Ezra 3:13
Ezra 3:13 in Multiple Translations
The people could not distinguish the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people were making so much noise. And the sound was heard from afar.
So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
So that in the ears of the people the cry of joy was mixed with the sound of weeping; for the cries of the people were loud and came to the ears of those who were a long way off.
However, nobody could tell the shouts of joy from the cries of weeping, because everyone was making so much noise—so much so it could be heard a long way away.
So that the people coulde not discerne the sound of the shoute for ioy, from the noyse of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loude crie, and the noyse was heard farre off.
and the people are not discerning the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people are shouting — a great shout — and the noise hath been heard unto a distance.
so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard far away.
So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of the joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
So that one could not distinguish the voice of the shout of joy, from the noise of the weeping of the people: for one with another the people shouted with a loud shout, and the voice was heard afar off.
The shouting and the crying was very loud; even people far away could hear it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 3:13
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Ezra 3:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 3:13
Study Notes — Ezra 3:13
Context — Temple Restoration Begins
13The people could not distinguish the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people were making so much noise. And the sound was heard from afar.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:37–40 | And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” But some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!” “I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 4:5 | When the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the camp, all the Israelites raised such a great shout that it shook the ground. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 12:43 | On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar. |
| 4 | Zechariah 4:7 | What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” |
| 5 | Psalms 5:11 | But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy. May You shelter them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 1:40 | All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 1:45 | Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there with rejoicing that rings out in the city. That is the noise you hear. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 33:11 | the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 100:1–2 | Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. |
| 10 | Exodus 32:17–18 | When Joshua heard the sound of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “The sound of war is in the camp.” But Moses replied: “It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing!” |
Ezra 3:13 Summary
This verse, Ezra 3:13, describes a moment when the people were so overcome with emotion that they couldn't distinguish between the sounds of joy and sadness. This was because they were experiencing a mix of feelings, both happy and sad, as they saw the foundation of the new temple being laid, similar to the emotions expressed in Nehemiah 8:9-12. It's like when we experience a big change in our lives, and we're not sure how to feel, as seen in Romans 12:15. The noise they made was so loud that it could be heard from far away, much like the sound of praise and worship that is described in Revelation 19:1-6, showing us that our emotions and voices can be powerful expressions of our relationship with God, as encouraged in Psalm 34:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the people making so much noise in Ezra 3:13?
The people were making so much noise because they were overcome with emotion, both joy and sadness, as they saw the foundation of the new temple being laid, as mentioned in Ezra 3:11-12, similar to the emotional responses seen in Psalm 100:1-5 when people gather to worship God.
What does it mean that the people could not distinguish the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping?
This means that the emotions of the people were so intense and intertwined that it was impossible to separate the sounds of happiness from the sounds of sorrow, reflecting the complex emotions that often arise when people experience significant events, as seen in Isaiah 61:3 where joy and sorrow are closely linked.
Why was the sound heard from afar in Ezra 3:13?
The sound was heard from afar because the people were making so much noise, and this noise carried far beyond the immediate location, much like the sound of praise and worship that is described in Psalms 98:4-6 as being heard by all the earth.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the rebuilding of the temple?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of the rebuilding of the temple, as it highlights the emotional response of the people to the laying of the foundation, and sets the stage for the rest of the rebuilding process, which is rooted in the promise of God to His people, as seen in Haggai 2:9 and Zechariah 4:6-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have experienced a mix of emotions, like joy and sadness, and how did you respond to those feelings?
- How can you, like the people in Ezra 3:13, express your emotions to God in a way that is honest and authentic, as encouraged in Psalm 62:8 and Lamentations 3:40?
- What are some ways that you can cultivate a sense of community and shared experience with others, like the people in this verse, as described in Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
- How can you balance the desire to express your emotions with the need to listen to and consider the perspectives of others, as modeled in James 1:19-20 and Proverbs 18:13?
- What are some ways that you can use your voice to praise God and express your emotions, like the people in this verse, as encouraged in Psalm 100:1-5 and Romans 15:11?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 3:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 3:13
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 3:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 3:13
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 3:13
Sermons on Ezra 3:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Worship - Part 2): God's Great Purpose in Redemption by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, Thomas the campus emphasizes the importance of adoring God and spending time in worship. He encourages Christian worshipers to seek God with fear, fascination, joy, |
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Forgive Me Lord for Making You Cry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of making God cry. He references John 11:55 and emphasizes the importance of believing in a miracle-working God who has everything u |
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Flip-Flopping Christians 1 - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel focuses on the analogy of being like an unbroken colt when we come to the Lord Jesus, highlighting the need to surrender our self-will and stubbornness |
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Hosanna (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual desperation and the need for believers to be vigilant in protecting the church from false teachings. He warns tha |
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Luke 19:37-40. the Chorus of Praise on Mount Olivet. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the burst of joy heard on Mount Olivet as a faint picture of the raptures of heaven, where an innumerable multitude will praise God for His mighties |
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How Do We Maintain Joy? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the joy of the Lord is our strength, as illustrated in Nehemiah 8:10, where the Israelites, after returning from Babylonian captivity, were captivat |
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Jacob Generation - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by Gary Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of different aspects of Christian ministry. He first talks about world missions and the desperate need for God in various place |






