Old Testament
Ezra 2:39
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Descendants of Harim: 1,017.
Compare translations
The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
What Ezra 2:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about the descendants of Harim, a group of people who returned from exile. They numbered 1,017 individuals. This count reflects the importance of community and family ties in their culture. Each person counted represents a story, a life, and a connection to their heritage. The return from exile was a significant moment, symbolizing hope and restoration. It shows how people can come together to rebuild their lives after hardship. The number signifies not just a statistic but a collective journey of faith and resilience. This moment reminds us that every individual matters in the larger narrative of life, and together, they can achieve great things. The descendants of Harim are a testament to the strength found in unity and shared purpose, encouraging us to value our own communities and connections as we navigate our paths in life. Their return is a powerful reminder of the importance of belonging and the strength that comes from being part of something greater than ourselves.
How to apply Ezra 2:39 to your life
Consider the importance of your own community and family. Reflect on how your connections shape your identity and support you through challenges. Engage with those around you, fostering relationships that can help you grow and rebuild in times of need. Remember, every individual contributes to the strength of the whole community, just like the descendants of Harim did in their return from exile. Together, we can achieve more than we can alone.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezra Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezra 2:39
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezra 2:39
At a Glance — the Book of Ezra
- Author
- Ezra the priest and scribe
- Written
- Around 440 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Returning Jewish exiles
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezra 2:39 mean?
Ezra 2:39 lists the descendants of Harim, indicating that there were 1,017 individuals who returned from exile. This verse highlights the importance of family and community ties in the context of rebuilding after hardship.
What is the significance of the number 1,017 in Ezra 2:39?
The number 1,017 represents the total count of the descendants of Harim who returned from exile. It symbolizes the collective strength and unity of a community coming together to restore their lives.
Who are the descendants of Harim mentioned in Ezra 2:39?
The descendants of Harim are a group of people listed in Ezra 2:39 who returned from Babylonian exile. Their inclusion in the census reflects their role in the community's restoration.
How does Ezra 2:39 relate to themes of community and restoration?
Ezra 2:39 illustrates the theme of community by counting the descendants of Harim, showing how individuals contribute to the collective effort of rebuilding after exile, highlighting the importance of unity and shared purpose.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.