Ezra 8 12

Ezra 8:12 kjv

And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.

Ezra 8:12 nkjv

of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him one hundred and ten males;

Ezra 8:12 niv

of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men;

Ezra 8:12 esv

Of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men.

Ezra 8:12 nlt

From the family of Azgad: Johanan son of Hakkatan and 110 other men.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 12 Meaning

Ezra 8:12 records a specific group of returnees to Jerusalem from Babylon during the second wave of exiles led by Ezra. It identifies "the sons of Azgad," detailing a leader named Johanan, son of Hakkatan, and the precise number of one hundred and ten males who accompanied him. This verse underscores the meticulous record-keeping essential for the re-establishment of the post-exilic community, highlighting the importance of lineage and the dedicated individuals who participated in God's restoration plan.

Ezra 8 12 Context

Ezra 8 recounts the second wave of exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylon under the leadership of Ezra the scribe, in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes I. Unlike the first wave that focused on rebuilding the Temple, this group's primary focus, led by Ezra, was the restoration of the Law of God in Judah. The chapter meticulously lists the heads of the ancestral houses, the number of males with them, and the Levites and Temple servants who joined them after a significant appeal. This detailed roster, including verse 12, served several crucial purposes: to ensure accurate genealogical records vital for priestly and land claims, to document the size and composition of the returning community, and to emphasize God's faithfulness in gathering His scattered people according to His covenant promises.

Ezra 8 12 Word analysis

• And from the sons of Azgad, And (וְ, we): A simple conjunction, connecting this family's contingent to the previous lists in Ezra 8. It signifies a continuation of the meticulously recorded roster. from (מִן, min): Denotes origin or belonging to a particular group, emphasizing the familial or tribal identity of these returnees. the sons of (בְּנֵ֣י, bənê): Implies descent and connection to a lineage or patriarchal family. In post-exilic Israel, family lineage was critical for social structure, land rights, and the purity of the priestly lines. This phrase signifies a continuation of identity through the generations, a foundational concept for the covenant people. Azgad (עַזְגָּ֖ד, ‘Azgad): A specific family or ancestral house. The name means "strong in fortune" or "fortress of Gad." This family is mentioned among those who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:12, Neh 7:17) and signed Nehemiah's covenant (Neh 10:15). Their continued presence highlights the multi-generational commitment to the restoration.
• Johanan the son of Hakkatan, Johanan (יוֹחָנָן֙, Yôḥānān): This leader's personal name means "Yahweh is gracious" or "Yahweh has shown favor." It is a common Israelite name, fitting for a time when God's grace was tangibly evident in allowing the return from exile. His leadership in bringing others indicates God's favor extended through him. the son of (בֶּן־, ben-): Further solidifies the lineage, establishing Johanan's immediate parentage and linking him firmly to the established family structure. Hakkatan (הַקָּטָן֙, haq-Qāṭān): Meaning "the small" or "the youngest." This patronymic might indicate that his father was the youngest or least prominent, or it could simply be a descriptive surname. The use of "the" (ha-) emphasizes a unique characteristic. Despite this, Johanan himself rose to lead a substantial group. This subtly hints that God uses not only the renowned but also those from seemingly less prominent backgrounds for His purposes.
• and with him a hundred and ten males. and with him (וְעִמּ֥וֹ, wə‘immô): Clearly designates Johanan as the responsible leader for this group, reinforcing the organizational structure of the return. It speaks of his influence and authority. a hundred and ten (מֵאָ֖ה וַעֲשָׂרָ֥ה, mê’â wa‘ăśārâ): This precise number (110) showcases the meticulous nature of the record-keeping during this period. Such numerical detail reflects not just human administrative practice but also a theological significance – God's knowledge and care for each individual in His covenant community, reminiscent of Israel's tribal counts in Numbers. It signifies a substantial, organized group undertaking a divine task. males (זְכָרִֽים, zəḵārîm): Specifies adult men, likely the heads of households or those eligible for military service, work, or land inheritance. This distinguishes them from women, children, or servants. It denotes those actively involved in rebuilding the physical and spiritual foundations of Jerusalem.

• "from the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan..." This phrase illustrates the patriarchal structure of Israelite society and the vital importance of genealogical lines after the exile. Re-establishing the nation meant clearly identifying who belonged to which lineage, for the sake of inheritance, Temple service, and maintaining a pure covenant community. It shows an intentional continuity with the past, even after generations of exile.
• "and with him a hundred and ten males." This concise numerical statement, replicated throughout Ezra 8, highlights the highly organized nature of this sacred journey. It was not a chaotic migration but a planned return of specific individuals, led by recognized heads, fulfilling prophecy and preparing for a structured re-entry into covenant life. The exact number conveys divine intentionality and meticulous human execution under God's providence. It also reflects the scale of commitment required from the individuals involved, leaving relative comfort in Babylon for a challenging task in Judah.

Ezra 8 12 Bonus section

The mention of "Azgad" as a family already present in the first return (Ezra 2) and also prominent later (Neh 10) indicates a consistent lineage committed to the rebuilding and re-establishment efforts in Judah. This suggests a multi-generational commitment to God's covenant and His land, providing a sense of stability and continuity in a period of significant upheaval and change for the returning exiles. The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra's register was not merely for administrative purposes but also held deep theological significance, verifying the lineage for future priestly roles, temple service eligibility, and ensuring the fulfillment of prophecies related to the re-settlement of specific tribes and families in their allotted territories, thereby maintaining the integrity of the covenant people.

Ezra 8 12 Commentary

Ezra 8:12, though a concise genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's faithfulness in gathering His people and the commitment required for national and spiritual restoration. It's a snapshot of a highly organized, purposeful journey, highlighting the critical role of family identity and leadership in the post-exilic community. Each named individual, like Johanan, represented a link in the unbroken chain of Israel's covenant history. The detailed census ensured the legitimate re-establishment of the community and its proper structure, underscoring that God's plans are executed with divine precision and human participation. The presence of these families, enduring generations of exile, returning to a desolate homeland, speaks volumes about their devotion and trust in the God who promised to bring them back. It is a testament to the fact that restoration is often a detailed, arduous, but divinely guided process.