Ezra 2:28
What does Ezra 2:28 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 2:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 2:28 means
The men of Beth-el and Ai, two hundred twenty and three, are listed together. These neighboring towns are coupled, likely reflecting their close association historically and geographically. Their combined number, while modest, marks a meaningful resettlement of an area with deep biblical history. The acknowledgement that they returned as a unit suggests coordination and mutual support, important in a time when rebuilding walls, homes, and fields required shared effort. Their presence would contribute to the stability of the region and support the life of Jerusalem nearby.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The men of Beth-el and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The men of Beth–el and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The men of Beth-el and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The men of Beth-el and Ai, two hundred and twenty-three.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Men of Beth-El and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The men of Bethel and Hai, two hundred twenty-three.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred and twenty-three.
Context
This paired-town entry fits the pattern of regional groupings within the town-based section. The catalog marches on through a mix of small and larger returns, sketching a comprehensive map of repopulation. The next verses will continue to list towns like Nebo, Magbish, and Jericho (vv. 29–35). With the land repopulated in principle, the chapter will then turn to the human resources needed for temple worship (vv. 36–58).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 12:8
And he removed from thence unto the mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Ai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto Jehovah, and called upon the name of Jehovah.
- Nehemiah 7:33
The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.
- Joshua 8:9
And Joshua sent them forth; and they went to the ambushment, and abode between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.
- Joshua 8:17
And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.
- Joshua 7:2
And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth-aven, on the east side of Beth-el, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and spy out the land. And the men went up and spied out Ai.