King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:60 Mean?

Ezra 2:60 in the King James Version says “The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezra 2:60 · KJV

Context

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.

61

And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

62

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. were they: Heb. they were polluted from the priesthood

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two—These 652 individuals claimed Israelite descent but lacked proof. Delaiah (דְּלָיָה) means "Yahweh has drawn up" or "delivered," Tobiah (טוֹבִיָּה) means "Yahweh is good," and Nekoda (נְקוֹדָא) means "distinguished" or "marked."

Ironically, their names proclaimed covenant identity—"Yahweh has delivered," "Yahweh is good"—yet they could not demonstrate covenant membership. This is the tragedy of nominal faith: bearing God's name without possessing God's credentials. Jesus warned of those who claim "Lord, Lord" without relationship (Matthew 7:21-23). True Israel is not genealogical but spiritual (Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 3:7-9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This group (652 people) was significantly larger than the servant class (392 in verse 58) yet could not prove Israelite lineage. They were provisionally included in the community (not immediately expelled) but faced restrictions. This reflects post-exilic Judaism's increasing emphasis on genealogical purity and ethnic boundary-maintenance in response to exile trauma.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might you be relying on family heritage or religious upbringing rather than personal covenant relationship?
  2. What does it mean to bear God's name (Christian) without possessing the inward reality of regeneration?
  3. How does Romans 2:28-29 address the difference between outward religious identity and true spiritual circumcision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 10

“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

דְלָיָ֥ה2 of 10

“of Delaiah”

H1806

delajah, the name of five israelites

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 10

“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

טוֹבִיָּ֖ה4 of 10

“of Tobiah”

H2900

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

בְּנֵ֣י5 of 10

“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

נְקוֹדָ֑א6 of 10

“of Nekoda”

H5353

nekoda, a temple-servant

שֵׁ֥שׁ7 of 10

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֖וֹת8 of 10

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים9 of 10

“fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּשְׁנָֽיִם׃10 of 10

“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 2:60 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 2:60 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:62

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