These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.

EZRA 8:1KJV
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Ezra 8:1 (KJV)

What does Ezra 8:1 mean?

Ezra 8:1 introduces a list of family leaders and their genealogies who traveled with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem during the reign of King Artaxerxes. The verse sets the stage for naming those who returned from exile, highlighting their family heads and ancestry.

Ezra, the scribe and priest, is speaking here as he records the names of those who accompanied him on the journey back to Judah. This verse marks the beginning of a detailed record, emphasizing the importance of lineage and leadership among those returning from captivity. The mention of Artaxerxes situates the event in a specific historical period, showing the continuity of the Jewish people after exile.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 8:1

  • "chief" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): This word means "head" or "leader," pointing to the recognized family leaders responsible for their groups during the return.
  • "fathers" (אָב, av): Refers to ancestors or patriarchs, underlining the importance of family heritage and continuity.
  • "genealogy" (יַחַס, yachas): This term is about tracing family lines, which was crucial for establishing identity and rights among the returned exiles.
  • "up" (עָלָה, alah): Often used for "going up" to Jerusalem, this word carries the sense of both a physical journey and a spiritual return.
  • "Babylon" (בָּבֶל, Bavel): Naming Babylon reminds the reader of the place of exile and the significance of leaving it behind.
  • "reign" (מַלְכוּת, malkhut) and "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melech): These words anchor the event in the rule of Artaxerxes, providing a clear historical context.
  • "Artaxerxes" (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתְּא, Artachshashta): The Persian king's name, showing the foreign rule under which the return happened.

Why Ezra 8:1 matters

  • Ezra 8:1 clarifies that the return from exile was organized and led by recognized family heads, not just a random group, which adds weight to the restoration of the community.
  • The verse connects the returnees to their ancestral lines, which was essential for reestablishing their place in Jewish society and religious life.
  • By mentioning Artaxerxes, the verse ties the story to a specific moment in history, helping readers understand the broader timeline of Israel's restoration after exile.

Where else these words appear

“Artaxerxes” Hebrew H783 · used in 14 verses

  • Ezra 4:7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.
  • Ezra 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
  • Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.

“genealogy” Hebrew H3187 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:33 And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:9 And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty thousand and two hundred.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:17 Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

“reign” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.
  • Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: