Ezra 8 3

Ezra 8:3 kjv

Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.

Ezra 8:3 nkjv

of the sons of Shecaniah, of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah; and registered with him were one hundred and fifty males;

Ezra 8:3 niv

of the descendants of Shekaniah; of the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were registered 150 men;

Ezra 8:3 esv

Of the sons of Shecaniah, who was of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah, with whom were registered 150 men.

Ezra 8:3 nlt

a descendant of Shecaniah.
From the family of Parosh: Zechariah and 150 other men were registered.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 3 Meaning

Ezra 8:3 provides a specific genealogical detail concerning the second wave of returning exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under Ezra's leadership. It identifies "Shechaniah of the sons of Parosh" as a prominent family line, with "Zechariah" listed as the specific leader from this lineage for this return group. Notably, it records that Zechariah brought "150 men" with him, indicating a precise and organized enumeration of those who committed to rebuilding the community and restoring worship in the land of Judah.

Ezra 8 3 Context

Ezra chapter 8 details Ezra's second expedition leading more exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem, following the initial return under Zerubbabel. Before commencing the arduous and dangerous journey, Ezra diligently gathered the returnees by the Ahava Canal to ensure the presence of Levites and temple servants, who were critically missing initially. This verse specifically introduces Zechariah, a key leader from the influential Parosh family, as part of the list of male heads of families (vv. 2-14) who committed to the journey. This enumeration served to establish the legitimacy, organization, and numerical strength of the returning remnant, which was essential for re-establishing the community in Judah and restoring the Mosaic covenant practices.

Ezra 8 3 Word analysis

• of the sons of Shechaniah: This identifies the lineage of the next group leader. Shechaniah (שְׁכַנְיָה - Shekhanyah) means "Dweller with Yahweh" or "Yahweh has dwelt." This name reflects a relationship with God. In post-exilic times, Shechaniah was a significant name, often associated with faithful adherence to the covenant (e.g., in Nehemiah, a Shechaniah advocates against foreign marriages).
• of the sons of Parosh: Parosh (פַּרְעֹשׁ - Par'osh) means "flea." While the literal meaning is curious, its significance lies in the fact that the family of Parosh was one of the largest and most prominent families to return in the first wave under Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:3, Neh 7:8). This repeated mention emphasizes the continuity and commitment of leading families to the restoration project over generations.
• Zechariah: Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה - Zekharyah) means "Yahweh has remembered" or "the LORD remembers." This name carries a deep theological significance, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His people during exile and return. It's a common name, appearing over 30 times in the Bible, including a significant prophet.
• and with him were registered: The Hebrew term for "registered" is הִתְיַחְסוּ (hithyakhsu), derived from the root יָחַס (yachas), meaning "to be enrolled by genealogy," "to be entered in a register." This term is crucial, highlighting the meticulous care taken to record exact lineage. Such records were vital for verifying tribal affiliation, priestly legitimacy (Ezra 2:62), and claims to land inheritance upon return to Israel. It reflects a concern for identity and order within the repatriated community.
• 150 men: This precise number emphasizes the accuracy and detail of Ezra's records. Each named family head brought a specific, counted contingent of adult males (typically heads of households), demonstrating an organized and measured migration. This "census" was essential for logistical planning (provisions, defense) and for understanding the total demographic strength of the returning remnant.

Words-group by words-group analysis data:

• "of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Parosh": This genealogical specification points to a specific and esteemed family line. The dual "sons of" phrasing confirms the hierarchical and familial structure of the ancient Israelite society, where family heritage was paramount for identity, standing, and claims. It validates the individual's place within the community of returning exiles.
• "Zechariah, and with him were registered": This links the individual leader (Zechariah) directly to the act of registration. It indicates his personal responsibility in gathering and presenting these individuals, suggesting his administrative role and credibility. The act of "registration" (hithyakhsu) was more than just a headcount; it was a formal, public acknowledgment of belonging and adherence to the restored covenant community.
• "150 men": The specific numerical detail underlines the ordered and accountable nature of this second return. Unlike a general migration, this was a carefully orchestrated gathering, underscoring the spiritual and logistical significance of each participant. The limited numbers compared to pre-exilic populations highlight that this was a faithful remnant, specifically chosen and moved by God's providence to rebuild the nation.

Ezra 8 3 Bonus section

The rigorous genealogical records kept by Ezra served several vital functions beyond simple counting. They provided proof of Israelite identity, which was crucial for maintaining racial and religious purity, particularly in contrast to the intermarrying and assimilation tendencies of the exiled generations. These records also served as title deeds to the land, ensuring that returning families could claim their ancestral allotments. Spiritually, they underscored the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, demonstrating that despite the severe discipline of exile, God preserved a remnant to fulfill His promises, particularly concerning the Davidic line from which the Messiah would come. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the divine providence active in maintaining a visible and identifiable people through whom God's plan of salvation would unfold.

Ezra 8 3 Commentary

Ezra 8:3 is a meticulously specific entry within a larger list of returnees, highlighting the detailed attention Ezra paid to genealogies. This precision was paramount for the post-exilic community. It affirmed the authenticity of individuals claiming Israelite heritage, particularly crucial for those aspiring to priestly or levitical service. The name "Zechariah" itself, meaning "Yahweh remembers," resonated deeply with a people whose identity hinged on God's covenant faithfulness despite exile. The formal "registration" of "150 men" symbolizes not just an enumeration but a spiritual and physical rebuilding—an ordered re-gathering by divine command, ensuring a pure and legitimate remnant to perpetuate God's covenant. This detailed record preserved their heritage and paved the way for future spiritual renewal and ultimately the advent of the Messiah, who would spring from these carefully preserved lines.