King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:21 Mean?

Ezra 2:21 in the King James Version says “The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.”

Ezra 2:21 · KJV

Context

19

The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.

20

The children of Gibbar, ninety and five. Gibbar: or Gibeon

21

The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.

22

The men of Netophah, fifty and six.

23

The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Beth-lehem, an hundred twenty and three. This entry shifts from patrilineal to geographical designation: Beth-lehem (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Lechem, 'house of bread') returnees numbered 123. This small Judean town, six miles south of Jerusalem, held enormous redemptive significance. Ruth gleaned in Bethlehem's fields (Ruth 2); David was anointed there (1 Samuel 16:1-13); and centuries later, Jesus would be born there, fulfilling Micah 5:2.

The name 'house of bread' proved prophetic: Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), came from Bethlehem. The preservation of this town through exile, ensuring inhabitants could return and maintain community, formed part of God's sovereign preparation for Messiah's advent. Every detail of restoration served ultimate redemptive purposes.

The relatively small number (123) reminds us that God often works through obscure places and people. Bethlehem was 'little among the thousands of Judah' (Micah 5:2), yet from this insignificant village came Israel's greatest king and humanity's Savior. Kingdom impact doesn't correlate with worldly prominence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Bethlehem's agricultural richness (hence 'house of bread') made it economically viable despite small size. Located in Judah's central hill country, it benefited from adequate rainfall for wheat and barley cultivation. The town's survival through Babylonian devastation and subsequent repopulation enabled its role in gospel accounts five centuries later.

Maintaining Bethlehem as distinct settlement preserved Davidic associations. Jesus's birth there wasn't geographical accident but fulfillment of specific prophecy requiring the town's continued existence and identification. God's providence operates through mundane details—census lists, town preservation, family records—to accomplish cosmic redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Bethlehem's preservation through exile demonstrate God's sovereign orchestration of redemptive history?
  2. What does God's choice of small, obscure places teach about worldly versus kingdom values?
  3. How can believers in 'small' ministries or locations resist insignificance-thinking and embrace God's sovereignty?

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

בֵֽית2 of 6
H0
לָ֔חֶם3 of 6

“of Bethlehem”

H1035

beth-lechem, a place in palestine

מֵאָ֖ה4 of 6

“an 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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 2:50-52

Places in This Verse

Bethlehem 1Settlement · Modern: Bethlehem · 31.70°N, 35.21°E52 verses across 14 books
View all places in Ezra 2 →

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