Ezra 10:1

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Ezra 10:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

While 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.

King James Version KJV

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.

American Standard Version ASV

Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there was gathered together unto him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very sore.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now while Ezra was making his prayer and his statement of wrongdoing, weeping and falling down before the house of God, a very great number of men and women and children out of Israel came together round him: for the people were weeping bitterly.

Free Bible Version FBV

As Ezra was praying and confessing sins, weeping and falling down on his face before God's Temple, a very large crowd of Israelites, men, women, and children, gathered around him. The people were weeping bitterly as well.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Whiles Ezra prayed thus, and confessed himselfe weeping, and falling downe before the house of God, there assembled vnto him of Israel a very great Congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept with a great lamentation.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And at Ezra's praying, and at his making confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there have been gathered unto him out of Israel an assembly very great — men and women and children — for the people have wept, multiplying weeping.

World English Bible WEB

Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before God’s house, there was gathered together to him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very bitterly.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled to him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very bitterly.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now when Esdras was thus praying, and beseeching, and weeping, and lying before the temple of God, there was gathered to him of Israel an exceeding great assembly of men and women and children, and the people wept with much lamentation.

Translation for Translators T4T

While I was kneeling down in front of the temple and praying and crying, I was confessing the sins that the Israeli people had committed. Many people, men and women and children, gathered around me and also cried very much.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 10:1

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 10:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/כְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֤ל עֶזְרָא֙ וּ/כְ֨/הִתְוַדֹּת֔/וֹ בֹּכֶה֙ וּ/מִתְנַפֵּ֔ל לִ/פְנֵ֖י בֵּ֣ית הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים נִקְבְּצוּ֩ אֵלָ֨י/ו מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵ֜ל קָהָ֣ל רַב מְאֹ֗ד אֲנָשִׁ֤ים וְ/נָשִׁים֙ וִֽ/ילָדִ֔ים כִּֽי בָכ֥וּ הָ/עָ֖ם הַרְבֵּה בֶֽכֶה

וּ/כְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֤ל pâlal H6419 to pray Conj | Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

עֶזְרָא֙ ʻEzrâʼ H5830 Ezra N-proper

וּ/כְ֨/הִתְוַדֹּת֔/וֹ yâdâh H3034 to give thanks Conj | Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a | Suff

בֹּכֶה֙ bâkâh H1058 to weep V-Qal

וּ/מִתְנַפֵּ֔ל nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Hithpael

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

נִקְבְּצוּ֩ qâbats H6908 to gather V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

אֵלָ֨י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵ֜ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper

קָהָ֣ל qâhâl H6951 assembly N-ms

רַב rab H7227 many Adj

מְאֹ֗ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv

אֲנָשִׁ֤ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

וְ/נָשִׁים֙ ʼishshâh H802 woman Conj | N-fp

וִֽ/ילָדִ֔ים yeled H3206 youth Conj | N-mp

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

בָכ֥וּ bâkâh H1058 to weep V-Qal-Perf-3cp

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

הַרְבֵּה râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Hiphil-Ptc

בֶֽכֶה bekeh H1059 bitterly N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 10:1

וּ/כְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֤ל pâlal H6419 "to pray" Conj | Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.

Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.

עֶזְרָא֙ ʻEzrâʼ H5830 "Ezra" 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.

וּ/כְ֨/הִתְוַדֹּת֔/וֹ yâdâh H3034 "to give thanks" Conj | Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a | Suff

To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.

Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)

Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.

בֹּכֶה֙ bâkâh H1058 "to weep" V-Qal

To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.

Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.

וּ/מִתְנַפֵּ֔ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Hithpael

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

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.

נִקְבְּצוּ֩ qâbats H6908 "to gather" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.

Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.

אֵלָ֨י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 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.

קָהָ֣ל qâhâl H6951 "assembly" N-ms

A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.

Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body

Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.

רַב rab H7227 "many" Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

מְאֹ֗ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv

Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.

Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness

Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.

אֲנָשִׁ֤ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

וְ/נָשִׁים֙ ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Conj | 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.

וִֽ/ילָדִ֔ים yeled H3206 "youth" Conj | N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.

Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בָכ֥וּ bâkâh H1058 "to weep" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

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.

הַרְבֵּה râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Hiphil-Ptc

This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.

Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.

בֶֽכֶה bekeh H1059 "bitterly" N-ms

This Hebrew word means to weep bitterly, like someone crying out in sorrow. It appears in the Bible to describe intense emotional pain. In the KJV, it's translated as 'sore' to convey a deep sadness.

Definition: a weeping

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] sore. See also: Ezra 10:1.

Study Notes — Ezra 10:1

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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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 9:20	While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning His holy mountain—
2	Psalms 119:136	My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
3	Romans 9:2	I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
4	1 John 1:8–10	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. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.
5	1 Kings 8:30	Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive.
6	Luke 19:41	As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it
7	Daniel 9:3–4	So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed, “O, Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion to those who love Him and keep His commandments,
8	Nehemiah 8:9	Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.
9	Nehemiah 10:28	“The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand,
10	Zechariah 12:10	Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Ezra 10:1 Summary

[Ezra 10:1 shows us a powerful picture of a man who is deeply grieved over the sins of his people, and his response is to pray and weep before God. This teaches us that our sins are not just individual but also affect those around us, as seen in Leviticus 26:40. Ezra's example encourages us to come before God in humility and repentance, seeking His forgiveness and restoration, just as we see in 1 John 1:9. By doing so, we can experience God's mercy and grace, and be restored to a right relationship with Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Ezra weeping and falling facedown before the house of God?

Ezra was overcome with grief and remorse for the sins of the people, as seen in Ezra 10:1, and this emotional response was a demonstration of his deep sorrow and repentance, similar to what we see in Nehemiah 1:4 where Nehemiah also weeps and mourns for the sins of the people.

What gathered around Ezra while he prayed?

A very large assembly of Israelites, including men, women, and children, gathered around Ezra as he prayed, indicating a sense of corporate responsibility and shared sorrow for their sins, as seen in Ezra 10:1.

How did the people respond to Ezra's prayer and confession?

The people wept bitterly, as seen in Ezra 10:1, showing that they too were moved to repentance and sorrow for their sins, much like the response of the people in Joel 2:12-13 where they are called to return to God with weeping and mourning.

What can we learn from Ezra's example of public prayer and confession?

Ezra's example teaches us the importance of humility, transparency, and corporate repentance, as seen in Ezra 10:1, and reminds us that our sins are not just individual but also affect the community, as noted in Leviticus 26:40 and 1 John 1:9.

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where I need to come before God in humility and repentance, like Ezra did?
How can I, like Ezra, demonstrate a deep sorrow for the sins of those around me and pray for their repentance?
In what ways can I gather with others, as the Israelites did around Ezra, to pray and seek God's forgiveness and restoration?
What does it mean for me to weep and mourn over my sins, as the people did in Ezra 10:1, and how can I cultivate a heart of repentance?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 10:1

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping,.... Had confessed the sins of the people in prayer and supplication, with many tears: and casting himself down before the house of God;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 10:1

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 10:1

EZRA CHAPTER 10 Shechaniah encourageth Ezra to reform the strange marriages, . All Israel swear to do accordingly, . Ezra, mourning, assembleth the people, . The people at the exhortation of Ezra repent, and promise amendment, . Their care to perform it, . The names of them that married strange wives, . Awakened by the words and example of this holy priest and great potentate. So inexpressible is the good which is done by the good example, and the evil which is done by the bad example, of a great person, or of a minister. The fame of his great passion of grief, and of his many and public expressions thereof in the court before the temple, being in an instant dispersed over all the city, brought a great company together. The people wept very sore, being greatly affected with Ezra’ s prayer, and with the common sin.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 10:1

Ezra 10:1 Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.Ver. 1. Now when Ezra had prayed] Had presented himself as a suppliant (Hithpallel), and opened his cause to God the Judge, appealing to him, that he might determine. And when he had confessed] And begged pardon; deprecating the Divine displeasure, as the word signifieth. Weeping] Of this we read not in the former chapter, but of other effects of his passion, as rending his garments, tearing off the hair of his head and beard, &c. His sorrow at first might be above tears, which afterwards came gushing out amain, as the blood doth out of a wound, but not till it hath first run back to the heart, to bear the news to it, as I may so say. It is said of Athanasius, that, by his tears, as by the bleeding of a chaste vine, he cured the leprosy of that tainted age. May we not say the same of this good man? And casting himself down before the house of God] Where all might see him, that their eyes might affect their hearts, and contribute some tears of compunction and compassion towards the filling of God’ s bottle, as they had done sins toward the filling of his bag. Of men, women, and children] Anashim, Venashim, &c. A woman is a man, cut short by the head, 1 Corinthians 11:3. Here was a general meeting of all sexes and sizes joined together, to cut sin’ s cart ropes. For the people wept very sore] They could not wash their hands in innocency, they, therefore, washed them in tears; they knew that as the sins of the old world, so of this little world, needeth a deluge. Their sins, therefore, are as so many Hazaels to them; their hearts as so many Hadadrimmons, the place they made to become a very Bochim; they wept with a great weeping, and so vented their sins at their eyes, as sick people do their ill-humours at the pores of their bodies.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 10:1

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 10:1

CHAPTER X The people are greatly afflicted by Ezra's prayer, 1. Shechaniah proposes that all who have taken strange wives should put them away, and the children they had by them; and make a covenant to serve God, 2-4. Ezra is encouraged; and make a proclamation to collect the people, to find who had transgressed, 5-8. They come together on the twentieth day of the ninth month, 9. Ezra exhorts them to put away their strange wives, 10. The people agree to it, and require time, 11-14. This being granted, the business is completed by the first of the first month, 15-17. Some of the priests had taken strange wives; their names, and the names of all who were in the same trespass, 18-44. NOTES ON CHAP. X Verse 1. The people wept very sore.] They were deeply affected at the thought of God's displeasure, which they justly feared was about to light upon them, because of their transgressions.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 10:1

Chap. Ezra 10:1-5. The People’s Confession and Oath1. Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed] R.V. Now while Ezra prayed and made confession. The Hebrew shows that the people were assembling during Ezra’s prayer. The report of Ezra’s public grief would quickly spread, and he had maintained his attitude of shame and humiliation throughout the day (Ezra 9:4). The Vulgate ‘Orante Esra et implorante’ is more correct than the LXX. ὡςπροσηύξατοἜσδραςκαὶὡςἐξηγόρευσε. It will be observed that the 1st person is here dropped, having been maintained since Ezra 7:27. Henceforward the Compiler only adapts instead of quoting Ezra’s memoirs, or perhaps he here makes use of other materials. ‘Made confession’. As in Nehemiah 1:6; Nehemiah 9:2-3; Daniel 9:4; Daniel 9:20; 2 Chronicles 30:22; Leviticus 5:5; Leviticus 16:21; Leviticus 26:40; Numbers 5:7. casting himself down before the house of God] In the agony of his confession he had ceased to kneel (Ezra 9:5) and had prostrated himself on the ground. before the house of God] Ezra was probably in one of the outer courts of the Temple, and in prayer turned himself in its direction, cf. 1 Kings 8:30; 1 Kings 8:35; 1 Kings 8:38, &c. 2 Chronicles 20:9 ‘If evil come upon us … we will stand before this house and before thee (for thy name is in this house) and cry unto thee in our affliction, and thou wilt hear and save’, Daniel 6:10. See on Ezra 9:15. there assembled] R.V. there was gathered together, cf. Ezra 10:7 ‘gather themselves together’. out of Israel] See Ezra 7:28. The word ‘Israel’ refers here as in Ezra 10:2; Ezra 10:10 to the whole community, not as in Ezra 10:5 to the laity. a very great congregation … wept] Large numbers were of the same mind with Ezra.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 10:1

Before the house of God - i. e., in front of the temple, praying toward it 1 Kings 8:30, 1 Kings 8:35; Daniel 6:10, and thus in the sight of all the people who happened at the time to be in the great court.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 10:1

1. There assembled… a very great congregation — It seems that Ezra’s prayer and his agonizing attitude had brought the most of them together.

Sermons on Ezra 10:1

	Sermon	Description
	Revival Conference Victoria 2010 by Edgar Reich	This sermon emphasizes the importance of personal revival as a precursor to seeking revival for others. Drawing from the example of Ezra in the Bible, it highlights the need for co
	The Person God Esteems by Richard Ganz	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the poor widow who gave everything she had as an offering to God. He emphasizes the contrast between her sacrificial giving and
	(Through the Bible) 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen	The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced.
	Baptism of Fire by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision he had of people standing on the edge of a precipice, symbolizing their fear and despair. He emphasizes the importance of repentance
	The Tribulation - Why? by Arlen L. Chitwood	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repetition in teaching and understanding the word of God. He explains that God often states the same matter in different wa
	Keys to Spiritual Growth - Part 3 by John MacArthur	This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in the Christian life, highlighting the ongoing process of maturing in faith. It stresses the need for believers to contin
	Daniel Fast by John McGregor	John McGregor emphasizes the significance of prayer and fasting through the example of Daniel, who was esteemed by God for his dedication to the Word and his fervent prayer life. H