The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.

EZRA 2:8KJV
Know the Bible

Ezra 2:8 (KJV)

What does Ezra 2:8 mean?

Ezra 2:8 lists the descendants of Zattu, numbering 945 people, as part of the group returning from exile to Jerusalem. This verse is part of a census that records the families and numbers of those who came back to rebuild their homeland after captivity.

The book of Ezra begins with a detailed list of families and their numbers, showing who returned from Babylonian exile. Ezra 2:8 specifically mentions the family of Zattu, highlighting their presence among the returnees. This careful record-keeping reflects the importance of each family’s role in restoring the community and reestablishing life in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:8

  • בְּנֵי (bənê, H1121): This word means "children" or "descendants." In this context, it refers to the members of the extended family or clan of Zattu, not just literal sons.
  • זַתּוּא (Zattu, H2240): This is a proper name, identifying a specific family or clan. The mention of Zattu by name shows the importance of family identity in the returning community.
  • תֵּשַׁע (tesha‘, H8672), מֵאוֹת (me’ot, H3967), אַרְבָּעִים (arba‘im, H705), חָמֵשׁ (chamesh, H2568): These words mean "nine," "hundred," "forty," and "five," respectively, making up the total of 945. The precise number emphasizes the detailed and organized nature of the return.

Why Ezra 2:8 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that the return from exile was organized by family groups, not just individuals, showing the importance of community and heritage.
  • The careful listing of numbers and names underscores the value placed on each family’s contribution to rebuilding Jerusalem.
  • Seeing Zattu’s family among the returnees connects this verse to the larger theme of restoration and continuity in Israel’s history, as each group played a part in reestablishing the nation.

Where else these words appear

“Zattu” Hebrew H2240 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 10:27 And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.
  • Nehemiah 7:13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.
  • Nehemiah 10:14 The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,

“nine” Hebrew H8672 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
  • Numbers 34:13 And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:
  • 2 Kings 25:3 And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.

“forty” Hebrew H705 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 5:13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
  • Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.