What number verse is Ezra 2:8 in the Bible?

Ezra 2:8 is the 12,036th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Ezra 2:8 sits at position 12,036.

Translation

King James Version

The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

The children ^H1121 of Zattu ^H2240, nine ^H8672 hundred ^H3967 forty ^H705 and five ^H2568.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Zatu 945

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Zattu, 945;

Ask

American Standard Version

The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

The sonnes of Zattu, nine hundreth and fiue and fourtie:

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

Sons of Zattu, nine hundred and forty and five.

Ask

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Ezra 2:8 presents a precise numerical entry within the comprehensive census of Jewish families who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. It specifically records that nine hundred forty-five descendants of Zattu were among this initial wave of returnees. This verse, embedded in a larger genealogical register, underscores the meticulous record-keeping essential for re-establishing communal identity, land claims, and the purity of priestly lines, profoundly reflecting God's providential orchestration of His people's restoration.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Ezra 2:8 is situated within a comprehensive list (Ezra 2:1-67) that enumerates the first wave of Jewish exiles returning to Judah from Babylon following King Cyrus's decree. This chapter serves as a foundational register, detailing the families, their leaders, and their numbers, including priests, Levites, temple servants, and even those whose lineage was uncertain. The immediate verses surrounding Ezra 2:8, such as Ezra 2:7 ("The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.") and Ezra 2:9 ("The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore."), continue this precise enumeration of family groups. This meticulous listing prepares the way for the subsequent narrative of rebuilding the altar and the Temple, emphasizing the organized and divinely orchestrated nature of the restoration. The precise numbers provide a concrete foundation for the community's re-establishment in the land of Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop for Ezra 2 is the Persian Empire's rule after its conquest of Babylon. In 538 BC, King Cyrus issued a decree (recorded in Ezra 1:1-4) permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked the end of the 70-year Babylonian captivity prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). For the returning Jewish community, lineage and tribal identity were paramount. Genealogical records were not mere statistics but vital documents affirming one's place within the covenant people, establishing claims to ancestral lands, and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical service. The meticulous counting, as seen in Ezra 2, reflects the administrative precision of the Persian imperial system, which often required such registers, but it also highlights the Jewish community's deep cultural value placed on heritage and continuity, especially after the disruption of exile.
Key Themes: The detailed census in Ezra 2, including the specific mention of "The children of Zattu," contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness to the covenant promises, as God orchestrates the return of His people despite their unfaithfulness, fulfilling prophecies of restoration (e.g., Isaiah 44:28). Secondly, the emphasis on Identity and Lineage underscores the importance of belonging and heritage for a people seeking to re-establish their national and religious life. This meticulous record-keeping ensured that the community knew who they were and where they belonged, providing a stable foundation for the future. Finally, the chapter highlights the theme of Restoration and Rebuilding, as this organized census provided the necessary human resources for the monumental task of rebuilding the Temple and the city of Jerusalem, signaling a new beginning for the nation under God's guidance, as seen in the subsequent chapters detailing the altar's construction (Ezra 3:2) and the Temple's foundation (Ezra 3:10).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

children (Hebrew, בֵּן, bên', H1121): Derived from the root meaning "to build," this word signifies a son or descendant, emphasizing the role of individuals in building and continuing the family name and lineage. In the context of Ezra 2:8, "children of Zattu" refers to the collective descendants or family unit originating from Zattu, highlighting the continuity of family identity and heritage through generations, even after the disruption of exile. This term underscores the importance of familial ties in maintaining the covenant community's structure and identity.
Zattu (Hebrew, זַתּוּא, Zattû', H2240): This is a proper noun, referring to the head or progenitor of a specific family or clan. While the name itself does not carry a specific etymological meaning that illuminates the verse, its inclusion is profoundly significant. It represents one of the identifiable family units that maintained its identity through the seventy years of exile and was now returning. The presence of such specific family names throughout Ezra 2 emphasizes the concrete, historical reality of the return and the importance of individual and familial identity within the larger community of Israel, affirming their right to return and re-establish their place in the land.
nine hundred forty and five (Hebrew, תְּשַׁע מֵאוֹת וְאַרְבָּעִים וַחֲמֵשׁ, tĕsha‘ mē'ôt wĕ'arbā‘îm wāḥamesh'): This precise numerical figure is not merely an incidental detail but a deliberate inclusion that speaks to the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. The exactness of the number, rather than a round approximation, suggests an actual census or register was compiled, reflecting administrative diligence. Theologically, this precision can also be seen as reflecting God's meticulous care for each individual and family within His covenant people, demonstrating that none were overlooked in His grand plan of restoration. The individual numerical components (nine, hundred, forty, five) combine to form a specific and verifiable count, underscoring the tangible reality of the return.

Verse Breakdown

"The children of Zattu": This phrase identifies a specific family or clan, indicating that the returnees were organized by ancestral lineage. This was crucial for establishing land claims, tribal identity, and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines, which were essential for the re-establishment of proper worship and the functioning of the re-formed community. It emphasizes the continuity of the covenant people through their family structures, even after prolonged displacement.
"nine hundred forty and five": This numerical datum provides the exact count of individuals belonging to the Zattu family who participated in this first wave of return. The specificity highlights the administrative precision of the census and the organized nature of the return. It also serves as a tangible testament to the scale of the restoration, demonstrating that a significant number of people were indeed returning to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple, affirming the fulfillment of God's promises.

Literary Devices

Ezra 2:8, like the surrounding verses in this chapter, primarily employs Census/Genealogy as its overarching literary device. This involves the systematic listing of names and numbers to document lineage and population. The purpose of such a device is not merely informational; it serves to establish legitimacy, confirm identity, and provide a foundational record for the community's re-establishment. The Precision of the numbers (e.g., "nine hundred forty and five") is another key literary feature, emphasizing the factual, historical nature of the account and the meticulous care taken in compiling these records. This precision lends authority and weight to the narrative of the return, underscoring the tangible reality of God's work in restoring His people. Furthermore, the repetitive structure of "The children of [Name], [Number]" creates a Litany that reinforces the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the census, highlighting the sheer scale of the return.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Ezra 2:8, though a simple numerical entry, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous care for His covenant people. After decades of exile, the precise counting of each family, including the children of Zattu, testifies to God's commitment to fulfilling His prophetic promises of restoration. It underscores that God remembers His people, even in their dispersion, and orchestrates their return with divine precision, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through whom the Messiah would ultimately come. This detailed record-keeping serves as a testament to God's sovereignty over history and His personal attention to every individual within His redemptive plan, demonstrating that His purposes will prevail.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While Ezra 2:8 might initially appear as a dry statistic, it carries profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God, in His grand redemptive plan, cares about every individual and every family. Just as the children of Zattu were counted and known, so too are we known by God, each uniquely valued within His family. This verse encourages us to appreciate our place within the larger body of Christ, recognizing that every member, no matter how seemingly small or numerous, contributes to the collective work and identity of God's people. It challenges us to embrace our spiritual heritage, understanding that our identity in Christ is rooted in God's faithfulness across generations, and to live with the same diligence and commitment as those who returned to rebuild, knowing that our efforts, too, are counted and purposed by God for His glory. This passage invites us to find comfort and assurance in God's meticulous attention to detail in His plan for humanity and for each of us personally.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2:8 affirm God's personal knowledge and care for each individual within His people?
What significance does lineage and identity hold for believers today, not in terms of earthly heritage, but in our spiritual identity in Christ?
In what ways can we, as members of God's family, contribute to the ongoing "rebuilding" of His kingdom in our generation?
How does the fulfillment of God's promise to return the exiles, as evidenced by this census, strengthen our faith in His promises for our lives?

FAQ

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

Answer: Detailed lists like the one in Ezra 2, including Ezra 2:8, are crucial for several reasons. Historically, they provide concrete evidence of the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the return from exile, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the precise timing of His redemptive plan. Culturally, they affirmed the identity and legitimacy of the returning community, establishing land claims and ensuring the purity of priestly lines vital for re-establishing proper worship and societal order. Theologically, these lists underscore God's meticulous care for His people, showing that every individual and family is known and valued in His grand redemptive plan. They also highlight the organized and intentional nature of God's work in restoring His people and rebuilding His sanctuary in Jerusalem, as seen in the subsequent chapters detailing the construction of the altar and the Temple (Ezra 3:2-13). These records emphasize that God's work is not chaotic but orderly and purposeful.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous census in Ezra 2, including the precise count of "The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant community, the Church. Just as the returning exiles were carefully enumerated as the remnant of Israel, so too are all believers in Christ "counted" and known by God as His chosen people, forming a spiritual lineage that transcends ethnic and national boundaries. Jesus Christ is the true Temple, and through Him, God is building a new spiritual house made of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra foreshadows God's perfect knowledge of all those who belong to Christ, whose names are "written in the Lamb's book of life" (Revelation 21:27). The physical return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple point to the greater spiritual restoration accomplished by Christ, who gathers His people from every tribe and nation into one body (Ephesians 2:19-22), establishing a new covenant where all who believe are heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29). The precise counting of Zattu's descendants beautifully illustrates God's sovereign and detailed plan to bring about His kingdom through Christ, ensuring that not one of His chosen ones is lost (John 6:39), but all are brought into His eternal family.

Copy as

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.

Copy as

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.

Copy as

Continue studying Ezra 2:8 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.