King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:57 Mean?

Ezra 2:57 in the King James Version says “The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami. Ami: or, A...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezra 2:57 · KJV

Context

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

58

All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

59

And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: Addan: or, Addon seed: or, pedigree

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami—The final group of Solomon's servants. Shephatiah (שְׁפַטְיָה) means "Yahweh has judged," Hattil means "wavering" or "decaying," Pochereth of Zebaim (פֹּכֶרֶת צְבָיִים) means "binder of gazelles" or "trapper," and Ami (אָמִי) means "my people."

Read theologically, these names trace redemption's arc: "Yahweh has judged" the "wavering" and "trapped," declaring them "my people." This anticipates Hosea's prophecy reversed: "Lo-ammi" (not my people) becomes "Ammi" (my people) through God's covenant faithfulness (Hosea 1:9; 2:23). Peter applies this to Gentile Christians (1 Peter 2:10), showing that all believers are former slaves adopted as God's children.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This concludes the register of Solomon's servants returning from Babylon (verses 55-57). Though descended from subjugated peoples, they were fully integrated into post-exilic Judean society and temple service. The specificity of "Pochereth of Zebaim" (binder of gazelles) may indicate a specialized trade or location associated with this family.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your identity shift from "wavering" and "trapped" to "my people" illustrate your salvation story?
  2. What does God's adoption of former enemies and slaves as "my people" reveal about the gospel's reach?
  3. In what areas of life do you still act like a slave rather than embracing your identity as God's beloved child?

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

שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה2 of 9

“of Shephatiah”

H8203

shephatjah, the name of ten israelites

בְּנֵ֥י3 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

חַטִּ֗יל4 of 9

“of Hattil”

H2411

chattil, one of 'solomon's servants'

בְּנֵ֥י5 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

פֹּכֶ֥רֶת6 of 9
H0
הַצְּבָיִ֖ים7 of 9

“of Pochereth of Zebaim”

H6380

pokereth-tsebajim, one of the 'servants of solomon'

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

אָמִֽי׃9 of 9

“of Ami”

H532

ami, an israelite

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 2:57 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 2:57 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:59

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