Ezra 7:4

What does Ezra 7:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Ezra 7:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ezra 7:4 means

Zerahiah, Uzzi, and Bukki appear as further links in the chain, marking the priestly succession that spans centuries. By cataloging these names, the writer highlights God’s faithfulness to maintain a priestly line through which instruction and sacrifice would continue. The preservation of this lineage matters because Israel’s spiritual life—centered on the temple—depended on priests who were both qualified and recognized. Ezra’s emergence from this line signals that he carries the heritage of intercession and instruction. Readers are meant to sense that his coming mission will align with what God has always intended for His people: worship according to His Word, led by those appointed within His covenantal structure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The son of Zarahias, the son of Ozi, the son of Bocci,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

Context

Verse 4 continues the genealogy without narrative comment, maintaining momentum toward the climactic mention of Aaron in verse 5. The accumulating names build the case for Ezra’s priestly identity, which will undergird the royal confidence placed in him later in the chapter. After this lineage is complete, the story will shift to Ezra’s journey from Babylon and the decree empowering him to restore and regulate worship in Jerusalem, demonstrating how lineage and calling converge in God’s timing.

v.3the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,

v.4This passage

v.5the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—

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