Ezra 2:16

What does Ezra 2:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Ezra 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ezra 2:16 means

The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety and eight, are recorded. This small group, identified further by “of Hezekiah,” may indicate a particular branch or notable ancestor within the Ater line. Even the smallest contingents are counted and honored, reminding readers that every family mattered to the restoration. Their modest size did not reduce their importance for filling towns, tending fields, and standing in solidarity with the larger work. The precision and sub-identification also undergird the legal integrity of resettlement, helping ensure fair distribution of lands and responsibilities in the renewed community.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Sons of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The children of Ather, who were of Ezechias, ninety-eight.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The children of Ater of [the family of] Hezekiah, ninety-eight.

Context

We near the end of the family-by-family portion (vv. 3–20). The mention of a sub-line within a family shows the census’s attention to detail. In a few more verses, this section will close and the narrative will proceed to place-based groups (vv. 21–35). That shift will complement the genealogical focus by showing how people reoccupied ancestral towns, a key aspect of Israel’s reconstitution in the land.

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

v.16This passage

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

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Nehemiah 7:21

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

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