The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

EZRA 7:2KJV
Know the Bible

Ezra 7:2 (KJV)

What does Ezra 7:2 mean?

Ezra 7:2 lists part of Ezra’s ancestry, naming him as the son of Shallum, who was the son of Zadok, who was the son of Ahitub. This verse is part of a longer genealogy that traces Ezra’s priestly lineage.

This genealogy is important because it establishes Ezra’s credentials as a priest descended from a respected line. In the context of the book of Ezra, this list is presented to the reader to show that Ezra has the proper heritage to lead religious reforms and teach the law among the returned exiles.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 7:2

  • The word בֵּן (ben, H1121) means “son.” In Hebrew genealogies, “son” can also mean “descendant,” not always a direct child. This allows genealogies to skip generations and focus on key ancestors.
  • שַׁלּוּם (Shallum, H7967), צָדוֹק (Zadok, H6659), and אֲחִיטוּב (Ahitub, H285) are personal names. Each of these men was a priest, and their names would be recognized by readers as part of a significant priestly family line.

Why Ezra 7:2 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Ezra’s authority comes from his priestly heritage, not just personal merit or political appointment.
  • The genealogy connects Ezra to Zadok, a famous high priest from King David’s time, which would have carried weight with the Jewish community.
  • Understanding this lineage helps readers see why Ezra was trusted with teaching and interpreting the law for the people returning from exile.

Where else these words appear

“Ahitub” Hebrew H285 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:12 And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,

“Shallum” Hebrew H7967 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:10 And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:22 And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe;(now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect.

“Zadok” Hebrew H6659 · used in 50 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;