Ezra 2:16The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight.
The setting
Jerusalem, 538 BC. Just 98 members of Ater's family return - the smallest group mentioned, but still counted. Modern-day Jerusalem, Israel.
The emotion here: tender care recording even the smallest families
The original word
qatan (קָטָן) — small/little, but in Hebrew often implies significance beyond size
Why it matters
Ater means 'left-handed' - this small family may have been descendants of skilled craftsmen or warriors
Read with care
What most readers miss in Ezra 2:16
Being the smallest group listed didn't diminish their importance - every family mattered for rebuilding
Common misconceptionSmall numbers suggest failure, but God often works through remnants - this tiny family was essential to Jerusalem's restoration
The thread continues
Verses that echo Ezra 2:16
Bible Genome reading
Ezra 2:16 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Ezra 2:16 comes from the book of Ezra, written during the Post-Exile period. These words are attributed to Ezra. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the genealogy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include return, restoration. Notable phrases: children of Ater.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Ezra 2:16 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "resting"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.