Ezra 2:69 (KJV)

What does Ezra 2:69 mean?

Ezra 2:69 describes how the returned exiles gave offerings for the rebuilding work in Jerusalem, each person contributing according to their ability. The total gifts included a large amount of gold, silver, and special garments for the priests, all meant to support the restoration of the temple.

This verse is part of a list recording the people who returned from Babylonian exile and what they contributed to the rebuilding effort. The leaders and families gave what they could to a shared treasury, showing both the scale of their generosity and their commitment to reestablishing worship in Jerusalem. The mention of specific amounts and items highlights the practical needs of the project and the organized way the community responded.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:69

• The word for "gave" is נָתַן (natan, H5414), which simply means to give or bestow. Here, it emphasizes voluntary contributions rather than a tax or forced offering.
• "Ability" comes from כֹּחַ (koach, H3581), meaning strength or capacity. This shows that each person gave in proportion to what they were able, not all the same amount.
• "Treasure" is אוֹצָר (otzar, H214), referring to a storehouse or treasury. This indicates the gifts were pooled together for the collective work.
• "Drams" is דַּרְכְּמוֹן (darkemon, H1871), a Persian coin, showing the influence of the Persian Empire and the use of its currency in the returned community.

Why Ezra 2:69 matters

• This verse clarifies that the rebuilding of the temple was a community effort, with everyone contributing as they were able, not just a wealthy few.
• The specific mention of gold, silver, and priestly garments shows the practical and spiritual priorities of the returned exiles: restoring worship and the temple’s function.
• Ezra 2:69 connects the generosity of the people to the larger story of restoration after exile, highlighting their unity and commitment to their faith and heritage.