King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:53 Mean?

Ezra 2:53 in the King James Version says “The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,”

Ezra 2:53 · KJV

Context

51

The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

52

The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, Bazluth: or, Bazlith

53

The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,

54

The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

55

The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, Peruda: or, Perida

Read Ezra 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah—These are descendants of the Nethinim (temple servants), families whose names carry prophetic irony. Sisera (סִיסְרָא) is the name of the Canaanite general defeated by Deborah and Barak (Judges 4-5), yet here his descendants serve in God's temple. This demonstrates God's redemptive grace—former enemies become devoted servants.

Barkos (בַּרְקוֹס) may derive from baraq (lightning), while Thamah (תָּמַח) means "to strike" or "laugh." The meticulous preservation of these obscure family names in the sacred register emphasizes covenant faithfulness: God remembers those who serve Him, no matter how humble their station.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa 450 BC, Ezra documents the return from Babylonian exile (538 BC). The Nethinim were temple servants, possibly descended from Gibeonites (Joshua 9) and prisoners of war whom David assigned to temple service. Their inclusion in this census demonstrates their full integration into Israel's covenant community despite non-Israelite origins.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of Sisera's descendants illustrate the transforming power of God's grace across generations?
  2. What does God's careful recording of obscure servant families teach about His valuing of faithful service regardless of social status?
  3. In what ways might your family history include redemption stories where former opposition to God became devoted service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּנֵי1 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

בַרְק֥וֹס2 of 6

“of Barkos”

H1302

barkos, one of the nethimim

בְּנֵי3 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

סִֽיסְרָ֖א4 of 6

“of Sisera”

H5516

sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim

בְּנֵי5 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

תָֽמַח׃6 of 6

“of Thamah”

H8547

temach, one of the nethinim

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 2:53 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 2:53 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:55

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