Ezra 2 54

Ezra 2:54 kjv

The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

Ezra 2:54 nkjv

the sons of Neziah, and the sons of Hatipha.

Ezra 2:54 niv

Neziah and Hatipha

Ezra 2:54 esv

the sons of Neziah, and the sons of Hatipha.

Ezra 2:54 nlt

Neziah, and Hatipha.

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 54 Meaning

Ezra 2:54 lists three families, the children of Nezaih, the children of Hatipha, and the children of Hakufa, who were among the "Nethinim" (temple servants) returning from Babylonian exile to Judah with Zerubbabel. This inclusion signifies the comprehensive nature of the restored community, emphasizing that all essential roles, even those of humble service, were meticulously accounted for in the re-establishment of the temple and its operations. Their return highlights their commitment to God's house and the collective effort required for spiritual restoration.

Ezra 2 54 Context

Ezra chapter 2 meticulously records a census of the specific individuals and families who first returned from Babylonian exile to Judah. This was the first wave of returnees, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, following the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. The chapter enumerates the priestly families, the Levites, the temple singers, the gatekeepers, and finally, starting from verse 43, the "Nethinim" and the "descendants of Solomon's servants." These lists are critical as they authenticate the lineage and legal standing of those eligible to participate in the re-establishment of the temple and the national identity. Ezra 2:54, specifically, falls within the list of Nethinim, highlighting that even those traditionally regarded as lower-status temple servants were essential to the restoration project, affirming the holistic nature of the returning community. Historically, the Nethinim were not of pure Israelite descent, but rather, often believed to be descendants of foreign peoples like the Gibeonites (Joshua 9) who had been "given" (hence their name, from Hebrew nathan, "to give") to perpetual service to the Tabernacle or Temple. Their inclusion underscores a principle of commitment to God's worship, transcending traditional lineage boundaries.

Ezra 2 54 Word analysis

• The children of (בְּנֵי, b'nei): A common Hebrew construct meaning "sons of," or more broadly, "descendants of" or "members of the household/clan of." This idiom establishes genealogical lineage and group identity for census purposes.
• Nezaih (נְצִיחַ, Netziach): This proper name likely means "distinguished" or "illustrious," derived from a root that signifies prominence or permanence (נָצַח, natsach). Its inclusion identifies a specific family unit within the larger group of temple servants.
• the children of (בְּנֵי, b'nei): Again, establishing lineage.
• Hatipha (חֲטִיפָא, Khatipha): This name is derived from a root meaning "to snatch" or "to seize" (חָטַף, khataf). This might hint at the family's historical origin, possibly indicating their ancestors were captured or conscripted into service.
• the children of (בְּנֵי, b'nei): Again, denoting family group.
• Hakufa (חֲקוּפָא, Khakufa): This name is possibly related to a root meaning "bent" or "crooked." As with other Nethinim names, its specific meaning does not overtly carry theological weight but rather identifies another distinct family clan contributing to temple service.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The children of Nezaih, the children of Hatipha, the children of Hakufa: These three phrases consistently use the "children of [name]" construct, a formulaic approach for enumerating distinct family or clan units within the census. The consistent use emphasizes that the count is detailed and inclusive, acknowledging each ancestral lineage contributing to the returning community. These specific family names, while individually unremarkable outside of this list, collectively represent the broader group of Nethinim—temple servants who were integral to the functioning of the restored temple. Their inclusion underscores the comprehensive and foundational nature of all roles in God's service, from the priestly elite to these dedicated hereditary servants.

Ezra 2 54 Bonus section

The specific names of the Nethinim families, such as those in Ezra 2:54, show minor variations between the list in Ezra 2 and the parallel account in Nehemiah 7. Such textual differences are common in ancient manuscripts and census records, attributable to different source documents, varying scribal spellings, or even slight shifts in family designations over time, yet they do not undermine the overall historical authenticity of the lists or the reality of the return. The persistence of the Nethinim, a group largely of foreign origin designated for service, over many centuries—from Joshua's time, through the monarchy, the exile, and into the post-exilic period—demonstrates their enduring commitment to the Temple of the Lord. Their steadfastness stands as a testament to the fact that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, for His purposes, if they are devoted to His house and service. This foretold and prefigured the broad inclusion of Gentiles in God's people in the New Covenant.

Ezra 2 54 Commentary

Ezra 2:54 is a brief, almost formulaic, enumeration of three family lines within the Nethinim, yet it carries significant weight in the context of the post-exilic restoration. It illustrates that every segment of the community, regardless of their origin or perceived status, was vital for the rebuilding effort. The listing of these particular "temple servants" highlights God's inclusive plan for His worship, where faithful dedication in seemingly humble roles is equally valued in His sight as the more prominent duties. This detail underscores that the returned community sought to replicate, as much as possible, the comprehensive personnel structure of the pre-exilic temple, reflecting a commitment to order and established worship practices. It sets a pattern for valuing all forms of service within God's house, a principle later expanded in the New Testament concerning the diverse members of the Body of Christ each contributing to the whole.