King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:33 Mean?

Ezra 2:33 in the King James Version says “The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five. Hadid: or, Harid, as it is in some copies — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five. Hadid: or, Harid, as it is in some copies

Ezra 2:33 · KJV


Context

31

The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

32

The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

33

The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five. Hadid: or, Harid, as it is in some copies

34

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

35

The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono (בְּנֵי־לֹד חָדִיד וְאוֹנוֹ)—These three towns formed a cluster in the Benjamite territory northwest of Jerusalem. The Hebrew word bene (children/descendants) emphasizes genealogical continuity despite 70 years of exile. Notably, 725 returnees from these towns suggest a significant community that maintained its identity in Babylon.

These were towns rebuilt by Benjamites after the conquest (1 Chronicles 8:12). Their inclusion demonstrates God's faithfulness to preserve not just individuals but communities—entire towns reconstituted themselves. Nehemiah 6:2 later mentions the plain of Ono as a strategic location, showing these returnees reclaimed territory of tactical importance for the restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lod (later Lydda, modern-day Lod, Israel) was approximately 11 miles southeast of Joppa. These towns were in the Shephelah (lowland) region, vulnerable to Philistine encroachment. The returnees' willingness to resettle these exposed areas demonstrated remarkable faith, as they lacked military protection initially.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the preservation of community identity through 70 years of exile teach about God's faithfulness to His corporate people, not just individuals?
  2. How does the returnees' willingness to resettle vulnerable border towns challenge your own risk-taking for God's kingdom purposes?
  3. In what ways does your local church maintain 'genealogical' continuity with the faith once delivered to the saints?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בְּנֵי1 of 8

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

לֹד֙2 of 8

of Lod

H3850

lod, a place in palestine

חָדִ֣יד3 of 8

Hadid

H2307

chadid, a place in palestine

וְאוֹנ֔וֹ4 of 8

and Ono

H207

ono, a place in palestine

שְׁבַ֥ע5 of 8

seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

מֵא֖וֹת6 of 8

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים7 of 8

twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וַֽחֲמִשָּֽׁה׃8 of 8

and five

H2568

five


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 2:33 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 2:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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