Question 1

What does Ezra 2:20 mean?

Accepted Answer

Ezra 2:20 lists a group called "the children of Gibbar," numbering ninety-five people, as part of those returning from exile to Jerusalem. This verse is one entry in a detailed census of families and groups who came back to rebuild their homeland after captivity in Babylon. The book of Ezra records the names and numbers of returnees to show the continuity of Israel’s community and heritage. Ezra, the writer, is documenting for the Jewish people who came back, group by group, emphasizing that even smaller families like Gibbar’s were counted and valued in the restoration of Israel.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:20

Accepted Answer

בְּנֵי (bənê, H1121): This word means "children" or "descendants," and it marks each group in the list as a family or clan, not just individuals. גִּבָּר (Gibbar, H1402): This is a personal or family name, likely referring to the ancestor or founder of this group. The specific mention preserves the memory and identity of this family line. תִּשְׁעִים (tish‘im, H8673) and חָמֵשׁ (chamesh, H2568): These are the Hebrew words for "ninety" and "five," making clear the exact number of people in this group, showing the careful record-keeping of the return.

Question 3

Why Ezra 2:20 matters

Accepted Answer

Ezra 2:20 shows that every family, no matter how small, was recognized and included in the return from exile, highlighting the value of each group in Israel’s restoration. The verse helps modern readers see the importance of identity and belonging in the biblical story, as even lesser-known families like Gibbar’s are remembered. This census connects to the larger theme of faithfulness and continuity in Ezra, showing that the return from exile was not just about leaders or large tribes, but about the whole community, name by name.

Ezra 2:20 (KJV)