Ezra 7:5
What does Ezra 7:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:5 means
The ancestry culminates with Abishua, Phinehas, Eleazar, and Aaron, labeled “the chief priest.” This anchors Ezra in the foundational priestly house established by God through Aaron. The mention of Phinehas, known for zeal for holiness, and Eleazar, who served after Aaron, evokes a legacy of covenant fidelity. By reaching all the way back to Aaron, the text confirms that Ezra’s authority to instruct Israel flows from God’s original appointment of this priestly line. He is therefore well-suited to lead a return to proper worship and teaching in Jerusalem, embodying continuity with the tabernacle and temple service that defined Israel’s relationship with Jehovah.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—
KJV
King James Version · 1611The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the head priest;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The son of Abisue, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest from the beginning.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest,
Context
With the genealogy complete, the author has secured Ezra’s credentials before narrating his actions. This lineage sets a foundation for what follows: Ezra’s journey, God’s favor on him, and the king’s letter that delegates significant authority. The shift from ancestry (verses 1–5) to activity (from verse 6 onward) mirrors the movement from qualification to commission. Readers are now prepared to accept Ezra’s leadership as covenantally valid and necessary for the restoration work among the returned exiles.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 5:4
And no man taketh the honor unto himself, but when he is called of God, even as was Aaron.
- Numbers 3:32
And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
- Exodus 6:25
And Eleazar Aaron’s son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites according to their families.
- Leviticus 10:12
And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meal-offering that remaineth of the offerings of Jehovah made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar; for it is most holy;
- Joshua 24:33
And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in the hill of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the hill-country of Ephraim.
- 2 Chronicles 19:11
And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Jehovah; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and Jehovah be with the good.