Ezra 2:44

KJV

The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Keros {H7026}, the children {H1121} of Siaha {H5517}, the children {H1121} of Padon {H6303},

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Keros, descendants of Sia'ha descendants of Padon,

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Siaha, the descendants of Padon,

American Standard Version

the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:44, a seemingly simple listing of three family names—Keros, Siaha, and Padon—serves as a vital component within the comprehensive census of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. These families are identified as part of the Nethinim, a distinct group of temple servants, whose inclusion underscores the meticulous divine order governing the restoration of God's people and the inclusive nature of service within His covenant community, where every role, no matter how humble, is essential for the flourishing of spiritual life and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:44 is nestled within a meticulously detailed roster of returnees from the Babylonian exile, spanning from [Ezra 2:1](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1 - The List of Returnees") to [Ezra 2:70](/ezra/2-70 "Ezra 2:70 - Conclusion of the List"). This chapter serves as a foundational document, establishing the identity and legitimacy of the community rebuilding Jerusalem and its Temple. Specifically, verses [Ezra 2:43-58](/ezra/2-43 "Ezra 2:43-58 - The Nethinim and Solomon's Servants") enumerate the families of the Nethinim and the descendants of Solomon's servants, who were dedicated to temple service. The precise listing of these groups, following the priests, Levites, and other Israelite families, emphasizes their recognized and indispensable role in the re-establishment of sacred worship and community life. The repetitive structure of "the children of..." throughout this section highlights the importance of lineage and collective identity in the post-exilic period.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from exile, initiated by King Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"), marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous census in Ezra 2 was not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it was crucial for re-establishing tribal and family identities, determining eligibility for land claims, and, most importantly, organizing the community for the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-institution of proper worship. The "Nethinim" (from Hebrew *nethinim*, meaning "given ones" or "dedicated ones") were a distinct class of temple servants, separate from the priests and Levites, who performed various manual tasks—such as fetching water, cutting wood, and other logistical duties—essential for the Temple's operation. Their origins are debated, with some scholars suggesting they were descendants of the Gibeonites, who were made "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the sanctuary in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites Become Servants"), while others believe they included captives from various wars dedicated to temple service. Their inclusion in this vital register underscores their integral role in the sacred economy of the restored nation.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration in Ezra 2, including the Nethinim families like Keros, Siaha, and Padon, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's precise and detailed plan for the restoration of His people and their worship. Every individual and family, even those in seemingly humble roles, has a designated place in His divine blueprint. Secondly, the inclusion of the Nethinim emphasizes **Inclusivity in Service**. Despite not being of priestly or Levitical lineage, these "given ones" were indispensable to the Temple's functioning, illustrating that all who serve God, regardless of their specific task or social standing, are valued and have a vital part in His work. This resonates with the New Testament teaching that every member of the body of Christ contributes to the whole, as seen in [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ"). Lastly, the chapter reinforces the theme of **Restoration of Identity and Community**. For a people returning from generations of exile, these lists provided a foundational record for re-establishing their place in the land, their tribal affiliations, and their roles within the nascent community, ensuring continuity and legitimacy for the new beginning. The very act of being named in such a register was an affirmation of belonging and purpose after displacement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children of (Hebrew, _bĕnê_):** This recurring phrase, "the children of," emphasizes lineage and familial identity, which was paramount for the returning exiles. It signifies not just individual presence but the re-establishment of family units and their collective contribution to the community. In a society where identity was largely tied to one's ancestry and tribal affiliation, being listed as "children of" a particular family head legitimized their place and role in the restored nation.
* **Keros, Siaha, Padon (Hebrew, _Kērôs, Sîʿahāʾ, Pāḏôn_):** These are proper names of family heads within the Nethinim. While their specific etymological meanings are not definitively clear or directly revelatory for theological interpretation in English, their inclusion signifies their recognized status and contribution within this dedicated servant class. The very act of naming them in this official register validates their existence and acknowledges their families' indispensable service to the Temple, highlighting that even those in less prominent roles were known and counted by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Keros,"**: This phrase introduces the first of three families of Nethinim listed in this specific verse. It signifies the descendants of a family head named Keros who returned from exile. Their inclusion in this detailed census underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the importance of every family unit, regardless of their specific role, in the re-establishment of the post-exilic community and the Temple service.
* **"the children of Siaha,"**: Following Keros, this phrase introduces the family of Siaha, another group of Nethinim. The repetition of "the children of" maintains the consistent format of the census, emphasizing the familial and collective identity of the returnees. It highlights that the restoration was not merely of individuals but of an entire people, organized into their ancestral households, ready to resume their roles in the land and in worship.
* **"the children of Padon,"**: The final clause in this verse names the family of Padon, completing the trio of Nethinim families listed here. The cumulative effect of these names, along with the many others in Ezra 2, is to create a comprehensive and authoritative record. For the original audience, this list served as a tangible proof of their lineage and their right to participate in the rebuilding efforts and the Temple's sacred service, affirming their place in God's covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:44, like much of the surrounding chapter, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The entire chapter is essentially a long list, and this verse is a micro-example of that larger literary technique. The **Enumeration** of specific family names (Keros, Siaha, Padon) serves to create a comprehensive and authoritative record, underscoring the meticulousness and orderliness of the post-exilic community's organization. This detailed listing provides legitimacy and a sense of belonging for the returning exiles. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the children of" before each name reinforces the emphasis on lineage and family identity, which was crucial for establishing social and religious order in the restored nation. This repetitive pattern also lends a rhythmic, almost liturgical quality to the census, highlighting the foundational importance of these records for the community's future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:44, by meticulously naming these Nethinim families, contributes to a profound theological understanding of God's kingdom. It reveals that God's plan for His people is one of order, precision, and inclusiveness. Every individual and every family, regardless of their perceived status or the nature of their service, holds value and a designated place within His redemptive purposes. The Nethinim, performing the more menial yet essential tasks of temple maintenance, remind us that true service to God is not about prestige but about faithfulness in the role appointed. This challenges any human tendency to categorize service as "important" or "unimportant," affirming that all contributions, when offered in devotion to God, are equally significant in His eyes and vital for the flourishing of His community.

* [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - The Levites Dedicated to Service")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Nehemiah 7:46-56](/nehemiah/7-46 "Nehemiah 7:46-56 - List of the Nethinim in Nehemiah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of families like Keros, Siaha, and Padon in Ezra 2:44 offers a powerful reminder that in God's economy, every person and every task, no matter how seemingly small or mundane, holds intrinsic value and contributes indispensably to the greater work of His kingdom. Just as the Nethinim were essential for the physical maintenance and smooth operation of the Temple, so too are diverse roles and gifts vital for the functioning and flourishing of the church today. This verse encourages us to cultivate an attitude of appreciation and affirmation for those who serve in less visible but equally crucial capacities—the ushers, the cleaners, the administrators, the prayer warriors, the quiet givers—recognizing that God uses all His people, in their unique callings, to accomplish His grand purposes. It calls us to humility in our own service, understanding that true greatness in God's eyes often lies in faithful stewardship of the "unseen" tasks, and to unity, celebrating the diverse tapestry of gifts that make up the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of seemingly "minor" families like the Nethinim challenge my perception of what is truly valuable or important in God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might I be overlooking or underappreciating the "behind-the-scenes" service of others in my community or church?**
* **What "humble" or "menial" tasks has God called me to, and how can I perform them with the same dedication and dignity as if they were the most prominent roles?**
* **How does the emphasis on family and lineage in Ezra 2 inform my understanding of belonging and identity within the broader family of God today?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Nethinim, and why are they included in this list?**

Answer: The Nethinim (Hebrew: נְתִינִים, *nethinim*) were a distinct class of temple servants in ancient Israel, whose name literally means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." They were not priests or Levites, but performed essential manual labor for the upkeep and operation of the Temple, such as drawing water, cutting wood, and other support tasks. They are believed by some scholars to be descendants of the Gibeonites, who were assigned to serve the sanctuary in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites Become Servants"), or other non-Israelite captives dedicated to this service. Their inclusion in the detailed census of Ezra 2, alongside priests, Levites, and other Israelite families, underscores their indispensable role in the re-establishment of the Temple and its worship after the Babylonian exile. It highlights that all who serve God, regardless of their specific role or lineage, are valued and necessary for the functioning of His covenant community.

**Why is Ezra 2, including this verse, so focused on lists and genealogies?**

Answer: The detailed lists and genealogies in Ezra 2 were critically important for the returning exiles for several reasons. Firstly, they served to re-establish the **identity and legitimacy** of the Jewish community after generations in exile. Knowing one's family and tribal affiliation was paramount for land claims, inheritance, and social order. Secondly, these lists were crucial for **reorganizing the community** for the massive task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. They identified who was eligible for specific roles, particularly in temple service (priests, Levites, Nethinim). Thirdly, they provided a **legal and historical record**, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people despite the disruption of exile. The meticulous nature of the record-keeping reflects a divine concern for order and the preservation of His people's heritage, ensuring that the restoration was authentic and properly constituted.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 2:44, with its meticulous listing of the Nethinim families, foreshadows the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom in Christ. Just as the Nethinim, though not of the priestly line, were essential for the physical Temple's functioning, so too in the New Covenant, all believers are made part of a spiritual temple, the body of Christ, with diverse gifts and roles. Jesus, the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfills the sacrificial system that the physical Temple served, making direct access to God possible for all who believe, regardless of their earthly lineage or status. The meticulous divine order seen in Ezra's census points to God's precise plan of salvation, perfectly executed in Christ, who came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, the inclusion of the Nethinim—"given ones"—resonates with the New Testament concept of believers being "given" to Christ by the Father ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Whom the Father Gives to Me")), called to serve in His spiritual house, the Church. In Christ, the distinctions that once separated people are broken down, and all are united as one body, each member indispensable for the building up of the kingdom ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The restoration from exile, meticulously cataloged in Ezra, ultimately finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in the new creation brought about by Christ's redemptive work, where God's people are fully restored to fellowship with Him, serving Him eternally in the true and heavenly Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 7:47

The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,