The Levites …: The Levites were also members of the tribe of Levi, but by this time in history the priesthood had developed to the point that only certain members had full privileges as priests, while others, known simply as the Levites, performed minor functions in the worship services and other duties (see the comments on 1 Esd 1.3). They too are named and numbered by family groups.

Compare the parallel passages of Ezra 2.40 and Neh 7.43.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• Among the Levites, 74 people returned from exile. They were of the family groups of Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bannas, and Sudias.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.