King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:70 Mean?

Ezra 2:70 in the King James Version says “So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in t...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.”

Ezra 2:70 · KJV

Context

68

And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

69

They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.

70

So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Read Ezra 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The settling: 'So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.' The comprehensive list shows all categories of returnees established themselves in ancestral territories. The phrase 'all Israel in their cities' emphasizes completeness—despite only two tribes numerically significant, they maintained all-Israel identity. The settlement in specific cities restored covenant land inheritance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The scattering throughout Judah's various cities restored ancient tribal patterns despite seventy years interruption. Each group settling 'in their cities' involved claiming ancestral properties, rebuilding homes, and reestablishing agriculture. Archaeological evidence shows numerous sites in Judah were reoccupied in Persian period after abandonment. The distribution throughout the land rather than concentrating in Jerusalem enabled agricultural self-sufficiency and territorial possession. The comprehensive list shows all needed vocations—priests, singers, gatekeepers—settled appropriately.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does settling 'in their cities' demonstrate the importance of proper order and covenant land inheritance?
  2. What does maintaining all-Israel identity teach about hope for comprehensive restoration despite partial present reality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ1 of 12

“dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים2 of 12

“So the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְ֠הַלְוִיִּם3 of 12

“and the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וּֽמִן4 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעָ֞ם5 of 12

“and some of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֧ים6 of 12

“and the singers”

H7891

to sing

וְהַשּֽׁוֹעֲרִ֛ים7 of 12

“and the porters”

H7778

a janitor

וְהַנְּתִינִ֖ים8 of 12

“and the Nethinims”

H5411

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

בְּעָֽרֵיהֶֽם׃9 of 12

“in their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְכָל10 of 12
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל11 of 12

“and all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּעָֽרֵיהֶֽם׃12 of 12

“in their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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 2:70 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 2:70 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:73Nehemiah 11:3-361 Chronicles 11:21 Chronicles 9:2Ezra 6:16-17

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

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