King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:17 Mean?

Ezra 2:17 in the King James Version says “The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.”

Ezra 2:17 · KJV

Context

15

The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.

16

The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

17

The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.

18

The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve . Jorah: or, Hariph

19

The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.

Read Ezra 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three. Bezai's family (בֵּצָי, Betzai, possibly 'shining' or 'conqueror') numbered 323 returnees. The name appears again in Nehemiah 7:23 and 10:18, showing continued family prominence through restoration period. The root meaning suggests brilliance or victory—appropriate for those conquering exile's darkness through homeward journey.

The specificity of '323' (not rounded to 'about 300') indicates actual headcount, not symbolic estimation. Ancient census methodology counted males above certain age, meaning total family size including women and children likely exceeded 1,000 persons. This demographic reality explains how relatively 'small' census numbers could rebuild cities and cultivate land.

Bezai's family represents mid-tier clans forming the restoration's backbone. Neither elite leaders nor marginal participants, such families provided sustained effort for mundane rebuilding tasks. Kingdom work requires both visionary leadership and faithful laborers willing to lay stones, plow fields, and raise children in covenant community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The census in Ezra 2 lists approximately 30,000 men, suggesting total returnee population near 50,000 when including women, children, and servants. This represented a small fraction of the exile community. Most Jews had established lives in Babylon and chose comfort over costly obedience—a pattern repeated throughout redemptive history.

Families like Bezai's faced enormous challenges. Jerusalem lay in ruins, agriculture had reverted to wilderness, and hostile neighbors opposed rebuilding. The first returnees endured hardship so subsequent generations could worship in a rebuilt temple. Their sacrifice made possible the religious infrastructure from which Jesus would emerge.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the numerical precision teach about God's attention to individual faithfulness amid corporate movements?
  2. How can believers today balance legitimate enjoyment of God's blessings with willingness to sacrifice comfort for kingdom advance?
  3. What motivates sustained effort in 'mundane' ministry when results seem slow and recognition minimal?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 6

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בֵצָ֔י2 of 6

“of Bezai”

H1209

betsai, the name of two israelites

וּשְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃3 of 6

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֖וֹת4 of 6

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים5 of 6

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃6 of 6

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 2:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:23

Test Your Knowledge

Ezra 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzra Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezra 2 with CommentaryAll Ezra ChaptersComplete Ezra QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes