They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.

EZRA 2:69KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“drams” Hebrew H1871 · used in 4 verses

  • Nehemiah 7:70 And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.
  • Nehemiah 7:71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.
  • Nehemiah 7:72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.

“pound” Hebrew H4488 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:17 And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
  • Nehemiah 7:71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.
  • Nehemiah 7:72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.

“threescore” Hebrew H7239 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 29:7 And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.
  • Nehemiah 7:71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.
  • Daniel 11:12 And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.

“garments” Hebrew H3801 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
  • Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.