Ezra 2:46
What does Ezra 2:46 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 2:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 2:46 means
The children of Hagab, Shamlai, and Hanan are added to the Nethinim roster. These are otherwise obscure in Scripture, reminding us that many who serve God do so without public renown. Yet their names are preserved here. Their inclusion ensures recognition and continuity of responsibilities in the post-exilic temple system. Such service would have been crucial to sustain daily operations—cleaning, preparing, supporting, and assisting—so that the priests and Levites could focus on their distinct duties.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,
KJV
King James Version · 1611The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Sons of Hagab, sons of Shalmai, sons of Hanan,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The children of Hagab, the children of Semlai, the children of Hanan,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,
Context
This verse continues the lengthy enumeration of Nethinim (vv. 43–54). The accumulation of names underlines the extensive workforce behind temple life. The list will proceed with more families in subsequent verses before transitioning to the children of Solomon’s servants (vv. 55–58), another group tied to temple-related service, and then addressing genealogical uncertainties (vv. 59–63).