Ezra 2:65
What does Ezra 2:65 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 2:65 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 2:65 means
Besides the main assembly, there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven men-servants and maid-servants, and two hundred singing men and singing women. This verse distinguishes household servants and professional singers from the primary count, expanding the picture of the community’s complexity. The presence of singers—likely secular or civic performers—alongside servants indicates social layers and cultural life returning with the people. These additions show that the return brought not a bare remnant but a functioning society with labor, arts, and domestic support structures necessary for rebuilding a nation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000besides their men-servants and their maid-servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred singing men and singing women.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901besides their men-servants and their maid-servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred singing men and singing women.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As well as their men-servants and their women-servants, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and thirty-seven: and they had two hundred men and women to make music.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862apart from their servants and their handmaids; these <FI>are<Fi> seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and of them <FI>are<Fi> singers and songstresses two hundred.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Besides their menservants, and womenservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven: and among them singing men, and singing women two hundred.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890besides their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred singing men and singing women.
Context
Following the grand total of returnees (v. 64), this verse adds categories not included in that number: servants and singers. The totals will continue with animals (vv. 66–67), indicating transport capacity and agricultural potential. These figures collectively portray the resources the community possessed upon return. After this accounting, the chapter will turn to offerings for the temple and the final note of settling in the cities (vv. 68–70).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 15:20
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
- 2 Samuel 19:35
I am this day fourscore years old: can I discern between good and bad? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
- Isaiah 14:1
For Jehovah will have compassion on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the sojourner shall join himself with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.
- Matthew 9:23
And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute-players, and the crowd making a tumult,
- Psalms 68:25
The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels.
- Psalms 148:12
Both young men and virgins; Old men and children: