King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:65 Mean?

Ezra 2:65 in the King James Version says “Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were ...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezra 2:65 · KJV

Context

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;

67

Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Additional count: 'Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven.' Including servants shows the total community was nearly 50,000. The servants' inclusion demonstrates that the restoration community wasn't exclusively ethnic Israel but included those economically connected. The distinction between primary returnees and servants maintains social categories while including both in the counted community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern households commonly included servants—some of foreign origin, others fellow Israelites in debt service. The 7,337 servants represent significant population beyond the 42,360 primary returnees. Their inclusion in the count shows they were part of the restoration community. Archaeological evidence shows Persian-period settlements were modest, suggesting this population represented significant proportion of Judah's total inhabitants. The community faced enormous rebuilding challenges with this relatively small workforce.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does inclusion of servants in the community count demonstrate that God's purposes include all who participate, regardless of social status?
  2. What does the distinction between returnees and servants teach about maintaining social order while including all in covenant community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מִ֠לְּבַד1 of 14
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

עַבְדֵיהֶ֤ם2 of 14

“Beside their servants”

H5650

a servant

וְאַמְהֹֽתֵיהֶם֙3 of 14

“and their maids”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

אֵ֔לֶּה4 of 14

“and there were”

H428

these or those

וְשִׁבְעָ֑ה5 of 14

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אֲלָפִ֔ים6 of 14

“thousand”

H505

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

שְׁלֹ֥שׁ7 of 14

“three”

H7969

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

מָאתָֽיִם׃8 of 14

“among them two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים9 of 14

“thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וְשִׁבְעָ֑ה10 of 14

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

וְלָהֶ֛ם11 of 14
H0
וּֽמְשֹׁרְר֖וֹת12 of 14

“and singing women”

H7891

to sing

וּֽמְשֹׁרְר֖וֹת13 of 14

“and singing women”

H7891

to sing

מָאתָֽיִם׃14 of 14

“among them two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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 2:65 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 2:65 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 19:352 Chronicles 35:25Isaiah 14:1-2Psalms 68:25Ecclesiastes 2:8Exodus 15:20-21

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