Question 1

What does Ezra 2:19 mean?

Accepted Answer

Ezra 2:19 records that 223 descendants of Hashum returned from exile to Jerusalem. This verse is part of a list that counts the families and groups who came back from Babylon to help rebuild the Jewish community. The book of Ezra opens with a register of those who returned from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel. Ezra 2:19 specifically names the "children" or descendants of Hashum, identifying them as one of the family groups. This list helped the community keep track of their heritage and who was present for the restoration of Jerusalem.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:19

Accepted Answer

בֵּן (ben, H1121): Translated as "children," this word often means "sons" or "descendants." Here, it refers to the family line or clan of Hashum, not just literal children. חָשֻׁם (Hashum, H2828): This is a personal or family name, identifying a specific group among the returnees. Naming the family emphasizes the importance of lineage and community identity. מֵאָה (me’ah, H3967), עֶשְׂרִים (esrim, H6242), שָׁלוֹשׁ (shalosh, H7969): These words mean "hundred," "twenty," and "three," combining to give the total of 223. The precise count shows the careful record-keeping and the value placed on each returning group.

Question 3

Why Ezra 2:19 matters

Accepted Answer

Ezra 2:19 highlights the careful documentation of those who returned from exile, showing the importance of each family in the rebuilding of the nation. By naming the descendants of Hashum, the verse connects individual families to the larger story of restoration and continuity after exile. This verse, along with the rest of the list, helps establish the legitimacy and identity of the restored community in Jerusalem, which was crucial for their religious and social life.

Ezra 2:19 (KJV)