King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:58 Mean?

Ezra 2:58 in the King James Version says “All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two. — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezra 2:58 · KJV


Context

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

60

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two—The combined census of temple servants: 392 souls. The Hebrew kol (all) emphasizes completeness—every servant was counted and valued. This small number (compared to 4,289 priests and Levites in verses 36-42) underscores their humble status, yet their inclusion in sacred Scripture dignifies their service.

The number 392 itself teaches spiritual mathematics: God counts what the world overlooks. Jesus valued the widow's two mites (Mark 12:42-44) and promised that "whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water" receives reward (Matthew 10:42). Quality of devotion, not quantity of status, determines spiritual worth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse totals the Nethinim (verses 43-54) and Solomon's servants (verses 55-57), who performed menial temple tasks during the Second Temple period (515 BC-70 AD). Though only 392 returned compared to thousands of other returnees, they were essential to temple function—without water carriers and wood choppers, sacrifices could not proceed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's careful counting of 392 humble servants challenge your evaluation of "significant" ministry?
  2. What faithful service are you performing that feels too small to count but that God records in His book?
  3. How does Jesus's affirmation of "cups of cold water" ministry encourage you to faithfulness in obscurity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כָּ֨ל1 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנְּתִינִ֔ים2 of 9

All the Nethinims

H5411

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

וּבְנֵ֖י3 of 9

and 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

עַבְדֵ֣י4 of 9

servants

H5650

a servant

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה5 of 9

of Solomon's

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

שְׁלֹ֥שׁ6 of 9

were three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֖וֹת7 of 9

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

תִּשְׁעִ֥ים8 of 9

ninety

H8673

ninety

וּשְׁנָֽיִם׃9 of 9

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold


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 2:58 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 2:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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