
• The detailed numerical counts across Ezra 2: The careful enumeration of each group's members underlines the administrative thoroughness of the repatriation process. It speaks to a concerted effort to document who returned, serving as a roster for the reconstituted nation. Such lists validate the historical nature of the return from exile and are fundamental for the narrative of restoration.

Ezra 2 31 Bonus section

The presence of two entries for "Elam," both with the identical count of 1,254, has intrigued interpreters. While some historical-critical views might propose a scribal duplication or error, a more covenantal and textual approach suggests that the "other Elam" (אַחֵר - ʼaḥēr) serves as a deliberate literary device. This specific distinction likely denotes two truly separate, yet similarly-sized and named, branches of families returning, or two administratively recognized divisions. Such a precision would serve to confirm separate entitlements or roles within the re-established community. It also reinforces the unique identity of each returning family unit as critical for the overall restoration project. The sheer detail of the list, rather than undermining its veracity, emphasizes its administrative function in reconstituting a scattered people.

Ezra 2 31 Commentary

Ezra 2:31 is more than a mere data point in a long list; it embodies the meticulousness with which the post-exilic community in Judah documented its return from Babylon. This precise record of "the children of the other Elam," distinct from an earlier "Elam," highlights the profound importance placed on identity, ancestry, and belonging in ancient Israel. In a society where one's heritage determined land rights, social standing, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, an accurate genealogy was paramount. This verse, therefore, speaks to the careful efforts to re-establish the national and spiritual life of Israel, rooted in its foundational lineages, demonstrating God's faithfulness in regathering His scattered people according to His prophetic promises. It forms a cornerstone for the rebuilding efforts that followed, providing the very people through whom God's purposes for Jerusalem and the temple would be realized.