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.

Where else these words appear

“basons” Hebrew H3713 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 16:14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:
  • Job 38:29 Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?

“second” Hebrew H4932 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Samuel 23:17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:24 His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.