King James Version

What Does Ezra 8:1 Mean?

These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the re... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.”

Ezra 8:1 · King James Version

Context

1

These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.

2

Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.

3

Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king. The Hebrew rashei avotam (רָאשֵׁי אֲבוֹתָם, 'heads of their fathers') identifies family patriarchs leading the second return—Ezra's delegation departing nearly 80 years after Zerubbabel's first wave (538 BC). The phrase went up with me (olim immi, עֹלִים עִמִּי) marks Ezra's personal leadership, while Artaxerxes the king (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתָּא הַמֶּלֶךְ) specifies Artaxerxes I Longimanus (464-424 BC), whose seventh year (458 BC) frames this journey.

The careful genealogical record demonstrates covenant continuity—these returnees weren't random emigrants but legitimate heirs of Israel's tribes maintaining ancestral identity through exile. Like Matthew 1's genealogy establishing Jesus's royal-priestly lineage, Ezra 8 proves God preserves His people across generations. The yachas (יַחַשׂ, 'genealogy') links post-exilic community to patriarchal promises, fulfilling Jeremiah 29:10's 70-year restoration prophecy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ezra's return (458 BC) occurred between temple completion (516 BC) and Nehemiah's wall rebuilding (445 BC). Artaxerxes I granted extraordinary authority—treasures, safe passage, and legal power (Ezra 7:11-26). This second aliyah brought scholars and priests to strengthen Jerusalem's spiritual life, not just rebuild infrastructure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the meticulous recording of family heads demonstrate that God works through identifiable, accountable leaders rather than anonymous masses?
  2. What does Ezra's 80-year gap from the first return teach about God's patient, multi-generational restoration plans?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאֵ֛לֶּה
1 of 10
H428
these or those
רָאשֵׁ֥י
2 of 10

“These are now the chief”

H7218
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
אֲבֹֽתֵיהֶ֖ם
3 of 10

“of their fathers”

H1
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְהִתְיַחְשָׂ֑ם
4 of 10

“and this is the genealogy”

H3187
to enroll by pedigree
הָֽעֹלִ֣ים
5 of 10

“of them that went up”

H5927
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עִמִּ֗י
6 of 10
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בְּמַלְכ֛וּת
7 of 10

“in the reign”

H4438
a rule; concretely, a dominion
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא
8 of 10

“of Artaxerxes”

H783
artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
9 of 10

“the king”

H4428
a king
מִבָּבֶֽל׃
10 of 10

“with me from Babylon”

H894
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 7:71 Chronicles 24:311 Chronicles 26:322 Chronicles 26:12Ezra 1:5Nehemiah 7:70-71

Places in This Verse

BabyloniaRegion · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E15 verses across 2 books
View all places in Ezra 8 →

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