Ezra 2:10
The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שֵׁ֥שׁ
six
H8337
שֵׁ֥שׁ
six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
3 of 6
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
Historical Context
The name Bani appears multiple times in post-exilic records, suggesting either common name or large extended clan. Nehemiah 10:14 lists Bani among those sealing covenant renewal. The family's involvement in covenant commitment paralleled their participation in physical rebuilding—both were acts of construction establishing God's purposes.
The specific count (642) indicates census precision. Each numbered individual represented commitment to difficult rebuilding work. The journey from Babylon took four months, and returnees faced hostile neighbors, economic hardship, and massive reconstruction task. Those counted had chosen hard work over exile's comfort.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the name 'built' illustrate the connection between identity and calling in Christian life?
- What does participation in building projects (temple, wall) teach about practical faith versus mere theological assent?
- How can modern believers discern between building God's kingdom versus constructing personal empires?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two. The family of Bani (בָּנִי) bears a name meaning 'built' or 'my building,' derived from the root banah (בָּנָה, to build). This name carries extraordinary significance in Ezra's context: a family named 'built' returning specifically to build the temple (Ezra 1:5). Their very identity testified to construction and establishment, making them living symbols of restoration's purpose.
The verb banah appears throughout Scripture for both physical construction and spiritual establishment. God promised to 'build' David a house (dynasty) in 2 Samuel 7:27. Wisdom 'builds' her house in Proverbs 9:1. Jesus declared He would 'build' His church (Matthew 16:18). The Bani family's name thus connected to deep biblical theme of God as divine builder who establishes what endures.
Theologically, the family demonstrates that identity shapes calling. Those named 'built' would naturally participate in rebuilding work. This pattern applies to believers: our identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) shapes our calling to build His kingdom. The 642 members each contributed to restoration—no one exempt from building work. Nehemiah 3 later describes how different families rebuilt specific sections of Jerusalem's wall, likely including Bani descendants.