King James Version

What Does Ezra 8:2 Mean?

Ezra 8:2 in the King James Version says “Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezra 8:2 · KJV

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.

4

Of the sons of Pahathmoab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush. This verse begins the genealogical registry with Israel's most prestigious lineages. Pinechas (פִּינְחָס, Phinehas) and Itamar (אִיתָמָר) were Aaron's sons—Phinehas's zealous faithfulness (Numbers 25:10-13) earned his family a perpetual priesthood, while Ithamar's line continued through Eli despite that family's judgment (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Gershom and Daniel represent these priestly houses' survival through exile.

Of the sons of David; Hattush identifies Davidic royalty among returnees—1 Chronicles 3:22 lists Hattush in Zerubbabel's lineage, maintaining messianic hope. Though no longer reigning kings, David's descendants preserved covenant promises pointing toward ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The priestly and royal lines traveling together anticipate Zechariah 6:12-13's prophecy: Messiah who combines both offices. This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty preserving specific families through Babylonian captivity to continue redemptive history.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Phinehas and Ithamar priestly divisions (1 Chronicles 24) organized temple service. Despite exile disrupting functions, genealogical records survived—likely through scribal preservation Ezra himself championed. Royal Davidic lineage, though politically powerless, maintained identity awaiting fulfillment in Jesus, 'son of David' (Matthew 1:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of both priestly and royal lines through exile demonstrate His commitment to fulfill specific covenant promises?
  2. What does the inclusion of Ithamar's descendants—despite their house's past judgment—teach about God's grace operating alongside His justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מִבְּנֵ֥י1 of 9

“Of the sons”

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

פִֽינְחָס֙2 of 9

“of Phinehas”

H6372

pinechas, the name of three israelites

גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם3 of 9

“Gershom”

H1647

gereshom, the name of four israelites

מִבְּנֵ֥י4 of 9

“Of the sons”

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

אִֽיתָמָ֖ר5 of 9

“of Ithamar”

H385

ithamar, a son of aaron

דָּֽנִיֵּ֑אל6 of 9

“Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

מִבְּנֵ֥י7 of 9

“Of the sons”

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

דָוִ֖יד8 of 9

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

חַטּֽוּשׁ׃9 of 9

“Hattush”

H2407

chattush, the name of four or five israelites

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 8:2 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 8:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 3:221 Chronicles 3:11 Chronicles 6:3-151 Chronicles 24:1-6

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