Ezra 2:40
What does Ezra 2:40 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 2:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 2:40 means
The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four, are recorded. Compared to priests, the Levites are few, highlighting a chronic post-exilic shortage later noted in other contexts. Still, their presence is vital: Levites assisted priests, taught the Law, managed temple duties, and supported worship. The sub-identifications show careful lineage tracking. Though their number is small, they will play an outsized role in reestablishing regular worship and instruction among the people, complementing the more numerous priests.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy-four.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The Levites; sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah, seventy and four.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Levites: the children of Josue and of Cedmihel, the children of Odovia, seventy-four.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The Levites: the children of Jeshua and of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy-four.
Context
With priests listed (vv. 36–39), the chapter now names Levites. This small count contrasts with the large priestly totals, hinting at a challenge in staffing temple support roles. Next, the text will turn to singers (v. 41), porters (v. 42), then a large section on the Nethinim (vv. 43–54), followed by Solomon’s servants (vv. 55–58). The order moves from offices of higher sacred responsibility to supportive roles.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 7:43
The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.
- Ezra 3:9
Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to have the oversight of the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.