King James Version
What Does Ezra 2:40 Mean?
“The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four. Hodaviah: or, Judah called also Hodevah”
Context
38
The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
39
The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen .
40
The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four. Hodaviah: or, Judah called also Hodevah
41
The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
42
The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(40) **The Levites: the children of Jeshua.**—Then follow the Levitical families, not priests: that is, the Levites proper, the singers, the door-keepers or porters. Of the first there were only two families, and these are both traced up to one, that of Hodaviah or Judah (Ezra 3:9) or Hodevah (Nehemiah 7:43). The hereditary choristers are also few: of the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the first alone is represented. Nehemiah makes their number twenty more; but 1 Esdras agrees with the text of Ezra.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:40 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 2:40
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge