Ezra 2:48 (KJV)

What does Ezra 2:48 mean?

Ezra 2:48 lists three family groups—Rezin, Nekoda, and Gazzam—among those returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse is part of a larger record that names the people and families who came back to rebuild their lives and worship in their homeland.

The book of Ezra is recounting the return of exiles from Babylon to Judah, and this verse is one line in a long list of names. These names represent real families or clans who were part of the community making the journey. The list shows the careful record-keeping and the importance of each group in reestablishing the nation’s identity and religious life.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:48

• The word "children" (בְּנֵי, bənê) is used for each group, meaning "descendants" or "members of the family of." This highlights that the list is organized by family lines, not just individuals.
• "Rezin" (רְצִין, retsin), "Nekoda" (נְקוֹדָא, nəqōdā’), and "Gazzam" (גַּזָּם, gazzām) are names of family heads or ancestors. Each name marks a distinct group within the returning community, showing the diversity and structure among the exiles.

Why Ezra 2:48 matters

• This verse helps show that every family and group, no matter how small or obscure, was counted and valued in the restoration of Israel.
• The careful listing of names in Ezra 2 emphasizes the historical reality of the return from exile and the effort to reestablish community ties and worship.
• Seeing these names in the record connects the story of the returnees to their ancestors and roots, underlining the importance of heritage and belonging in the biblical narrative.