King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:64 Mean?

Ezra 2:64 in the King James Version says “The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

Ezra 2:64 · KJV


Context

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

63

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. Tirshatha: or, governor

64

The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

65

Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.

66

Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The total count 'The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore' provides precise number. This wasn't mere estimate but careful count, demonstrating administrative precision. The number (42,360) represents only a fraction of the exiled population—most chose to remain in Babylon. This selective return shows that genuine faith requires costly choice. The remnant who returned demonstrated covenant commitment over comfortable prosperity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Approximately 42,360 people returned from an exile population likely in the hundreds of thousands. Most Jews had established lives in Babylon over two generations. The returnees abandoned security, prosperity, and established communities to resettle a devastated land. This sacrifice demonstrated faith in God's promises and commitment to covenant identity. The number's precision (verified by parallel list in Nehemiah 7) demonstrates historical accuracy and administrative thoroughness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the small percentage returning demonstrate that genuine discipleship requires costly sacrifice, not mere cultural affiliation?
  2. What does the precision of the count teach about God's concern for individuals within the corporate body?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כָּל1 of 9
H3605

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

הַקָּהָ֖ל2 of 9

The whole congregation

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

כְּאֶחָ֑ד3 of 9

together

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אַרְבַּ֣ע4 of 9

was forty

H702

four

רִבּ֔וֹא5 of 9
H7239

a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number

אַלְפַּ֖יִם6 of 9

and two thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

שְׁלֹשׁ7 of 9

three

H7969

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

מֵא֥וֹת8 of 9

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שִׁשִּֽׁים׃9 of 9

and threescore

H8346

sixty


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 2:64 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 2:64 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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