Ezra 2:17 (KJV)

What does Ezra 2:17 mean?

Ezra 2:17 lists a group called “the children of Bezai,” recording that 323 people from this family returned from exile. This verse is part of a census that details the families and numbers of Israelites who came back to Jerusalem after being held captive in Babylon.

This verse appears in a long list where Ezra, the narrator, is documenting the names and sizes of different family groups returning to rebuild their homeland. The mention of “children of Bezai” simply means the descendants or clan of a man named Bezai. The number given—323—shows the exact size of this group, emphasizing the careful record-keeping and the importance of each family in the restoration of the Jewish community.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:17

• בְּנֵי (bənê, H1121): This word means “children” or “descendants.” In this context, it refers to the extended family or clan descended from Bezai, not just literal sons.
• בֵּצָי (Betsai, H1209): This is the name “Bezai,” identifying the ancestor or founder of this family group.
• שְׁלֹשָׁה (sheloshah, H7969), מֵאוֹת (me’ot, H3967), עֶשְׂרִים (esrim, H6242), שְׁלֹשָׁה (sheloshah, H7969): These are the Hebrew words for “three,” “hundred,” “twenty,” and “three,” respectively, making up the total of 323. The use of these specific words shows the precision in counting and recording each family’s numbers.

Why Ezra 2:17 matters

• This verse highlights the careful documentation of those returning from exile, showing the value placed on every family and individual in the process of rebuilding the nation.
• By naming specific families and their numbers, the passage underscores the continuity of Israel’s identity and heritage, even after years of displacement.
• The verse connects to the larger theme of restoration in Ezra, where the return from exile is not just about numbers but about re-establishing a community rooted in shared history and faith.