Ezra 2 57

Ezra 2:57 kjv

The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.

Ezra 2:57 nkjv

the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth of Zebaim, and the sons of Ami.

Ezra 2:57 niv

Shephatiah, Hattil, Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami

Ezra 2:57 esv

the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the sons of Ami.

Ezra 2:57 nlt

Shephatiah, Hattil, Pokereth-hazzebaim, and Ami.

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 57 Meaning

This verse precisely lists three ancestral family lines—Sotai, Sophereth, and Peruda—among the Nethinim, a distinct class of temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. It is part of the extensive roster of individuals and groups who embarked on the pivotal journey back to Jerusalem to participate in the restoration of the Holy City and its spiritual functions, particularly the rebuilding of the temple and re-establishment of worship.

Ezra 2 57 Context

Ezra chapter 2 meticulously lists the individuals and family groups who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel and Jeshua after Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC. This chapter serves as a vital historical record, outlining the demographic and communal foundation for the renewed post-exilic community. Within this detailed roster, different societal and religious groups are enumerated, including various priestly divisions, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and, importantly, the Nethinim and the descendants of Solomon's servants.

The verse, Ezra 2:57, falls within the section detailing the "Nethinim" (vv. 43-58) and "the children of Solomon's servants" (vv. 55-58). These groups were assigned specific, often humble, duties related to the Temple's upkeep and service, such as gathering wood, drawing water, and other menial tasks. Their inclusion in this precise genealogy underscores their recognized and essential role in the divinely ordained order of the restored worshipping community. Historically, the meticulous nature of these lists was crucial for establishing identity, ensuring proper lineage for priestly roles, validating claims to ancestral land, and defining the legitimate roles of all who returned, providing order and preventing confusion in the new community.

Ezra 2 57 Word analysis

• The children of (בְּנֵי, b'nei): This Hebrew construct emphasizes lineage, descent, and familial identity. In the post-exilic period, tracing ancestry was paramount for establishing one's place within the returned community, particularly for those whose roles (like priests or Levites) depended on tribal and familial purity. For the Nethinim, it cemented their recognized status within specific service families.

• Sotai (שֹׁטָי, Shoṭay): This is a specific family name among the Nethinim. The precise etymological meaning is debated, with some scholarly suggestions relating to "my helper" or derived from a root indicating a whip or goad (perhaps related to overseeing or driving, though less common interpretation). Its appearance here simply designates a specific lineage dedicated to temple service.

• Sophereth (סוֹפֶרֶת, Sophereth): Another distinct family name of the Nethinim. This name appears to be related to the Hebrew word for "scribe" or "writer" (sopher). While not directly implying that these individuals were scribes (their primary role was temple servitude), it might reflect an ancestral occupation or a personal characteristic of a family founder.

• Peruda (פְּרוּדָא, Peruda): The third family name mentioned. Its potential meaning relates to "separated" or "distinguished." Interestingly, in the parallel passage in Nehemiah 7:59, this name appears as "Perida" (פְּרִידָא, Perida), which is a common scribal variation of the same name. Such minor textual differences are typical in ancient lists and do not negate the historical accuracy of the record but rather highlight the natural transmission processes.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "The children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda": The repetitive use of "the children of" before each name underscores the genealogical focus and the importance of familial units in the rebuilding process. It also highlights the continuity of these families' dedication to temple service across generations. These are not just individuals but established family lines. The very inclusion of these names within such a critical historical document attests to their significance and recognized standing, even as humble temple servants. The enumeration affirms their belonging to the collective 'people of the province' returning to God's land and service.

Ezra 2 57 Bonus section

The extensive and detailed lists in Ezra chapter 2, including this verse, are not merely historical records; they serve several profound purposes within the biblical narrative:

• Verification of Identity and Purity: For a community recovering from exile, knowing one's lineage was crucial for re-establishing land claims, priestly qualifications (for priests and Levites), and defining roles within the restored society. This ensured the integrity of the people and their worship.
• Divine Faithfulness: The very act of such a diverse group returning and being meticulously counted showcases God's faithfulness in fulfilling His prophetic promises of restoration, even down to specific families dedicated to service.
• Ordered Worship: The re-establishment of various distinct service groups, including the Nethinim, underscores the importance of order and specific roles in biblical worship. Every part, from the High Priest to the most basic temple servant, contributed to the reverence and functionality of the sacred space.
• Inclusion of Outsiders: The Nethinim, historically often tracing their origins outside the direct lineage of Israel (though now part of the covenant community), exemplify a principle of broader inclusion for those devoted to the Lord and His service, a precursor to the New Covenant's universal reach (Isa 56:3-7).

Ezra 2 57 Commentary

Ezra 2:57, while seemingly a dry enumeration of names, is deeply significant as it reveals God's meticulous care for the restoration of His people and the order of His worship. The listing of the Nethinim—families designated for various temple duties, some tracing back to non-Israelite origins like the Gibeonites (Josh 9)—demonstrates the breadth of God's covenantal inclusion and the divine orchestration of every component required for proper worship. Their return alongside priests, Levites, and other Israelites emphasizes that even seemingly humble or peripheral roles were vital for the functioning of the temple and the spiritual life of the nation. It reflects God's faithful remembrance of all His appointed servants and His precision in rebuilding the community brick by brick, family by family, to re-establish a worshipping people centered around His sanctuary. This meticulous record underscores the historical veracity of the return and God's sovereign hand in restoring His purpose for His chosen nation, where every dedicated servant had a place and purpose.