Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.

EZRA 1:10KJV
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Ezra 1:10 (KJV)

What does Ezra 1:10 mean?

Ezra 1:10 lists specific temple items being returned: thirty gold basins, 410 silver basins of a different kind, and a thousand other vessels. This verse records part of the detailed inventory of sacred objects that were taken from the Jerusalem temple and are now being sent back as the Jewish people return from exile.

The verse is part of a list given by the Persian officials to Sheshbazzar, the leader of the returning exiles. These items had been taken by the Babylonians when Jerusalem was conquered, and now King Cyrus of Persia is allowing the Jews to bring them back for use in the rebuilt temple. The careful counting and description show the importance of restoring what was lost and the respect given to the temple’s treasures.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 1:10

  • The word for "basins" is סְפָה (səphāh), which refers to a shallow bowl or dish, often used in temple rituals. The distinction between gold and silver basins, and the mention of a "second sort" for the silver, suggests different types or qualities, highlighting the care in cataloging what is being returned.
  • The phrase "of a second sort" uses שֵׁנִי (shēnī), meaning "second" or "another kind." This indicates that the 410 silver basins were not the same as the primary ones, possibly differing in size, shape, or use.
  • The word for "other" is אַחֵר (’acher), meaning "another" or "different." This shows that the thousand vessels were distinct from the basins, likely including a variety of other temple items.

Why Ezra 1:10 matters

  • This verse highlights the faithfulness and precision involved in returning the temple treasures, showing respect for what was sacred to the Jewish people.
  • The detailed inventory underscores the historical reality of the exile and return, grounding the story in specific, countable objects rather than generalities.
  • By listing these items, the text connects the restoration of worship in Jerusalem to the past glory of the temple, emphasizing continuity and renewal for the returning exiles.