Ezra 8 34

Ezra 8:34 kjv

By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time.

Ezra 8:34 nkjv

with the number and weight of everything. All the weight was written down at that time.

Ezra 8:34 niv

Everything was accounted for by number and weight, and the entire weight was recorded at that time.

Ezra 8:34 esv

The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded.

Ezra 8:34 nlt

Everything was accounted for by number and weight, and the total weight was officially recorded.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 34 Meaning

Ezra 8:34 records the meticulous and transparent transfer of the valuable contributions and holy vessels designated for the Jerusalem Temple. It signifies that every single item of gold, silver, and precious articles was precisely counted, accurately weighed, and formally documented upon its arrival, ensuring complete accountability and integrity in handling sacred provisions.

Ezra 8 34 Context

Ezra 8 details Ezra's second expedition of Jews returning from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes of Persia provided substantial financial resources and Temple vessels for this journey and the Temple's restoration (Ezra 7:15-16, 8:25-27). Recognizing the great value and sanctity of these provisions, Ezra carefully selected twelve chief priests and Levites and charged them with guarding the treasury during the perilous journey from Babylon (Ezra 8:24-30). This specific verse, Ezra 8:34, marks the triumphant and scrupulous conclusion of this custodianship. After a three-day pause in Jerusalem, the treasures were handed over, not merely to any person, but to a carefully appointed group of priests and Levites within the Temple precincts, who then officially verified, counted, and recorded every single item. This thorough process ensured maximum transparency and accountability, dispelling any potential suspicion of loss or mishandling of the holy gifts that were brought for the Lord's house. It highlights the reverence and order that Ezra instilled in the post-exilic community concerning divine resources and service.

Ezra 8 34 Word analysis

• By number (בְּמִסְפָּר, bəmiṣpār): This denotes precise counting. Every individual item, from small pieces of gold to individual vessels, was cataloged and itemized. This exactitude indicates carefulness, accountability, and prevention of any oversight or loss.
• and by weight (וּבְמִשְׁקָל, ūbəmišqāl): This indicates the use of scales to verify the precise quantity of precious metals (gold, silver). It ensured that not only the count but also the full, true value and purity of the bulk materials were maintained, safeguarding against dilution or theft by portion. In the ancient Near East, weighing was a primary method of verifying value, especially for gold and silver, and righteous weights were a matter of divine command (Lev 19:36).
• everything (הַכֹּל, hakkōl): A comprehensive term emphasizing total completeness. No item, however small, was excluded from this rigorous process of verification. It underlines that all the contributions from the King and the people were accounted for without exception.
• was handed over (נִתַּן, nittan): This is a passive verb (from נָתַן, natan - "to give" or "to place"). It signifies the formal, official transfer of the sacred treasury from the appointed temporary custodians (Ezra's chosen Levites) to the permanent Temple treasurers. The passive voice emphasizes that the delivery was completed and verified.
• and all the weight (וְכָל הַמִּשְׁקָל, wəḵāl hamišqāl): This phrase redundantly re-emphasizes "by weight," adding a strong sense of confirmation and completion regarding the total quantity of precious metals. It ensures that the sum total recorded matched the initial figures perfectly. This doubling-down highlights an exceptional degree of scrutiny and affirmation.
• was recorded (נִכְתָּב, nikhtav): This is also a passive verb (from כָּתַב, katab - "to write" or "to inscribe"). It signifies that a written, formal record was made of this transfer and verification. Such documentation served as legal proof, public acknowledgment of completion, and an unassailable protection against any future accusation of fraud or loss. It solidifies transparency.
• at that time (בָּעֵת הַהִיא, bā‘ēt hahî’): This temporal phrase signifies immediate action upon arrival in Jerusalem. The process was conducted promptly and without delay, preventing any opportunity for the items to be tampered with or for memories to fade. It reinforces the meticulous and orderly nature of the entire transfer.

Words-group analysis:

• "By number and by weight everything was handed over": This phrase highlights the uncompromising precision and comprehensive nature of the accountability for the Temple treasures. It reflects a systematic, two-tiered method of verification (counting items and weighing precious metals) ensuring nothing was missing or debased. This approach eliminated any room for error or suspicion regarding the vast sums involved, emphasizing the meticulous stewardship exercised over God's holy provisions.
• "and all the weight was recorded at that time": This underscores the critical importance of formal documentation and the immediacy of the verification process. The recording created an undeniable, enduring testament to the full and accurate transfer of the treasure. The phrase "at that time" indicates promptness and demonstrates that the integrity of the process was maintained from start to finish, reflecting Ezra's commitment to order and transparency.

Ezra 8 34 Bonus section

• Significance of Written Records: In ancient societies, written documentation served as a legal and administrative cornerstone. The act of "recording" elevated this transfer beyond a mere informal exchange, giving it official, undeniable validity and historical significance within the re-establishing community in Jerusalem. It protected both the integrity of the individuals involved and the sanctity of the contributions.
• Preventing Misappropriation: The comprehensive verification process described here directly countered the risk of embezzlement or accidental loss, which was a serious concern for Temple treasuries throughout biblical history (e.g., in various instances of temple plunder or repair in the books of Kings and Chronicles). This detailed account showcases a renewed commitment to preventing such abuses.
• Divine Expectation of Stewardship: This meticulousness in human accountability reflects a broader biblical principle: that God, who is Himself orderly and just, expects His people to be diligent and faithful stewards of all that He provides, especially in matters pertaining to His worship and house. Ezra's actions mirrored God's own perfect order and truthfulness.
• Ezra's Leadership Model: This verse is a powerful testament to Ezra’s character as a priest and scribe "skilled in the Law of Moses." His leadership was not only spiritual and legal but also highly practical and administrative, characterized by wisdom, transparency, and a deep reverence for God’s holiness in every detail.

Ezra 8 34 Commentary

Ezra 8:34 encapsulates the unwavering integrity and meticulous care displayed by Ezra and his fellow returnees in handling sacred Temple provisions. Far from a simple transaction, this detailed accounting served multiple vital purposes. The "number and weight" emphasis communicated complete transparency, countering any potential accusations of theft or mismanagement—a common risk for large sums transported over long, dangerous distances in the ancient world. The public recording solidified accountability and attested to the faithfulness of those entrusted with God's resources. This act not only reflects an admirable human commitment to honesty but also illustrates the importance of order and diligence in God's service, demonstrating respect for Him and the sacrifices made by others. It set a foundational standard for stewardship, reinforcing that God desires His people to manage His provisions with scrupulousness, honor, and verifiable integrity. For us today, it underlines the call to be trustworthy stewards of all God has entrusted to us, whether financial, spiritual, or relational, doing so with care, honesty, and accountability, not only before God but also before men.