New International VersionI weighed out to them 650 talents of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
New Living TranslationI weighed the treasure as I gave it to them and found the totals to be as follows: 24 tons of silver, 7,500 pounds of silver articles, 7,500 pounds of gold,
English Standard VersionI weighed out into their hand 650 talents of silver, and silver vessels worth 200 talents, and 100 talents of gold,
Berean Standard BibleI weighed out into their hands 650 talents of silver, articles of silver weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
King James BibleI even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;
New King James VersionI weighed into their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, silver articles weighing one hundred talents, one hundred talents of gold,
New American Standard BibleSo I weighed into their hands 650 talents of silver, and silver utensils worth a hundred talents, and a hundred gold talents,
NASB 1995Thus I weighed into their hands 650 talents of silver, and silver utensils worth 100 talents, and 100 gold talents,
NASB 1977Thus I weighed into their hands 650 talents of silver, and silver utensils worth 100 talents, and 100 gold talents,
Legacy Standard BibleThus I weighed into their hands 650 talents of silver, and silver utensils worth 100 talents, and 100 gold talents,
Amplified BibleI weighed into their hands 650 talents of silver, and silver utensils worth 100 talents, and 100 talents of gold;
Christian Standard BibleI weighed out to them 24 tons of silver, silver articles weighing 7,500 pounds, 7,500 pounds of gold,
Holman Christian Standard BibleI weighed out to them 24 tons of silver, silver articles weighing 7,500 pounds, 7,500 pounds of gold,
American Standard VersionI weighed into their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels a hundred talents; of gold a hundred talents;
English Revised VersionI even weighed into their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents; of gold an hundred talents;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI weighed [the contributions] for them to guard: about 24 tons of silver, 100 silver utensils weighing 150 pounds apiece, 7,500 pounds of gold,
International Standard VersionI divided among them 650 silver talents, silver utensils weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
NET BibleI weighed out to them 650 talents of silver, silver vessels worth 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
New Heart English BibleI weighed into their hand six hundred fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels one hundred talents; of gold one hundred talents;
Webster's Bible TranslationI even weighed to their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels a hundred talents, and of gold a hundred talents; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI weighed out into their hands 650 talents of silver, articles of silver weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
World English BibleI weighed into their hand six hundred fifty talents of silver, one hundred talents of silver vessels, one hundred talents of gold, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I weigh to their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and one hundred talents of vessels of silver, one hundred talents of gold,
Young's Literal Translation and I weigh to their hand, of silver, talents six hundred and fifty, and of vessels of silver a hundred talents, of gold a hundred talents,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd I shall weigh to their hand the silver, six hundred and fifty talents, and vessels of silver to a hundred talents; gold, a hundred talents; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I weighed to their hands six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and a hundred vessels of silver, and a hundred talents of gold,
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd I weighed out to their hands six hundred fifty talents of silver, and one hundred vessels of silver, and one hundred talents of gold,
New American BibleI weighed out into their hands these amounts: silver, six hundred and fifty talents; silver vessels, one hundred; gold, one hundred talents;
New Revised Standard VersionI weighed out into their hand six hundred fifty talents of silver, and one hundred silver vessels worth . . . talents, and one hundred talents of gold, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd I counted into their hand one hundred and fifty talents of silver, and vessels of silver a hundred talents, and of gold one hundred talents;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd I counted to them a hundred and fifty silver talents and a hundred silver vessels, and a hundred talents of gold. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917I even weighed into their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels a hundred talents; of gold a hundred talents;
Brenton Septuagint TranslationI even weighed into their hands six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and a hundred silver vessels, and a hundred talents of gold;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Priests to Guard the Offerings… 25and I weighed out to them the contribution of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites there had offered for the house of our God. 26I weighed outintotheir hands650talentsof silver,articlesof silverweighing 100talents,100talentsof gold,2720 gold bowls valued at 1,000 darics, and two articles of fine polished bronze, as precious as gold.…
Cross References Exodus 25:1-9Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. / This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; ...
1 Chronicles 29:2-5Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance. / Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give for it my personal treasures of gold and silver, over and above all that I have provided for this holy temple: / three thousand talents of gold (the gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the buildings, ...
2 Chronicles 24:9-14And a proclamation was issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they were to bring to the LORD the tax imposed by Moses the servant of God on Israel in the wilderness. / All the officers and all the people rejoiced and brought their contributions, and they dropped them in the chest until it was full. / Whenever the chest was brought by the Levites to the king’s overseers and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal scribe and the officer of the high priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did this daily and gathered the money in abundance. ...
Nehemiah 7:70-72Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments. / And some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the project 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. / The rest of the people gave a total of 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priestly garments.
1 Kings 7:48-51Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; / the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple. ...
2 Kings 12:4-16Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. / Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.” / By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, however, the priests had not yet repaired the damage to the temple. ...
2 Chronicles 31:5-6As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.
Haggai 2:8The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts.
Malachi 3:10Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.
Matthew 2:11On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mark 12:41-44As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. / Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. / Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. ...
Luke 21:1-4Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, / and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ...
Acts 4:34-37There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. / Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), ...
Acts 5:1-11Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...
Treasury of Scripture I even weighed to their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents; Jump to Previous ArticlesFiftyGoldHandHandsHundredMeasuringSilverSixTalentsUtensilsVesselsWeighWeighedWeighingWeightWorthJump to Next ArticlesFiftyGoldHandHandsHundredMeasuringSilverSixTalentsUtensilsVesselsWeighWeighedWeighingWeightWorthEzra 8 1.The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon15.He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple21.He keeps a fast24.He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests31.From Ahava they come to Jerusalem33.The treasure is weighed in the temple36.The commission is deliveredI weighed out into their handsThis phrase indicates a careful and deliberate process of distribution. In the context of Ezra's journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, the weighing of precious metals signifies accountability and transparency. The act of weighing suggests a formal and organized approach, reflecting the importance of stewardship in handling resources dedicated to the temple. This mirrors the biblical principle of being faithful stewards of God's provisions, as seen in the parable of the talents ( Matthew 25:14-30). 650 talents of silver
A talent was a significant unit of weight and currency in the ancient Near East, approximately 75 pounds or 34 kilograms. Therefore, 650 talents of silver would be an enormous amount, indicating the wealth and resources being transported for the temple's restoration. This substantial sum underscores the commitment to restoring the worship and practices in Jerusalem. The silver's value and weight also highlight the logistical challenges and the need for divine protection during the journey, reminiscent of the Israelites carrying the spoils from Egypt (Exodus 12:35-36). articles of silver weighing 100 talents
The mention of specific articles of silver suggests items crafted for temple use, possibly including vessels and utensils necessary for worship. The detailed accounting of these items reflects the meticulous care taken to ensure the temple's proper function. This echoes the detailed instructions given for the tabernacle's construction in Exodus, emphasizing the importance of purity and dedication in worship. 100 talents of gold
Gold, being more valuable than silver, signifies the wealth and splendor intended for the temple. The use of gold in the temple is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing divine glory and holiness. The amount of gold here parallels the wealth and resources King Solomon used in building the first temple (1 Kings 6:20-22). This connection to Solomon's temple underscores the continuity of worship and the restoration of Israel's spiritual heritage. Gold's enduring value also points to the eternal nature of God's kingdom, as seen in the New Jerusalem's description inRevelation 21:18. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who led a group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and physical restoration of the Jewish community. 2. BabylonThe place from which Ezra and the exiles departed. It represents the captivity and exile of the Jewish people. 3. JerusalemThe destination of Ezra and the exiles, symbolizing the return to the Promised Land and the restoration of worship and community life. 4. The ExilesThe group of Israelites returning with Ezra, representing the remnant of God's people who were faithful and willing to restore their covenant relationship with God. 5. The Weighing of Silver and GoldThis event signifies the careful stewardship and accountability in handling the resources dedicated to the temple and worship. Teaching Points Stewardship and AccountabilityEzra's careful weighing of the silver and gold teaches us the importance of being responsible and transparent with the resources God entrusts to us. Generosity in WorshipThe dedication of valuable resources for the temple reminds us of the call to give generously and sacrificially to support the work of God. Faithfulness in LeadershipEzra's role as a leader who ensures the proper handling of resources encourages us to be faithful and trustworthy in our leadership roles. Community ParticipationThe involvement of the exiles in the journey and the offerings highlights the importance of community participation in the mission and work of God. Restoration and RenewalThe return to Jerusalem and the restoration of worship serve as a reminder of God's desire to restore and renew His people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Ezra 8:26?
2.How does Ezra 8:26 demonstrate the importance of accountability in stewardship today?
3.What can we learn from Ezra's leadership in handling God's resources responsibly?
4.How does Ezra 8:26 connect with Jesus' teachings on stewardship in Luke 16:10?
5.In what ways can we apply Ezra's example of integrity in our finances?
6.How does the detailed inventory in Ezra 8:26 reflect God's order and precision?
7.What is the significance of the specific weights of gold and silver in Ezra 8:26?
8.How does Ezra 8:26 reflect the importance of accountability in religious leadership?
9.Why were these particular items chosen to be weighed in Ezra 8:26?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8?
11.Who was Sheshbazzar in the Bible?
12.In Ezra 8:25–27, do the large amounts of silver and gold conflict with known trade or economic data from that era?
13.How can 1 Chronicles 29:4's account of David's vast gold and silver donations be reconciled with the limited archaeological evidence of Israel's wealth in that era?
14.Why does the text mention the precise return of gold and silver vessels in Ezra 6:5 if many of these items likely disappeared over time?What Does Ezra 8:26 Mean I weighed out into their handsEzra personally places the offerings into the priests’ hands, demonstrating open, measurable stewardship. • The phrase shows literal, physical accountability; nothing is left to guesswork (cf.Proverbs 11:1, “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight”). •Ezra 8:24-30 records that the priests are declared “holy to the LORD,” so handling the treasure is a sacred trust (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Weighing the gifts before departure and again on arrival (Ezra 8:33-34) models transparent oversight, mirrored later by Nehemiah’s storehouse appointments (Nehemiah 12:44).
650 talents of silverThis enormous sum—well over twenty tons—shows the king’s favor and Israel’s generosity. • God supplies abundantly when His people obey (Philippians 4:19;2 Corinthians 9:8). • Earlier temple projects were funded by similarly vast gifts (1 Chronicles 29:7 lists 10,000 talents of silver), confirming a consistent biblical pattern of lavish giving to God’s house. • The detailed number underscores historical reliability; Scripture records actual amounts, not vague estimates (Exodus 38:24).
articles of silver weighing 100 talentsSilver vessels replace items Nebuchadnezzar carried off (2 Kings 24:13), signaling restoration. • Temple service requires dedicated implements (Numbers 7:13;1 Kings 7:48-50). • The weight stresses both value and purpose—each article is counted and consecrated (Ezra 8:28, “You are holy to the LORD, and the articles are holy”). • God restores what was lost when His people return to Him (Joel 2:25).
100 talents of goldGold, associated with divinity and purity (Exodus 25:11), crowns the offering. • Solomon’s temple featured abundant gold (2 Chronicles 3:7), and the second temple is now equipped in like manner, fulfillingHaggai 2:8-9 that “the silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine… the glory of this latter house shall be greater.” • The equal weight of gold to silver articles highlights balanced provision—God meets both utilitarian and glorifying needs (Psalm 50:10-12). • Stated amounts invite faith: if God entrusted Ezra with such treasure, He can entrust believers today with resources for His work (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
summaryEzra 8:26 is more than a ledger entry; it records a moment of faithful stewardship, tangible blessing, and careful preparation for worship. By weighing and recording every talent of silver and gold, Ezra models integrity, underscores God’s lavish provision, and lays the groundwork for a restored temple that will once again declare the glory of the LORD. Verse 26. - Six hundred and fifty talents of silver, according to Mr. Peele's estimate of the talent, would be nearly a quarter of a million of our money. The annual revenue of Persia was about three and a half millions (Herod., 3:95). Of gold an hundred talents. Rather more than a million of our money.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew I weighed outוָאֶשְׁקֲלָ֨ה(wā·’eš·qă·lāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8254:To suspend, poiseintoעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsttheir handsיָדָ֜ם(yā·ḏām)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3027:A hand650שֵֽׁשׁ־(šêš-)Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8337:Six (a cardinal number)talentsכִּכָּרִים֙(kik·kā·rîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3603:A round, a round district, a round loaf, a round weight, a talent (a measure of weight or money)of silver,כֶּ֗סֶף(ke·sep̄)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneysilverכֶ֥סֶף(ḵe·sep̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyarticlesוּכְלֵי־(ū·ḵə·lê-)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3627:Something prepared, any apparatus[weighing] 100מֵאָ֖ה(mê·’āh)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 3967:A hundredtalents,לְכִכָּרִ֑ים(lə·ḵik·kā·rîm)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3603:A round, a round district, a round loaf, a round weight, a talent (a measure of weight or money)100מֵאָ֥ה(mê·’āh)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 3967:A hundredtalentsכִכָּֽר׃(ḵik·kār)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3603:A round, a round district, a round loaf, a round weight, a talent (a measure of weight or money)of gold,זָהָ֖ב(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky
Links Ezra 8:26 NIVEzra 8:26 NLTEzra 8:26 ESVEzra 8:26 NASBEzra 8:26 KJV
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OT History: Ezra 8:26 I weighed into their hand six hundred (Ezr. Ez) |
