King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:36 Mean?

Ezra 2:36 in the King James Version says “The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

Ezra 2:36 · KJV


Context

34

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

35

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

36

The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

37

The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

38

The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua (הַכֹּהֲנִים בְּנֵי יְדַעְיָה לְבֵית יֵשׁוּעַ)—The shift to hakohanim (the priests) marks a crucial transition in the census from laypeople to ministerial orders. Jedaiah means 'Yahweh has known,' appropriate for those who would mediate knowledge of God. This family descended from the high priestly line through Jeshua (Joshua), who would serve as high priest during the rebuilding (Ezra 3:2).

The 973 priests from this single family represented about 10% of all returning priests (4,289 total, vv. 36-39). Their placement first among priestly families reflects their prominence in the restoration. Significantly, Jeshua the high priest partnered with Zerubbabel the governor, illustrating the dual leadership (priestly and political) God established for the restoration—anticipating Christ's dual role as King-Priest after Melchizedek's order (Hebrews 7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jedaiah's line was one of the 24 priestly divisions established by David (1 Chronicles 24:7). Post-exile, only four of the original 24 divisions returned (Jedaiah, Immer, Pashhur, Harim), yet these were later subdivided to maintain the 24-course rotation. This demonstrates the community's commitment to preserving pre-exilic worship patterns despite reduced numbers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the prominence of Jedaiah ('Yahweh has known') among returning priests emphasize the importance of being known by God rather than merely knowing about Him?
  2. What does the preservation of priestly divisions despite drastically reduced numbers teach about maintaining biblical patterns of worship?
  3. How does the Jeshua-Zerubbabel partnership model the balance between spiritual and practical leadership needed for any restoration effort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הַֽכֹּהֲנִ֑ים1 of 9

The priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בְּנֵ֤י2 of 9

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

יְדַֽעְיָה֙3 of 9

of Jedaiah

H3048

jedajah, the name of two israelites

לְבֵ֣ית4 of 9

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יֵשׁ֔וּעַ5 of 9

of Jeshua

H3442

jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine

תְּשַׁ֥ע6 of 9

nine

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

מֵא֖וֹת7 of 9

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שִׁבְעִ֥ים8 of 9

seventy

H7657

seventy

וּשְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃9 of 9

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 2:36 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 2:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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