Ezra 2:25
New International Version
of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah and Beeroth 743

New Living Translation
The people of Kiriath-jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth 743

English Standard Version
The sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743.

Berean Standard Bible
the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;

Berean Literal Bible
The sons of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three.

King James Bible
The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

New King James Version
the people of Kirjath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three;

New American Standard Bible
the sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;

NASB 1995
the sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah and Beeroth, 743;

NASB 1977
the sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;

Legacy Standard Bible
the sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah and Beeroth, 743;

Amplified Bible
the sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah and Beeroth, 743;

Berean Annotated Bible
the men of Kiriath-jearim (city of forests), Chephirah (lioness), and Beeroth (wells), 743;

Christian Standard Bible
Kiriatharim’s, Chephirah’s, and Beeroth’s people 743

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Kiriatharim’s, Chephirah’s, and Beeroth’s people 743

American Standard Version
The children of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

English Revised Version
The children of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
of Kiriath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth 743

International Standard Version
Descendants of exiles from Kiriath-arim; that is, Chephirah and Beeroth: 743

NET Bible
the men of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah and Beeroth: 743;

New Heart English Bible
The descendants of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.

Webster's Bible Translation
The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;

World English Bible
The children of Kiriath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
sons of Kirjath-Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three;

Berean Literal Bible
The sons of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three.

Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Kirjath-Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Kirjath-Arim, Chephiroth and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The children of Cariathiarim, Cephira, and Beroth, seven hundred forty-three.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The sons of Kiriatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.

New American Bible
people of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three;

New Revised Standard Version
Of Kiriatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The people of Koriath-narin, and Capirah, Beeroth, and Tashba, seven hundred and forty-three.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The children of QuryathNarayn and Kephira and Beruth, seven hundred and forty and three.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The children of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The children of Cariathiarim, Chaphira, and Beroth, seven hundred and forty-three.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The List of Returning Exiles
24the descendants of Azmaveth, 42; 25the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743; 26the men of Ramah and Geba, 621;…

Cross References
the men of Kiriath-jearim,

Joshua 15:9
From the hilltop the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then bent around toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

Joshua 18:14
On the west side the border curved southward from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the western side.

1 Samuel 7:1
Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD and took it into Abinadab’s house on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD.
Chephirah,

Joshua 18:26
Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah,

Joshua 9:17
So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.
and Beeroth,

Joshua 18:25
Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,

2 Samuel 4:2
Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin,

2 Samuel 4:3
because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day.
743;

Nehemiah 7:29
the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;

Nehemiah 7:66
The whole assembly numbered 42,360,

Numbers 1:46
And all those counted totaled 603,550.
Joshua 15:31
Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah,

1 Chronicles 4:31
Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David.

1 Samuel 30:27
He sent gifts to those in Bethel, Ramoth Negev, and Jattir;

Joshua 19:4
Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah,

1 Kings 19:3
And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,


Treasury of Scripture

The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

Kirjath-arim

Joshua 9:17
And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

Nehemiah 7:29
The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.

Kirjath-jearim

Jump to Previous
Arim Beeroth Be-Er'oth Chephirah Chephi'rah Children Forty Forty-Three Hundred Jearim Kephirah Kiriath Seven Three
Jump to Next
Arim Beeroth Be-Er'oth Chephirah Chephi'rah Children Forty Forty-Three Hundred Jearim Kephirah Kiriath Seven Three
Ezra 2
1. The number that return of the people
36. of the priests
40. of the Levites
43. of the Nethinims
55. of Solomon's servants
61. of the priests who could not show their pedigree
64. The whole number of them, with their substance
68. Their offerings












the men of Kiriath-jearim,

Kiriath-jearim stood near the Judah-Benjamin border and was one of the Gibeonite cities that entered covenant with Israel in Joshua’s day. The ark of the covenant remained there for many years after its return from Philistine territory, linking the city with Israel’s worship and call to renewed faithfulness under Samuel.

Jos 15:9 From the hilltop the border curved to the spring…
Jos 18:14 On the west side the border curved southward…
1Sa 7:1 Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD…

Chephirah,

Chephirah belonged to the same Gibeonite confederation as Kiriath-jearim, Gibeon, and Beeroth. Though the Gibeonites gained their treaty through deception, Israel remained bound by its sworn covenant, demonstrating the seriousness of vows made before the Lord.

Jos 18:26 Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah,
Jos 9:17 So the Israelites set out and on the third day…

and Beeroth,

Beeroth was also a Benjaminite town associated with the Gibeonites. Its returning families helped restore communities that had endured exile, preserving the inherited places and identities through which God maintained His people.

Jos 18:25 Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,
2Sa 4:2 Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties.…
2Sa 4:3 because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim,…

743;

The recorded number testifies to the careful preservation of the returning community. Each household represented God’s faithfulness to bring His people back to the land and to reestablish worship, covenant life, and the promised future of Israel.

Neh 7:29 the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;
Neh 7:66 The whole assembly numbered 42,360,
Num 1:46 And all those counted totaled 603,550.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kiriath-jearim
A city in the territory of Judah, known for being a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem by King David. It holds historical and religious significance in Israel's history.

2. Chephirah
A city of the Gibeonites, who made a treaty with Israel during the conquest of Canaan. It was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin.

3. Beeroth
Another city of the Gibeonites, also within the territory of Benjamin. It is mentioned in the context of the returnees from the Babylonian exile.
Teaching Points
Historical Continuity and Faithfulness
The mention of these cities and their inhabitants underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through history. Despite exile and displacement, the returnees are a testament to God's covenant promises.

Significance of Community
The listing of specific cities and their populations highlights the importance of community and identity in the restoration of Israel. It reminds us of the value of belonging to a faith community and contributing to its rebuilding and growth.

God's Sovereignty in Redemption
The return from exile is a powerful example of God's sovereignty and redemptive plan. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and purpose, even in difficult circumstances.

Legacy and Heritage
The return of these specific groups to their ancestral lands speaks to the importance of spiritual and cultural heritage. It challenges us to consider the legacy we are building and passing on to future generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezra 2:25?

2. How does Ezra 2:25 reflect God's faithfulness in preserving His people?

3. What significance do the listed towns hold in Israel's history and God's plan?

4. How can we ensure our names are recorded in God's "book" today?

5. What lessons from Ezra 2:25 can we apply to our community involvement?

6. How does Ezra 2:25 connect to God's promises in Genesis 12:1-3?

7. What is the significance of Kiriath-arim in Ezra 2:25's historical context?

8. How does Ezra 2:25 contribute to understanding Israel's post-exilic community?

9. Why is the mention of Kiriath-arim important in the genealogy of the Israelites?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 2?


What Does Ezra 2:25 Mean
The men of Kiriath-jearim

• Kiriath-jearim was the Judah-Benjamin border town that housed the ark after its return from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:1-2; 2 Samuel 6:2).

• “The men” (BSB “the sons”) refers to male heads of families whose names validated legitimate ancestry, mirroring Ezra 2:59-63 where unverified claims were set aside.

• Their return under Zerubbabel proves God preserved a remnant exactly as promised (Jeremiah 29:10-14) so they could help rebuild the altar and temple (Ezra 3:1-2, 8).

• Like the ark once did, these men would now help restore true worship in Jerusalem.


Chephirah

• Listed with Gibeon in Joshua 9:17 and allotted to Benjamin in Joshua 18:26, Chephirah was one of the Gibeonite towns spared by Joshua’s oath.

• Its presence in the return list highlights God’s faithfulness to ancient covenants (Joshua 9:15; 2 Samuel 21:1-2).

• Even communities with non-Israelite roots were fully integrated when they embraced service to the LORD (Joshua 9:27), illustrating Isaiah 56:6-8—God gathers all who bind themselves to Him.


Beeroth

• Beeroth, another Gibeonite city (Joshua 9:17; 18:25), produced notable Israelites such as Joab’s mother (2 Samuel 23:37).

• The town lay inside Benjamin’s territory, so its men’s return signals that the southern kingdom was represented alongside Judah.

• Their inclusion shows no place is too small to matter; the LORD records every village that contributes to His work (Malachi 3:16).


743

Ezra 2:25 (and the identical total in Nehemiah 7:29) gives a precise tally: “the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.”

• Exact numbers underline the historical reliability of Scripture and God’s intimate knowledge of His people (Luke 12:7).

• Counting only adult males implies several thousand individuals overall, demonstrating substantial support for the rebuilding project (Ezra 3:8).

• The figure fulfills the prophecy that a remnant—though comparatively small—would return (Isaiah 10:21-22).


summary

Ezra 2:25 records 743 family heads from Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth who left Babylon to re-establish their towns and aid in restoring temple worship. These three Gibeonite-linked settlements, once outsiders, now stand shoulder to shoulder with Judah and Benjamin, proving God’s covenant faithfulness, His detailed care for every community, and His power to preserve a believing remnant to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the men
בְּנֵ֨י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of
קִרְיַ֤ת (qir·yaṯ)
0
Strong's Hebrew

Kiriath-jearim,
עָרִים֙ (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7157: Kiriath-jearim -- 'city of forests', a city given to Judah, then to Benjamin

Chephirah,
כְּפִירָ֣ה (kə·p̄î·rāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3716: A city in Benjamin

and Beeroth,
וּבְאֵר֔וֹת (ū·ḇə·’ê·rō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 881: Beeroth -- 'wells', a place in Palestine

743;
שְׁבַ֥ע (šə·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number


Additonal Resources
Ezra 2:25 Blue Letter Bible
Ezra 2:25 Bible Gateway
Ezra 2:25 Bible.com

Ezra 2:25 NIV
Ezra 2:25 NLT
Ezra 2:25 ESV
Ezra 2:25 NASB
Ezra 2:25 KJV

Ezra 2:25 Study Bible
Ezra 2:25 Biblia Paralela
Ezra 2:25 Chinese Bible
Ezra 2:25 French Bible
Ezra 2:25 Catholic Bible

OT History: Ezra 2:25 The children of Kiriath Arim Chephirah (Ezr. Ez)

Ezra 2:24
Top of Page
Top of Page