And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

EZRA 2:68KJV
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Ezra 2:68 (KJV)

What does Ezra 2:68 mean?

Ezra 2:68 describes a voluntary gift toward rebuilding God’s house in Jerusalem. Some leaders of the returning families gave when they reached the site, with the aim of restoring the house where it had stood before.

The “house of the LORD” means the temple, a building used for worship. The phrase “in his place” points to its former location, rather than a new site. After the list of returning people and their possessions, the verse turns to what some family leaders did upon arrival.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:68

  • “chief” — רֹאשׁ (rosh): This word can mean “head” or “leader.” Here it identifies the heads of family groups among the returnees.
  • “freely” — נָדַב (nadav): This word carries the sense of giving willingly. It presents the offering as a voluntary gift.
  • “up” — עָמַד (ʿamad): This word can mean “stand” or “set in place.” With “set,” it pictures the house being made to stand again at its site.

Why Ezra 2:68 matters

  • The verse identifies the donors as some family leaders, not every person who returned. Its wording says “some of the chief of the fathers.”
  • The gift had a specific purpose: it was “for the house of God.” The following verse lists contributions of money and goods, giving a clearer picture of what those offerings included.

Where else these words appear

“freely” Hebrew H5068 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Judges 5:9 My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

“place” Hebrew H4349 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:2 But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.
  • Psalms 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.