Ezra 8:4
What does Ezra 8:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 8:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 8:4 means
From Pahath-moab, Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah leads two hundred males. The number indicates that beyond priestly and royal lines, other significant families committed to the journey. Pahath-moab appears in earlier return lists, showing an ongoing willingness among exiles to repopulate Jerusalem and support worship. Each family head represents more than a name; he is the focal point for a group’s faith and courage to leave established lives in Babylon. Such details form a mosaic of a people being re-gathered by God’s providence to their homeland, not merely as individuals but as households under responsible leadership.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Of the sons of Pahath-moab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah; and with him two hundred males.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Of the sons of Pahath–moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Of the sons of Pahath-moab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah; and with him two hundred males.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Of the sons of Pahath-moab, Eliehoenai, the son of Zerahiah; and with him two hundred males.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862From the sons of Pahath-Moab: Elihoenai son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred who are males.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Of the sons of Phahath Moab, Eleoenai the son of Zareha, and with him two hundred men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Of the children of Pahath-Moab, Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.
Context
Verse 4 is one piece within the larger enumeration spanning verses 2–14. Names and numbers vary, but together they depict a substantial company. These census-like notes show the gravity of the undertaking and prepare the reader for the later entrusting of precious metals to priests and Levites (verses 24–30). The list will culminate with smaller groups as well (e.g., verses 11–14), indicating inclusivity across scales. After the list, the narrative shifts to logistical and spiritual preparations for travel (verses 15–23).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 2:6
The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of JeshuaandJoab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.
- Nehemiah 7:11
The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundredandeighteen.
- Nehemiah 10:14
The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,