Ezra 2:47

The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,

Ezra 2:47 (KJV)

Context

Ezra 2 records the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel’s leadership. This verse appears in a long list of families who came back, and it names three groups: the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, and the children of Reaiah. These names belong to the section of the list concerning the Nethinim, temple servants who assisted the Levites in the service of the temple. The parallel list in Nehemiah 7:47 confirms the same three names, showing the careful record-keeping of the returning community.

Meaning

The verse reports a particular event within the biblical narrative: the return of these families from exile. Its contribution is best understood by observing the subject, the action, and the outcome stated in the sentence, with each detail connected to the surrounding sequence. The sentence centres on these three family groups. Every part of the study must remain accountable to that statement. The text should be allowed to set the subject, vocabulary, and limits of interpretation.

The inclusion of these otherwise obscure families underscores the importance of genealogical identity and the restoration of the temple worship community. The names themselves are not elaborated upon in Scripture, but their preservation in the biblical record demonstrates that every family, regardless of prominence, had a place in God’s redemptive plan.

Biblical connections

Biblical narrative presents its message through real sequences of actions and consequences. Accuracy about the verse preserves the order of the account and prevents conclusions based on something the passage does not say. The parallel list in Nehemiah 7:47 confirms the same three names, showing the careful record-keeping of the returning community.

Application

A faithful response begins by distinguishing description from command and by noticing how this event fits the surrounding sequence. Readers can then reflect on the choices, consequences, and divine activity that the text itself makes visible. The verse teaches that God values each individual and family in His service, and that the restoration of worship involved the faithful participation of all, not just the notable leaders.

Reflection

Read in this setting, Ezra 2:47 speaks through its own wording and context. Its claims, emphasis, and appropriate application all begin with the KJV text printed above.