Ezra 10:2

Ezra 10:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, an Elamite, said to Ezra: “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the people of the land, yet in spite of this, there is hope for Israel.

King James Version KJV

And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

American Standard Version ASV

And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Shecaniah, the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answering, said to Ezra, We have done evil against our God, and have taken as our wives strange women of the peoples of the land: but still there is hope for Israel in this question.

Free Bible Version FBV

Shecaniah, son of Jehiel, an Elamite, said to Ezra: “Yes, we have been unfaithful to our God because we have married foreign women from the people of the land. But even so there is still hope for Israel over this.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Shechaniah the sonne of Iehiel one of the sonnes of Elam answered, and sayd to Ezra, We haue trespassed against our God, and haue taken strange wiues of the people of the land, yet nowe there is hope in Israel concerning this.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Shechaniah son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, answereth and saith to Ezra, 'We — we have trespassed against our God, and we settle strange women of the peoples of the land; and now there is hope for Israel concerning this,

World English Bible WEB

Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered Ezra, “We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land. Yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said to Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken foreign wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Sechenias the son of Jehiel of the sons of Elam answered, and said to Esdras: We have sinned against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: and now if there be repentance in Israel concerning this,

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Shecaniah, the son of Jehiel from the clan of Elam, said this to me: “We have disobeyed God. Some of us have married women who are not Israelis. But we can still confidently expect Yahweh to be merciful to us Israeli people.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 10:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezra 10:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּעַן֩ שְׁכַנְיָ֨ה בֶן יְחִיאֵ֜ל מִ/בְּנֵ֤י עולם עֵילָם֙ וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר לְ/עֶזְרָ֔א אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ מָעַ֣לְנוּ בֵ/אלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ וַ/נֹּ֛שֶׁב נָשִׁ֥ים נָכְרִיּ֖וֹת מֵ/עַמֵּ֣י הָ/אָ֑רֶץ וְ/עַתָּ֛ה יֵשׁ מִקְוֶ֥ה לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַל זֹֽאת

וַ/יַּעַן֩ ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שְׁכַנְיָ֨ה Shᵉkanyâh H7935 Shecaniah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

יְחִיאֵ֜ל Yᵉchîyʼêl H3171 Jehiel N-proper

מִ/בְּנֵ֤י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

עולם ʻÊylâm H5867 Elam N-proper

עֵילָם֙ ʻÊylâm H5867 Elam N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לְ/עֶזְרָ֔א ʻEzrâʼ H5830 Ezra Prep | N-proper

אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron

מָעַ֣לְנוּ mâʻal H4603 be unfaithful V-Qal-Perf-1cp

בֵ/אלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp | Suff

וַ/נֹּ֛שֶׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cp

נָשִׁ֥ים ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fp

נָכְרִיּ֖וֹת nokrîy H5237 foreign Adj

מֵ/עַמֵּ֣י ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-mp

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

וְ/עַתָּ֛ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

יֵשׁ yêsh H3426 there Part

מִקְוֶ֥ה miqveh H4723 Kue N-ms

לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

זֹֽאת zôʼth H2063 this Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 10:2

וַ/יַּעַן֩ ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.

Definition: (Qal) to dwell

Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.

שְׁכַנְיָ֨ה Shᵉkanyâh H7935 "Shecaniah" N-proper

Shecaniah was a common name in the Bible, meaning 'dweller with God'. Several men with this name appear in books like Nehemiah and Ezra, including a descendant of Zerubbabel who returned from exile.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.10.4; also called Shecaniah (NIV: Shekaniah) at Neh.12.3; Another name of she.van.yah (שְׁבַנְיָהוּ "Shebaniah" H7645I) § Shecaniah or Shechaniah = "dweller with Jehovah" 1) a descendant of Zerubbabel whose descendants returned from exile with Ezra 2) son of Jehiel of the sons of Elam and one who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 3) father of Shemaiah who repaired part of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 4) son of Arah, father-in-law of Tobiah who opposed Nehemiah 5) a priest who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 6) a priest in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Shecaniah, Shechaniah. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:21; Ezra 8:5; Nehemiah 12:3.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יְחִיאֵ֜ל Yᵉchîyʼêl H3171 "Jehiel" N-proper

Jehiel was a common name in the Bible, meaning 'God lives'. It was given to eight different Israelites, including a Levite musician in King David's time and a son of King Jehoshaphat. Each Jehiel played a unique role in biblical history.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Jehiel = "God lives" 1) a Levite and one of the chief musicians in the time of David 2) a Gershonite Levite who had charge of the treasures in the time of David 3) son of Hachmoni and an officer of David and tutor of David's sons 4) a son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah put to death by his brother Jehoram 5) Hemanite who took part in the restoration of king Hezekiah 6) a Levite and overseer in the time of Hezekiah 7) a ruler of the temple during the reforms of Josiah 8) father of Obadiah of the sons of Joab in the time of Ezra 9) father of Shechaniah of the sons of Elam in the time of Ezra 10) a son of Elam who put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra 11) a priest of the sons of Harim who also had to put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Jehiel. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:18; 2 Chronicles 29:14; Ezra 10:26.

מִ/בְּנֵ֤י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

Definition: : child/son

עולם ʻÊylâm H5867 "Elam" N-proper

Elam refers to a son of Shem and his descendants, as well as a region, first mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name means eternity. Elam is also the name of several Israelites, including one mentioned in Nehemiah 12:42.

Definition: § Elam = "eternity" a province east of Babylon and northeast of the lower Tigris

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: Elam. See also: Genesis 10:22; Nehemiah 10:15; Isaiah 11:11.

עֵילָם֙ ʻÊylâm H5867 "Elam" N-proper

Definition: § Elam = "eternity" a province east of Babylon and northeast of the lower Tigris

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: Elam. See also: Genesis 10:22; Nehemiah 10:15; Isaiah 11:11.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לְ/עֶזְרָ֔א ʻEzrâʼ H5830 "Ezra" Prep | N-proper

Ezra was an Israelite priest and scribe who led reforms in Jerusalem after the Exile, working with Nehemiah. His name means 'help'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.12.1 § Ezra = "help" 1) the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem; co-worker with Nehemiah 2) a priest with Zerubbabel 3) another post-exilic Jew

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Ezra. See also: Ezra 7:1; Nehemiah 8:2; Nehemiah 12:36.

אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Pron

A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.

Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.

מָעַ֣לְנוּ mâʻal H4603 "be unfaithful" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

This Hebrew word means to be unfaithful or act treacherously, covering up or acting secretly against someone. It's used to describe actions against people or God, such as committing a trespass or transgressing. The Bible translates it as 'transgress' or 'trespass'.

Definition: 1) to act unfaithfully, act treacherously, transgress, commit a trespass 1a) (Qal) to act unfaithfully or treacherously 1a1) against man 1a2) against God 1a3) against devoted thing 1a4) against husband

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: transgress, (commit, do a) trespass(-ing). See also: Leviticus 5:15; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Proverbs 16:10.

בֵ/אלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

וַ/נֹּ֛שֶׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cp

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

נָשִׁ֥ים ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fp

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

נָכְרִיּ֖וֹת nokrîy H5237 "foreign" Adj

This Hebrew word describes something or someone foreign or unfamiliar, including people, women, or things. It can also mean wonderful or outlandish. In the Bible, it is often translated as alien or foreigner.

Definition: 1) foreign, alien 1a) foreign 1b) foreigner (subst) 1c) foreign woman, harlot 1d) unknown, unfamiliar (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r, woman). See also: Genesis 31:15; Ezra 10:17; Psalms 69:9.

מֵ/עַמֵּ֣י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-mp

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

וְ/עַתָּ֛ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

יֵשׁ yêsh H3426 "there" Part

This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.

Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.

מִקְוֶ֥ה miqveh H4723 "Kue" N-ms

Miqveh refers to a collection of things, like a pool of water or a group of people and horses. It can also mean a source of hope or confidence. This term is used in various contexts, including gatherings and pools of water.

Definition: § (CLBL) Kue, a place in Cilicia from which Solomon imported horses

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: abiding, gathering together, hope, linen yarn, plenty (of water), pool. See also: Genesis 1:10; 2 Chronicles 1:16; Jeremiah 14:8.

לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

זֹֽאת zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

Study Notes — Ezra 10:2

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Context — Shecaniah’s Encouragement

1While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him, and the people wept bitterly as well.

2Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, an Elamite, said to Ezra: “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the people of the land, yet in spite of this, there is hope for Israel.

3So now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law. 4Get up, for this matter is your responsibility, and we will support you. Be strong and take action!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 13:27	Must we now hear that you too are doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?”
2	Ezra 9:2	Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!”
3	Jeremiah 3:12–13	Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD.
4	Exodus 34:12	Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst.
5	James 2:9	But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
6	1 John 1:7–9	But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
7	Isaiah 55:6–7	Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
8	Nehemiah 3:29	Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house, and next to him, Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the guard of the East Gate, made repairs.
9	Exodus 34:6–7	Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
10	Ezra 10:26	From the descendants of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah.

Ezra 10:2 Summary

This verse is about a man named Shecaniah who is talking to Ezra about the Israelites' sin of marrying women from other countries, which was against God's rules (as seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Even though they had disobeyed God, Shecaniah still believed that God could forgive them and give them hope for the future, just like He promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This shows that God is always willing to give us a second chance if we turn back to Him and follow His commands, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6. By repenting and seeking God's forgiveness, we can experience His mercy and restoration in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue that Shecaniah is addressing in Ezra 10:2?

Shecaniah is acknowledging that the Israelites have been unfaithful to God by marrying foreign women, which is a violation of God's command in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, and yet he still holds out hope for Israel's restoration.

Who is Shecaniah and why is he speaking up in this situation?

Shecaniah is a leader among the Israelites, and as the son of Jehiel, an Elamite, he is likely a member of the community that has been affected by the sin of intermarriage, which is why he is taking initiative to address the issue, as seen in Ezra 10:2.

What does Shecaniah mean by 'there is hope for Israel'?

Shecaniah's statement suggests that despite the Israelites' unfaithfulness, God is still willing to forgive and restore them, as promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34, and that they can still experience God's mercy and grace if they repent and turn back to Him.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of covenant faithfulness in the Bible?

Ezra 10:2 highlights the importance of covenant faithfulness, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6, where God's people are called to be a holy and set-apart nation, and the consequences of failing to keep God's commands, as warned in Leviticus 26:14-45.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I may be compromising my faith or being unfaithful to God, and what steps can I take to repent and restore my relationship with Him?
How can I, like Shecaniah, take initiative to address sin and promote righteousness in my own community or family?
What does it mean to 'tremble at the command of our God' as mentioned in Ezra 10:3, and how can I cultivate a deeper reverence and obedience to God's Word in my own life?
In what ways can I hold out hope for restoration and forgiveness, even in the midst of my own failures or the failures of those around me, and how can I trust in God's mercy and grace?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 10:2

And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra,.... This man seems to be one of those that now came with Ezra from Babylon, see Ezra 8:3, we have trespassed

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 10:2

And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 10:2

He saith we, either, 1. Because he was guilty in this matter. Or rather, 2. In the name of the people, and their several families, and his own amongst the rest. For this man’ s name is not in the following catalogue, but there we have his father, Jehiel, and his father’ s brethren, five other sons of his grandfather Elam, . It was therefore an evidence of his great courage, and good conscience, that he durst so freely and fully discharge his duty, whereby he showed that he honored God more than his nearest and dearest relations. There is hope concerning this thing, in case of our repentance and reformation. Therefore let us not sorrow like persons without hope, nor sit down in despair, but let us fall upon action, and amend our errors, and then trust to God’ s mercy.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 10:2

Ezra 10:2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, [one] of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.Ver. 2. And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel] Egregie cordatus homo A prudent and a pious man, one that had feeding lips, and a healing tongue, one that knew how to time a word, and to set it upon the wheels, Isaiah 50:4 Proverbs 25:11. Answered and said unto Ezra] Such words as were uttered more from the bowels than the brain, and thereby proved so effectual. We have trespassed against our God] His father Jehiel had taken a strange wife, Ezra 10:18; Ezra 10:26, so perhaps had he himself; or if not, yet he might fear wrath, because of the same body politic with those sinners against their own souls. God, he knew, might well draw blood of the arm for the cure of the head; as Theodoret saith he did when he slew Pharaoh’ s first-born. Yet now there is hope in Israel, &c.] Hope that the people will repent, and hope that God will have mercy, upon their repentance. Superest sperare salutem, He survives to hope for health. If it were not for hope the heart would break. God, having opened a door of hope, let us go boldly to the throne of grace; what should hinder? “ Qui nil sperare potest, desperet nihil. ” Who is able to hope for nothing, gives up hope for nothing. Cast not away your confidence, which hath so great recompence of reward; but cast anchor within the veil, and wait for day, as Paul did in the shipwreck. See Isaiah 50:10.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 10:2

X.(1-6) The covenant of repentance and amendment. Here the narrative assumes another form; and, in accordance with the solemnity of a great public transaction, Ezra adopts the third person. (1) Before the house of God.—Prostrating himself towards the Temple in the court, where all the people saw him and marked his distress. Wept very sore.—The evil penetrated domestic life, and the punishment, as was already foreseen by “the women bringing the children with them,” brought special family distress. (2) Shechaniah.—The son of one of the transgressors (Ezra 10:2), whose action as the representative of the people gives him an honourable memorial in Scripture. There is hope in Israel.—A noble sentiment for a reformer even at the worst of times. (3) Special covenants with God—general, as in 2 Kings 23:3, and in regard to particular offences, as here, and in Jeremiah 34:8—were familiar in Jewish history. And at all times of critical sin or danger the voluntary intervention of individuals was held in honour. (Comp. Numbers 25:12 seq.) According to the counsel of my lord.—Better, according to, or in, the counsel of the Lord. Ezra would hardly be called “my lord,” nor had he given any counsel. According to the law.—Which in Deuteronomy 24 prescribes the terms of divorce. (4) Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee.—The commission given to Ezra (Ezra 7:11 seq.) seems specially referred to, and the deep prostration of his spirit renders the encouragement here given very appropriate. It had its effect: as Ezra’s grief had made the people sorrowful, so their vigour made him energetic. (5) According to this word.—“According to” occurs three times, and each instance must be noted. First, it was “in the counsel of the Lord” as God’s law, rightly interpreted, demanded this measure, however seemingly harsh; secondly, it was to be done “according to the law;” and, thirdly, according to the present covenant, which, went beyond the law of Moses. (6) The chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib.—Ezra retired for fasting and prayer into one of the chambers opening on the court. It seems impossible to identify these names with the Eliashib of Neh 12:10 and his grandson. Both names were common.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 10:2

Verse 2. Shechaniah the son of Jehiel] He speaks here in the name of the people, not acknowledging himself culpable, for he is not in the following list. It is in the same form of speech with that in James, James 3:9. With the tongue curse we men. He seems to have been a chief man among the people; and Ezra, at present, stood in need of his influence and support. Yet now there is hope in Israel] מקוה mikveh, expectation, of pardon; for the people were convinced of the evil, and were deeply penitent: hence it is said, Ezra 10:1, that they wept sore.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 10:2

2. And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam] R.V. Shecaniah. A Jehiel is mentioned in Ezra 10:26 as one ‘of the sons of Elam’ that had married ‘strange women’. It is hardly likely that Shecaniah would have taken action against his own father and mother (or stepmother); though, if he did, it would strikingly illustrate the intensity of the feeling aroused. ‘The children of Elam’ are mentioned in Ezra 2:7, Ezra 8:7. We have trespassed] See on Ezra 9:2. have taken strange wives] R.V. have married strange women. ‘Have married’ a word meaning literally ‘caused to dwell’ used in this technical sense here and Ezra 10:10; Ezra 10:14; Ezra 10:17-18; Nehemiah 13:23; Nehemiah 13:27. of the people of the land] R.V. of the peoples of the land. ‘of the land’, not as in Ezra 9:1-2; Ezra 9:11 ‘of the lands’. Shecaniah refers especially to the heathen living amongst the people of Israel. yet now there is hope in Israel] ‘Hope’. This word in the Hebrew is used for the object of hope in Jeremiah 14:8; Jeremiah 17:13; Jeremiah 50:7. In 1 Chronicles 29:15 ‘our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no abiding (Heb. ‘hope’)’, and in this passage, the source or means of ‘hope’ is denoted. Shecaniah relied upon the promise attached to repentance (e.g. Deuteronomy 30:1-10). ‘Even now’ corresponds to the ‘and now’ in Ezra 9:10. concerning this thing] The same words in the Hebrew as ‘because of this’ (Ezra 9:15). Shecaniah clearly does not mean ‘on account of this repentance’, but ‘with reference to this offence’.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 10:2

Jehiel was one of those who had taken an idolatrous wife Ezra 10:26; and Shechaniah had therefore had the evil brought home to him.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 10:2

2. Of the sons of Elam — Two individuals of this name are mentioned in the list of those who returned with Zerubbabel, (Ezra 2:7; Ezra 2:31,) but there is nothing to decide which one of them is here intended. Compare Ezra 10:26.

Sermons on Ezra 10:2

	Sermon	Description
	Bible Survey - Ezra by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, who led the second expedition from Babylon to reinforce and inspire the struggling Judeans in rebu
	An Habitation of God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes Jesus' anticipation and delight in the future. Jesus rejoices over those who forsake all others and cling only to him, seeking him daily and
	God Requires Honesty and Compassion - Part 2 by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine worship and treating others with fairness and mercy. It highlights God's displeasure with insincere religious practices and the nee
	Return From Backsliding by Kjell Olsen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the first evil that God accuses his people of committing. He describes God as the exclusive fountain of living water and laments that his peop
	Making Our Children Warriors by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of dedicating our children to the Lord, recognizing them as gifts from God to be raised for His glory. It highlights the spiritual battle for
	God's Love and God's Way of Blessing. by A.T. Robertson	A.T. Robertson preaches on God's message of love and His way of blessing as highlighted in Jeremiah 3:12-13. God earnestly calls backsliding Israel to return, emphasizing His mercy
	If You Have Lost the Blessing -- What? by Samuel Logan Brengle	Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the path to restoration for backsliders, urging them to acknowledge their sins and return to God, who is merciful and ready to forgive. He draws par