What number verse is Ezra 2:5 in the Bible?

Ezra 2:5 is the 12,033rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Ezra 2:5 sits at position 12,033.

Translation

King James Version

The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.

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KJV (with Strong's)

The children ^H1121 of Arah ^H733, seven ^H7651 hundred ^H3967 seventy ^H7657 and five ^H2568.

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Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Arach 775

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Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Arah, 775;

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American Standard Version

The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.

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World English Bible Messianic

The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy-five.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The sonnes of Arah, seuen hundreth, and seuentie and fiue:

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Young's Literal Translation

Sons of Arah, seven hundred five and seventy.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Ezra 2:5 is a precise entry within the comprehensive register of Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylon following King Cyrus's decree. This verse specifically identifies "The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five" as one of the many families or clans that undertook the arduous journey back to their ancestral homeland. This meticulous enumeration underscores the foundational importance of lineage, identity, and the re-establishment of the covenant community in the post-exilic period, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of restoration.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Ezra 2 is a detailed genealogical register that immediately follows King Cyrus's decree in Ezra 1. It meticulously lists the families and individuals who chose to return from Babylonian exile to Judah. This chapter serves as a foundational document for the restored community, establishing their identity and legitimacy. The precise numbering of each family, including the children of Arah in Ezra 2:5, emphasizes the organized nature of the return and the importance of tribal and familial identity for re-establishing land claims, social order, and religious purity in Jerusalem and Judah. This list precedes the actual work of rebuilding the altar and laying the temple's foundation, as described in Ezra 3, demonstrating that the people themselves were the primary resource for the restoration.
Historical & Cultural Context: The return described in Ezra 2 occurred in 538 BC, at the beginning of the Persian Empire's dominion over the former Babylonian territories. King Cyrus's decree was a remarkable act of religious tolerance and political pragmatism, allowing various exiled peoples to return to their homelands. For the Jews, this return marked the end of the 70-year Babylonian captivity, a period foretold by prophets like Jeremiah (e.g., Jeremiah 29:10). In ancient Israelite society, genealogy was paramount. It determined tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, land ownership, and eligibility for priestly service. The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2, including the specific number for the children of Arah, was thus not merely bureaucratic; it was crucial for re-establishing the social, economic, and religious fabric of a nation that had been uprooted for decades. It affirmed their continuity as God's covenant people.
Key Themes: The meticulous listing in Ezra 2, including the children of Arah, contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment as God orchestrates the return of His people precisely as prophesied. Secondly, the emphasis on Identity and Heritage through detailed genealogies underscores the enduring importance of lineage for the Israelites, crucial for their self-understanding as God's chosen people and for their claims to the land. This meticulous record-keeping also speaks to the theme of Restoration and Rebuilding, as these returning families are the human capital necessary for the physical and spiritual renewal of Jerusalem and the Temple, as seen in subsequent chapters like Ezra 3 and Ezra 6. Finally, the precise numbering highlights the Value of Every Individual within God's larger redemptive plan, demonstrating that God remembers and cares for each person and family involved in His work.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Arah (Hebrew, 'Ârach', H733): Derived from a root meaning "wayfaring," the name "Arah" (H733) identifies a specific family or clan among the returning exiles. While the etymological meaning might subtly hint at their journey, its primary significance in Ezra 2 is its function as a precise identifier of a distinct lineage. The inclusion of this name underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the enduring importance of family identity and heritage for the Israelites, who maintained their communal bonds and chose to participate in the restoration of their ancestral homeland.
Children (Hebrew, bên, H1121): The Hebrew term (H1121, bên) literally means "son," but in this context, "children of Arah" functions as a common biblical idiom referring to the descendants, clan members, or collective family unit associated with Arah. This usage highlights the concept of a family as a foundational "builder of the family name," encompassing not just direct offspring but an entire lineage. Its inclusion here emphasizes the communal and familial nature of the return from exile, demonstrating that entire households and clans, rather than isolated individuals, were integral to the re-establishment of the Israelite community and its social structures.
Seven hundred seventy and five (Hebrew, šəba‘-mē'ôt šib‘îm wāḥāmēš, H7651): This precise numerical figure (H7651 "seven," H3967 "hundred," H7657 "seventy," H2568 "five") for the children of Arah highlights the meticulous record-keeping characteristic of ancient Near Eastern censuses and, more specifically, the Israelite commitment to documenting their people. The exactitude of the number (775) suggests an actual registration or count, underscoring the tangible reality of the return and the care taken to account for every individual and family participating in this significant national and religious event. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness, as a specific, quantifiable remnant returned to fulfill His promises.

Verse Breakdown

"The children of Arah,": This phrase identifies a specific family or clan unit that maintained its distinct identity throughout the Babylonian exile. It signifies a lineage that was recognized and recorded among the returning exiles, underscoring the importance of genealogical continuity for the re-establishment of the Israelite community.
"seven hundred seventy and five.": This precise numerical figure indicates the exact count of individuals belonging to the "children of Arah" who participated in the return. The specificity of the number highlights the meticulous nature of the census recorded in Ezra 2, emphasizing the orderliness of the divine plan and the tangible reality of the returned remnant. It also implicitly conveys the significant commitment of a substantial number of people from this particular clan to the restoration effort.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Ezra 2:5, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is Cataloging or Enumeration. This device involves the systematic listing of names, numbers, and categories, which serves to provide a comprehensive and authoritative record. In this context, it underscores the historical veracity and meticulousness of the return from exile. The sheer volume of names and numbers creates a sense of Verisimilitude, lending credibility to the narrative by presenting it as a factual account of a historical event. Furthermore, the detailed listing, including the specific number for the children of Arah, functions as a form of Emphasis, highlighting the importance of each individual and family in the collective act of national and spiritual restoration. It conveys that every participant was known, counted, and valued in God's plan.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Ezra 2:5, as part of the larger census, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. The return of these specific families, with their exact numbers, is a tangible demonstration that God remembers His people and orchestrates events to bring about His purposes, even after long periods of judgment and exile. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over history and the precision with which God works to restore His people, not just as an amorphous group, but as distinct individuals and families. This detail also emphasizes the importance of human participation and commitment in God's redemptive plan, as these individuals actively chose to return and rebuild.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The precise enumeration of the children of Arah in Ezra 2:5 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's plans are not vague or generic; they are specific, detailed, and involve real people. Just as He meticulously accounted for every returning exile, He knows each of us intimately, down to the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7). This level of divine attention should inspire both comfort and confidence, assuring us that we are never overlooked or forgotten in His grand narrative. Furthermore, the willingness of these families to leave the relative comfort of Babylon for the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem challenges us to consider our own commitment to God's work. Are we willing to step out in faith, even when the task seems daunting, trusting that our individual contribution, however small it may seem, is vital to God's larger purposes for His kingdom? Our participation matters, and God remembers those who faithfully respond to His call to build and restore.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of Ezra 2:5 affirm God's faithfulness in your own life?
In what ways might you be called to "return" or "rebuild" in your community or personal walk with God today?
How does knowing that God counts and remembers every individual, including the children of Arah, impact your sense of personal value and purpose in His kingdom?

FAQ

Why is such a detailed list of names and numbers important in the Bible?

Answer: The detailed lists, like the one in Ezra 2 including the children of Arah, are profoundly important for several reasons. Historically, they authenticate the narrative, demonstrating that the return from exile was a real, organized event involving specific individuals and families, not merely a theological concept. Theologically, they underscore God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, showing that He remembers His covenant people and orchestrates their return precisely as foretold (Jeremiah 29:10). Culturally, these genealogies were vital for establishing identity, land claims, tribal affiliations, and eligibility for priestly service in ancient Israelite society. Spiritually, they remind us that every individual matters to God; He knows and values each person involved in His redemptive plan, ensuring that no one is overlooked in the grand story of salvation.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Ezra 2:5 is a historical record of a physical return, it points forward to a greater spiritual restoration found in Christ. The meticulous counting of the children of Arah foreshadows the precision of God's redemptive plan, where every individual chosen by God is known and accounted for in the "book of life" (Revelation 20:15). Just as the returning exiles formed the nucleus of a restored physical community in Jerusalem, Christ gathers His own people—those from every tribe and nation—into a new, spiritual community, the Church (Revelation 7:9). The rebuilding of the temple in Ezra's day points to the ultimate temple, which is Christ Himself (John 2:19-21), and the Church as His body (Ephesians 2:19-22). The specific numbers in Ezra highlight that God's salvation is not a vague concept but involves a definite people, precisely redeemed by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Ultimately, the restoration of Israel through the children of Arah and others finds its most profound and eternal fulfillment in the spiritual restoration and new creation accomplished through Jesus Christ, who gathers His people from all corners of the earth to be part of His everlasting kingdom (Matthew 24:31).

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Commentary on Ezra 2 verses 1–35

1 ¶ Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

3 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.

6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.

7 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.

9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.

10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.

11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.

12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.

13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.

14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.

15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.

16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.

18 The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.

19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.

20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.

21 The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.

22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six.

23 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.

25 The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.

27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.

28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.

29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two.

30 The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.

31 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.

34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.

We may observe here, 1. That an account was kept in writing of the families that came up out of captivity, and the numbers of each family. This was done for their honour, as part of their recompence for their faith and courage, their confidence in God and their affection to their own land, and to stir up others to follow their good example. Those that honour God he will thus honour. The names of all those Israelites indeed that accept the offer of deliverance by Christ shall be found, to their honour, in a more sacred record than this, even in the Lamb's book of life. The account that was kept of the families that came up from the captivity was intended also for the benefit of posterity, that they might know from whom they descended and to whom they were allied. 2. That they are called children of the province. Judah, which had been an illustrious kingdom, to which other kingdoms had been made provinces, subject to it and dependent on it, was now itself made a province, to receive laws and commissions from the king of Persia and to be accountable to him. See how sin diminishes and debases a nation, which righteousness would exalt. But by thus being made servants (as the patriarchs by being sojourners in a country which was theirs by promise) they were reminded of the better country, that is, the heavenly (Heb 11:16), a kingdom which cannot be moved, or changed into a province. 3. That they are said to come every one to his city, that is, the city appointed them, in which appointment an eye, no doubt, was had to their former settlement by Joshua; and to that, as near as might be, they returned: for it does not appear that any others, at least any that were able to oppose them, had possessed them in their absence. 4. That the leaders are first mentioned, v. 2. Zerubbabel and Jeshua were their Moses and Aaron, the former their chief prince, the latter their chief priest. Nehemiah and Mordecai are mentioned here; some think not the same with the famous men we afterwards meet with of those names: probably they were the same, but afterwards returned to court for the service of their country. 5. Some of these several families are named from the persons that were their ancestors, others from the places in which they had formerly resided; as with us many surnames are the proper names of persons, others of places. 6. Some little difference there is between the numbers of some of the families here and in Neh. 7, where this catalogue is repeated, which might arise from this, that some who had given in their names at first to come afterwards drew back - said, I go, Sir, but went not, which would lessen the number of the families they belonged to; others that declined, at first, afterwards repented and went, and so increased the number. 7. Here are two families that are called the children of Elam (one Ezr 2:7, another Ezr 2:31), and, which is strange, the number of both is the same, 1254. 8. The children of Adonikam, which signifies a high lord, were 666, just the number of the beast (Rev 13:18), which is there said to be the number of a man, which, Mr. Hugh Broughton thinks, has reference to this man. 9. The children of Bethlehem (Ezr 2:21) were but 123, though it was David's city; for Bethlehem was little among the thousands of Judah, yet there must the Messiah arise, Mic 5:2. 10. Anathoth had been a famous place in the tribe of Benjamin and yet here it numbered but 128 (v. 23), which is to be imputed to the divine curse which the men of Anathoth brought upon themselves by persecuting Jeremiah, who was of their city. Jer 11:21, Jer 11:23, There shall be no remnant of them, for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth. And see Isa 10:30, O poor Anathoth! Nothing brings ruin on a people sooner than persecution.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–35. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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