Ezra 2:55-57 Meaning: The Names of Solomon's Servants
55The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda,
56the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
57the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami.
55The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
56The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
57The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
55The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda,
56the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
57the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the children of Ami.
55Sons of the servants of Solomon: sons of Sotai, sons of Sophereth, sons of Peruda,
56Sons of Jaalah, sons of Darkon, sons of Giddel,
57Sons of Shephatiah, sons of Hattil, sons of Pochereth of Zebaim, sons of Ami.
55The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
56the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
57the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-Hazzebaim, the children of Ami.
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Ezra record 'Solomon's servants'? This list shows God's care for those of humble origins, including all in His restored people.
Context
Ezra 2 is a long inventory of the first wave of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. After listing the priests, Levites, and temple servants, the scribe records a distinct group: the descendants of Solomon’s servants. These families traced their ancestry to workers once employed by King Solomon on the temple and his palace. Many were likely descendants of the Canaanite people conscripted into service, as 1 Kings 9:21 describes. By including them in the official register, Ezra shows that God’s rebuilt community includes people of every social background, even those whose origins were outside the covenant. Every family, no matter how humble, had a place in the story.
Key Words
Two Hebrew words anchor this list. The first is benei, often translated as ‘children of’ but meaning ‘descendants’ or ‘members of the family.’ It speaks of belonging. These families are not isolated individuals; they carry an identity passed down through generations, even if that identity began in lowly service.
The second word is avdei, from the root eved, servant or slave. In Israel, the word could mean forced laborer or honored official. Here it is tied to Solomon, the king who built the temple. Wesley called it a ‘great honour’ to be known as Solomon’s servants. The same word is used for servants of God throughout Scripture. These families were not ashamed of their title; it marked them as part of the work of God’s house.
Several of the names themselves hint at meaning. One lexicon notes that Ami may mean ‘bond-servant.’ Whether their origins were humble or exalted, each name is written down, and God remembers them.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this list in different ways. Some see the ‘servants of Solomon’ as descendants of the Canaanite forced laborers conscripted for the temple (1 Kings 9:21). In that light, their inclusion shows God’s reach beyond ethnic Israel. Others emphasize the honor of serving a great king. Wesley notes that these families esteemed it a high honor to be called Solomon’s servants. Cambridge adds that they were a class similar to the Nethinim, the temple servants. Both readings point to the same truth: God’s community is built from all kinds of people, including those society might overlook.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume these ‘servants’ were second-class citizens in God’s community. In fact, they were counted alongside priests and Levites in the official register. Their service was not a mark of inferiority but a badge of belonging to God’s house. God does not rank His people by human status.
Living This Out
This week, you may feel like a small part of God’s work, someone who serves quietly behind the scenes. Ezra’s list says: God sees you. He knows your name and your story. The families of Solomon’s servants were not forgotten; they were written into Scripture forever. Look around your church or neighborhood. Ask God to help you notice the people others overlook. Honor them as God does. Whether you serve in a big role or a hidden one, you have a place in His family that will never be erased.
Main takeaway: God remembers and honors every person, even those of humble service, and includes them fully in His family.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
This list of names looks long, but it shows that God knows everyone who helps in His house. Even if your job seems small, God remembers you.
For ages 9, 12
Ezra wrote down the names of families who were descendants of Solomon’s servants. These were people who helped build the temple. For many years, others might have thought they were not important. But God made sure their names were in the Bible. That tells you that God sees every person, whether famous or not. You matter to God, and you have a part in His family.
Questions People Ask
Who were the 'servants of Solomon' in Ezra 2:55-57?
They were descendants of people who served King Solomon, likely in the building of the temple and his palace. Many were probably non-Israelites conscripted for labor (1 Kings 9:21). Over time they became a recognized group within Israel, and they returned from exile with Zerubbabel.
Why does Ezra list so many names in chapter 2? Isn't it boring?
The lists show that God values every individual. Each name represents a real person and family who took part in the return from exile. In a culture that often forgot the poor and lowly, this register records that God remembers everyone who serves Him.
What does 'the children of' mean in these verses?
It means 'the descendants of' or 'the family of.' The list records family groups, not individual names. These families traced their ancestry back to the original servants of Solomon.
Were the children of Solomon's servants considered true Israelites?
Yes, they were counted among the returning exiles and included fully in the congregation of Israel. Verse 58 adds up the total of temple servants and Solomon's servants together, showing they were all part of the same community.
What can we learn from this passage today?
God's community includes people from all backgrounds, even those with humble beginnings. He honors faithful service and remembers every person by name. You do not need to be famous or powerful to matter to God.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study