Ezra 2:49
New International Version
Uzza, Paseah, Besai,

New Living Translation
Uzza, Paseah, Besai,

English Standard Version
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

Berean Standard Bible
the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai,

Berean Literal Bible
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

King James Bible
The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

New King James Version
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

New American Standard Bible
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

NASB 1995
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

NASB 1977
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

Legacy Standard Bible
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

Amplified Bible
the sons of Uzza, Paseah, Besai,

Berean Annotated Bible
the descendants of Uzza (strength), the descendants of Paseah (limper), the descendants of Besai (my treading),

Christian Standard Bible
Uzza’s descendants, Paseah’s descendants, Besai’s descendants,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Uzza’s descendants, Paseah’s descendants, Besai’s descendants,

American Standard Version
the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

English Revised Version
the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Uzza, Paseah, Besai,

International Standard Version
Descendants of Uzza, Paseah, and Besai.

NET Bible
the descendants of Uzzah, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai,

New Heart English Bible
the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai,

Webster's Bible Translation
The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai,

World English Bible
the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
sons of Uzza, sons of Paseah, sons of Besai,

Berean Literal Bible
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Uzza, sons of Paseah, sons of Besai,

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The children of Asa, the children of Phasea, the children of Besee,

Catholic Public Domain Version
the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,

New American Bible
descendants of Uzza, descendants of Paseah, descendants of Besai,

New Revised Standard Version
Uzza, Paseah, Besai,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Patah, the children of Basaz,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The children of Aza, the children of Patakh, the children of Basaz,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
the children of Azo, the children of Phase, the children of Basi,

Additional Translations ...



Context
The List of Returning Exiles
48the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam, 49the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai, 50the descendants of Asnah, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephusim,…

Cross References
the descendants of Uzza,

1 Chronicles 8:7
Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them into exile and who was the father of Uzza and Ahihud.

1 Chronicles 13:7
So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart.

1 Chronicles 13:9
When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled.
the descendants of Paseah,

Nehemiah 7:51
the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah,

1 Chronicles 4:12
Eshton was the father of Beth-rapha, of Paseah, and of Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These were the men of Recah.

Nehemiah 3:6
The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
the descendants of Besai,

Nehemiah 7:52
the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephushesim,

Ezra 8:20
They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.

1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.
Nehemiah 7:53
the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur,

Nehemiah 7:54
the descendants of Bazlith, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha,

Nehemiah 7:55
the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah,

Nehemiah 7:56
the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha.

Nehemiah 7:57
The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida,

Nehemiah 7:58
the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,

Nehemiah 7:59
the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon.


Treasury of Scripture

The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

Paseah

Nehemiah 7:51
The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,

Phaseah

Jump to Previous
Besai Children Paseah Pase'ah Phaseah Uzza
Jump to Next
Besai Children Paseah Pase'ah Phaseah Uzza
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 descendants of Uzza,

These temple servants returned with the first exiles under Zerubbabel, joining the restored community in Jerusalem. Their place in the record shows that the renewal of Israel required not only priests and Levites but also families devoted to the practical service of God’s house.

1Ch 8:7 Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them into exile…
1Ch 13:7 So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab…
1Ch 13:9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon,…

the descendants of Paseah,

The family of Paseah (meaning “limping” or “lame”) shared in the return and the reestablishment of worship centered on the rebuilt temple. A man identified as the son of Paseah later helped repair Jerusalem’s Old Gate (Nehemiah 3:6), reflecting the willingness of returning families to labor for both the worship and security of the covenant community.

Neh 7:51 the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza…
1Ch 4:12 Eshton was the father of Beth-rapha, of Paseah,…
Neh 3:6 The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah…

the descendants of Besai,

The descendants of Besai (possibly meaning “egg” or “swelling”) belonged to the Nethinim, who assisted the Levites with the ongoing needs of temple ministry (Ezra 2:43). Their preservation through exile and return testified to God’s faithfulness in restoring a people prepared to seek Him according to His appointed order.

Neh 7:52 the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim…
Ezr 8:20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants,…
1Ch 9:2 Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Uzza
A name that appears in the genealogical records of the returning exiles. The name "Uzza" is derived from the Hebrew root (oz), meaning "strength" or "might." This could symbolize the strength of the people in maintaining their identity and faith during the exile.

2. Paseah
Another family listed among the returning exiles. The name "Paseah" comes from the Hebrew root (pasach), which can mean "lame" or "limping." This might reflect a humble or weakened state, yet they are part of the restoration process.

3. Besai
A family group mentioned in the list of exiles. The name "Besai" is less clear in its meaning but is part of the collective memory and identity of the returning community.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
The genealogies in Ezra remind us of the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage. Just as the Israelites valued their lineage, Christians are encouraged to understand their spiritual ancestry in Christ.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the exiles is a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite their past, God restores His people, which is a powerful reminder of His grace and mercy in our lives.

Strength in Weakness
The names listed, such as Paseah, remind us that God often uses those who are weak or humble to accomplish His purposes. Our limitations can be opportunities for God's strength to be displayed.

Community and Identity
The collective return of these families highlights the importance of community in the journey of faith. We are called to support and encourage one another as we walk with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezra 2:49?

2. How does Ezra 2:49 highlight the importance of community in God's plan?

3. What can we learn from the descendants of "Uzza" about faithfulness?

4. How does Ezra 2:49 connect to the broader theme of restoration in Ezra?

5. In what ways can we support our church community like those in Ezra 2:49?

6. How does understanding lineage in Ezra 2:49 deepen our appreciation for biblical history?

7. What is the significance of the "descendants of Hanan" in Ezra 2:49?

8. How does Ezra 2:49 contribute to understanding Israel's post-exilic community?

9. Why are specific family names, like in Ezra 2:49, important in biblical genealogies?

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


What Does Ezra 2:49 Mean
The descendants of Uzza

“the descendants of Uzza” (Ezra 2:49) are counted among the temple servants who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel.

• Their inclusion confirms that God preserved even the least–known families during the exile, just as He promised in passages like Jeremiah 29:10–14.

• Temple servants (see Ezra 2:43–54) were essential support staff for the priests and Levites, paralleling duties outlined for the Levite gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 23:28–32.

• By choosing to leave the comfort of Babylon and embrace a hard rebuilding work in Jerusalem, these descendants mirrored the faith expressed in Psalm 84:10, “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”

• Their record assures us that no act of service is forgotten by God (Hebrews 6:10) and challenges us to view behind–the–scenes ministry as eternally significant.


The descendants of Paseah

The next group listed is “the descendants of Paseah.”

• Nehemiah 3:6 mentions a Joiada son of Paseah who helped repair Jerusalem’s Old Gate, suggesting that members of this clan quickly engaged in hands-on restoration.

• Their example underlines a recurring biblical pattern: returning to God involves both worship and practical obedience (Haggai 1:7-8).

• By recording their family name, God underscores that covenant faithfulness is often lived out through ordinary people whose zeal strengthens the whole community (Romans 12:4-8).

• Their willingness to identify with God’s people rather than remain in exile echoes Moses’ choice in Hebrews 11:24-26.


The descendants of Besai

Finally, Ezra notes “the descendants of Besai.”

• This family reappears in the parallel census of Nehemiah 7:52, confirming the reliability of both records.

• In Nehemiah 10:15–29 members of this clan seal the renewed covenant, pledging obedience to the Law—evidence that they not only returned physically but also recommitted spiritually.

• Their story illustrates Joshua 24:15 in action: entire households choosing to serve the LORD.

• God’s meticulous record-keeping assures future generations that their heritage is rooted in real history, not myth (Luke 3:23-38).


summary

Ezra 2:49, though brief, spotlights three families—Uzza, Paseah, and Besai—whose names testify that God values every servant. Their presence in the post-exile census proves His faithfulness to preserve a remnant, honors those who traded comfort for covenant duty, and invites us to embrace humble, wholehearted service, confident that the Lord sees and remembers each deed done for His glory.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the descendants
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Uzza,
עֻזָּ֥א (‘uz·zā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5798: Uzza -- four Israelites

the descendants
בְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Paseah,
פָסֵ֖חַ (p̄ā·sê·aḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6454: Paseah -- 'limper', three Israelites

the descendants
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Besai,
בֵסָֽי׃ (ḇê·sāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1153: Besai -- one of the Nethinim


Additonal Resources
Ezra 2:49 Blue Letter Bible
Ezra 2:49 Bible Gateway
Ezra 2:49 Bible.com

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Ezra 2:49 Study Bible
Ezra 2:49 Biblia Paralela
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Ezra 2:49 Catholic Bible

OT History: Ezra 2:49 The children of Uzza the children (Ezr. Ez)

Ezra 2:48
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