King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:55 Mean?

Ezra 2:55 in the King James Version says “The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, Peruda: or... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezra 2:55 · KJV


Context

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

56

The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

57

The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami. Ami: or, Amon


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Solomon's servants (בְּנֵי עַבְדֵי שְׁלֹמֹה)—A distinct category from Nethinim, these were descendants of Canaanite peoples Solomon subjected to forced labor (1 Kings 9:20-21). Sotai means "straying," Sophereth (סוֹפֶרֶת) means "scribe" or "numberer," and Peruda means "kernel" or "separated."

That avdei Shlomo (Solomon's slaves) maintained distinct identity for 500+ years is remarkable. Their voluntary return from exile—where they lived as free men—to resume temple service demonstrates covenant loyalty transcending their servile origins. Paul later applies this metaphor: Christians are "bondservants of Christ" (Romans 1:1), finding true freedom in voluntary service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon employed forced labor from conquered Canaanite populations (Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites) for temple construction and other projects. Unlike the Nethinim (given to temple service), Solomon's servants performed royal and civil duties. Their descendants' inclusion in the return census shows full integration into post-exilic Judean society.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the voluntary return of Solomon's servants teach about finding identity in service rather than freedom from obligation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern individualism's emphasis on autonomy over covenant community?
  3. In what ways are you a voluntary bondservant of Christ, embracing servanthood as freedom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
בְּנֵ֥י1 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

עַבְדֵ֣י2 of 9

servants

H5650

a servant

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה3 of 9

of Solomon's

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְּנֵ֥י4 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

סֹטַ֥י5 of 9

of Sotai

H5479

sotai, one of the nethinim

בְּנֵ֥י6 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

הַסֹּפֶ֖רֶת7 of 9

of Sophereth

H5618

sophereth, a temple servant

בְּנֵ֥י8 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

פְרוּדָֽא׃9 of 9

of Peruda

H6514

peruda or perida, one of 'solomon's servants'


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 2:55 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 2:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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