Ezra 2:59 The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel:

◄ Ezra 2:59 ►

New International Version
The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:

New Living Translation
Another group returned at this time from the towns of Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Kerub, Addan, and Immer. However, they could not prove that they or their families were descendants of Israel.

English Standard Version
The following were those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, though they could not prove their fathers’ houses or their descent, whether they belonged to Israel:

Berean Standard Bible
The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel:

King James Bible
And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

New King James Version
And these were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not identify their father’s house or their genealogy, whether they were of Israel:

New American Standard Bible
Now these were the ones who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they were not able to provide evidence of their fathers’ households and their descendants, whether they were of Israel:

NASB 1995
Now these are those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan and Immer, but they were not able to give evidence of their fathers’ households and their descendants, whether they were of Israel:

NASB 1977
Now these are those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they were not able to give evidence of their fathers’ households, and their descendants, whether they were of Israel:

Legacy Standard Bible
Now these are those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they were not able to declare their fathers’ households and their fathers’ seed, whether they were of Israel:

Amplified Bible
Now these are the ones who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they could not provide evidence of their fathers’ households and their descendants, whether they were of Israel:

Christian Standard Bible
The following are those who came from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer but were unable to prove that their ancestral families and their lineage were Israelite:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The following are those who came from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer but were unable to prove that their families and ancestry were Israelite:

American Standard Version
And these were they that went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

English Revised Version
And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their fathers' houses, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The following people came from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they couldn't prove they were Israelites on the basis of their father's family or their genealogy:

International Standard Version
Here is a list of returnees from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer who could not prove their ancestry and lineage from Israel:

Majority Standard Bible
The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel:

NET Bible
These are the ones that came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer (although they were unable to certify their family connection or their ancestry, as to whether they really were from Israel):

New Heart English Bible
These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not show whether their fathers' house, and their descent, were from Israel:

Webster's Bible Translation
And these were they who went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not show their fathers' house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

World English Bible
These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers’ houses and their offspring, whether they were of Israel:

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And these [are] those going up from Tel-Melah, Tel-Harsa, Cherub, Addan, Immer, and they have not been able to declare the house of their fathers, and their seed, whether they [are] of Israel:

Young's Literal Translation
And these are those going up from Tel-Melah, Tel-Harsa, Cherub, Addan, Immer, and they have not been able to declare the house of their fathers, and their seed, whether they are of Israel:

Smith's Literal Translation
And these going up from Tel-Melah Tel-Harsa, Cherub, Addan, Immer and they were not able to announce their father's house, and their seed, if they were from Israel.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And these are they that came up from Thelmela, Thelharsa, Cherub, and Adon, and Emer. And they could not shew the house of their fathers and their seed, whether they were of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And these were the ones who ascended from Telmelah, Telharsha, Cherub, and Addan, and Immer. And they were not able to indicate the house of their fathers and their offspring, whether they were of Israel:

New American Bible
The following who returned from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer were unable to prove that their ancestral houses and their descent were Israelite:

New Revised Standard Version
The following were those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, though they could not prove their families or their descent, whether they belonged to Israel:

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And these were those who went up from Tel-milkha, Tel-ava, Churbi; then it was said, they who could not show their fathers' families and their descent, whether they were of Israel:

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And theses are those who came up from Telmalkha to Telabah and to Korbi; then it was told and they could not show the families of their fathers and their seed, but only whoever were from Israel.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And these were they that went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not tell their fathers' houses, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And these are they that went up from Thelmelech, Thelaresa, Cherub, Hedan, Emmer: and they were not able to tell the house of their fathers, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The List of Returning Exiles
…58The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all. 59The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: 60the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 652 in all.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Nehemiah 7:61-65
The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: / the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642 in all. / And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). ...

Nehemiah 7:5
Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

Nehemiah 11:4
while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;

Nehemiah 11:25-36
As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages; / in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet; / in Hazar-shual; in Beersheba and its villages; ...

Nehemiah 12:1-26
Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, / Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, / Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, ...

Nehemiah 12:44-47
And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. / They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. ...

Nehemiah 13:1-3
At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, / because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). / As soon as the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all of foreign descent.

1 Chronicles 9:1-3
So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. / Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem:

1 Chronicles 9:10-13
From the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin; / Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of God’s temple; / Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; ...

1 Chronicles 9:33-34
Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night. / All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs according to their genealogies, and they lived in Jerusalem.

Matthew 1:1-17
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. / Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. ...

Matthew 22:23-33
That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him. / “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. ...

Mark 12:18-27
Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him: / “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. ...

Luke 3:23-38
Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, / the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, / the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, ...

Luke 20:27-40
Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him. / “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife but died childless. ...

Treasury of Scripture

And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not show their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

Tel-harsa

Nehemiah 7:61
And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel.

Tel-haresha, Addon.

Jump to Previous

Able Addon Belonged Cherub Declare Descendants Descended Descent Evidence Families Fathers Father's Following Harsha House Households Houses Immer Israel Israelites Kerub Melah Offspring Seed Shew Show Tel Tel-Harsha Tel-Har'sha Telmelah Tel-Melah Tel-Me'lah Towns Whether

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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

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer
This phrase lists locations and groups of people who returned from the Babylonian exile. Tel-melah and Tel-harsha are likely regions or settlements in Babylon, though their exact locations remain uncertain. The names suggest a connection to mounds or ruins, common in Mesopotamian geography. Cherub, Addan, and Immer may refer to family or clan names rather than specific places. The mention of these groups highlights the diverse origins of the returning exiles, emphasizing the widespread dispersion of the Israelites during the Babylonian captivity. This return fulfills the prophecy of restoration found in Jeremiah 29:10-14, where God promises to bring His people back to their land.

but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel
This phrase indicates a significant issue for the returning exiles: the inability to verify their genealogical records. In post-exilic Israel, lineage was crucial for determining one's place in society, especially for roles in the priesthood and temple service. The lack of proof could result in exclusion from certain religious and social privileges. This situation underscores the importance of genealogies in Jewish culture, as seen in other biblical passages like Nehemiah 7:61-65, which parallels this account. It also reflects the broader theme of identity and belonging, as the Israelites sought to reestablish their covenant community in the Promised Land. The concern for legitimate descent foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on spiritual lineage through faith in Christ, as seen in Galatians 3:29, where believers are considered Abraham's offspring through faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tel-melah
A location from which some of the exiles returned. The name means "hill of salt," indicating a possible geographical feature or characteristic of the area.

2. Tel-harsha
Another location associated with the returning exiles. The name means "hill of the forest," suggesting a wooded area.

3. Cherub
Likely a place or a group of people. The name is similar to the Hebrew word for "cherub," a type of angelic being, but here it refers to a location or family group.

4. Addan
A place or family group mentioned among those returning. The name is not well-defined but is part of the list of those whose lineage was uncertain.

5. Immer
A priestly family mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Here, it refers to a group whose genealogical records were not clear.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Identity
Understanding one's heritage and identity is crucial in the biblical account. For the Israelites, proving descent from Israel was essential for participating in the religious and social life of the community. Today, Christians can reflect on their spiritual identity in Christ and the importance of being part of the body of believers.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return from exile represents God's faithfulness in restoring His people. Despite uncertainties and challenges, God fulfills His promises. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness in their own lives, even when circumstances seem unclear.

The Role of Community
The returning exiles faced the challenge of re-establishing their community. This highlights the importance of community in the life of faith. Christians are encouraged to engage actively in their local church communities, supporting one another in faith and practice.

The Significance of Records and Remembrance
The emphasis on genealogical records in Ezra underscores the importance of remembering and recording God's work in our lives. Believers are encouraged to keep spiritual "records" through journaling, testimonies, and sharing accounts of God's faithfulness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(59-63) Finally, those who had lost the records of their lineage are mentioned. Of the people, the children of three families from Tel-melah, Hill of salt, Tel-harsa, Hill of the wood, and a few other places, are mentioned. Of the priests, there are also three families without their genealogy.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 59. - Tel-melah is probably the Thelme of Ptolemy ('Geograph.,' 5:20), a city of Lower Babylonia, situated in the salt tract near the Persian Gulf. Hence the name, which means "Hill of Salt." Cherub is no doubt Ptolemy's Chiripha, which was in the same region. The other places here mentioned are unknown to us, but probably belonged to the same tract of country. Tel-Harsa means "Hill of the Wood." They could not show their father's house. It is more surprising that so many of the returning exiles had preserved their genealogies than that a certain number had omitted to do so. Considering the duration of the exile, its hardships, and the apparent improbability of a restoration, there could have been no cause for wonder if the great majority had forgotten their descent.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The following
וְאֵ֗לֶּה (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

came up
הָֽעֹלִים֙ (hā·‘ō·lîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

from Tel-melah,
מֶ֙לַח֙ (me·laḥ)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8528: Tel-melah -- 'mound of salt', a place in Babylon

Tel-harsha,
חַרְשָׁ֔א (ḥar·šā)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8521: Tel-harsha -- 'mound of a craftsman', a city in Babylon

Cherub,
כְּר֥וּב (kə·rūḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3743: Cherub -- a place in Babylon

Addan,
אַדָּ֖ן (’ad·dān)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 135: Addan -- a place in Babylon

and Immer,
אִמֵּ֑ר (’im·mêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 564: Immer -- the name of several Israelites, perhaps also a place in Babylon

but could not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

prove
לְהַגִּ֤יד (lə·hag·gîḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

that their families
בֵּית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

were descended
וְזַרְעָ֔ם (wə·zar·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

from Israel:
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (mî·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

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OT History: Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up (Ezr. Ez)