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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezra 8  › Ezra 8:23

Ezra 8:23

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Ezra 8:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.

King James Version KJV

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

American Standard Version ASV

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So we went without food, requesting our God for this: and his ear was open to our prayer.

Free Bible Version FBV

So we fasted and asked God to protect us, and he answered our prayers.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So we fasted, aud besought our God for this: and he was intreated of vs.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And we fast, and seek from our God for this, and He is entreated of us.

World English Bible WEB

So we fasted and begged our God for this, and he granted our request.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated by us.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And we fasted, and besought our God for this: and it fell out prosperously unto us.

Translation for Translators T4T

So we ◄fasted/abstained from eating food► and requested God to protect us, and he ◄answered our prayers/did what we requested.►

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 8:23

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 8:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/נָּצ֛וּמָ/ה וַ/נְּבַקְשָׁ֥/ה מֵ/אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ עַל זֹ֑את וַ/יֵּעָתֵ֖ר לָֽ/נוּ
וַ/נָּצ֛וּמָ/ה tsûwm H6684 to fast Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp | Suff
וַ/נְּבַקְשָׁ֥/ה bâqash H1245 to seek Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cp | Suff
מֵ/אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp | Suff
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
זֹ֑את zôʼth H2063 this Pron
וַ/יֵּעָתֵ֖ר ʻâthar H6279 to pray Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָֽ/נוּ Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 8:23

וַ/נָּצ֛וּמָ/ה tsûwm H6684 "to fast" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp | Suff
To fast or abstain from food, often for spiritual reasons. In the Bible, fasting is a way to show devotion to God, as seen in the examples of Moses and Elijah.
Definition: (Qal) to abstain from food, fast
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, fast. See also: Judges 20:26; 1 Kings 21:27; Isaiah 58:3.
וַ/נְּבַקְשָׁ֥/ה bâqash H1245 "to seek" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cp | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
מֵ/אֱלֹהֵ֖י/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.
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.
זֹ֑את 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.
וַ/יֵּעָתֵ֖ר ʻâthar H6279 "to pray" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to pray or make supplication, often involving burning incense in worship. It is used to describe interceding or listening to prayer, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to pray, entreat, supplicate 1a) (Qal) to pray, entreat 1b) (Niphal) to be supplicated, be entreated 1c) (Hiphil) to make supplication, plead
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: intreat, (make) pray(-er). See also: Genesis 25:21; Judges 13:8; Isaiah 19:22.
לָֽ/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Ezra 8:23

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 29:12–13 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
2 Matthew 7:7–8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
3 Ezra 8:31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way.
4 2 Chronicles 33:12–13 And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.
5 Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
6 1 Chronicles 5:20 And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers.
7 Esther 4:16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ”
8 Daniel 9:3 So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
9 Isaiah 19:22 And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them.
10 Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Ezra 8:23 Summary

This verse shows us that when we humble ourselves and ask God for help, He can answer our prayers and provide for our needs. Just like Ezra and the Israelites, we can trust in God's power and goodness, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18 and Matthew 7:7-8, where God's love and care for His people are evident. By seeking God with a humble heart, we can experience His presence and protection in our lives. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God is always willing to listen to our prayers and provide for us, just like He did for Ezra and the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of fasting in Ezra 8:23?

Fasting in Ezra 8:23 is a sign of humility and dependence on God, as seen in other scriptures like Esther 4:16 and Joel 2:12, where it is used to seek God's intervention in times of need.

How did God grant their request in Ezra 8:23?

Although the verse does not specify how God granted their request, it can be inferred that He protected them from harm, similar to how He protected the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14 and Isaiah 43:2, where God's presence and power are evident.

What can we learn from Ezra's decision to fast and petition God?

Ezra's decision to fast and petition God teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection, especially in uncertain situations, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 119:105, where trust in God's sovereignty is emphasized.

How does this verse relate to the concept of prayer and faith?

This verse highlights the effectiveness of prayer and faith, as seen in Mark 11:24 and James 1:6, where believers are encouraged to pray with confidence and trust in God's power to answer their requests.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself and seek God's guidance, just like Ezra did in this verse?
  2. How can I apply the principle of fasting and petitioning God to my own life, especially in times of uncertainty or need?
  3. What does this verse teach me about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even when the outcome is uncertain?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate my dependence on God, just like Ezra and the Israelites did in this verse, and how can I encourage others to do the same?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 8:23

So we fasted, and besought our God for this,.... Sought the Lord by fasting and prayer for a good journey, and preservation in it: and he was entreated of us; accepted their prayer, as Jarchi, so that they came safe to Jerusalem.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 8:23

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 8:23

He gave us some assurance of his gracious answer to our request.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 8:23

Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.Ver. 23. So we fasted] They put their holy resolution into execution: purpose without practice is like Rachel, beautiful, but barren. And besought our God for this] And they had it, Ezra 8:31. For fasting and prayer are like Jonathan’ s bow and Saul’ s sword, that never turned back or returned empty, 2 Samuel 1:22. God is a liberal rewarder of all such as in this sort diligently seek him, Hebrews 11:6 2 Chronicles 15:2. he will turn their fasting into feasting, their prayers into praises, Ezekiel 36:37 Zechariah 8:19. They shall have out their prayers either in money or money’ s worth; either in the very thing they desired, or at least strength to stay themselves upon God, with good assurance that his grace shall be sufficient for them, and that he will be their shield, and their exceeding great reward.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 8:23

(15-31) The journey through Ahava to Jerusalem.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 8:23

23. for this] either prayed for this favour, or as in Ezra 9:15, ‘because of this’, i.e. on the ground of this mingled faith and self-abasement. and he was intreated of us] This phrase occurs also in Genesis 25:21; 2 Samuel 21:14; 2 Samuel 24:25; 2 Chronicles 33:13.

Sermons on Ezra 8:23

SermonDescription
Francis Chan Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love: A Personal Journey by Francis Chan Francis Chan emphasizes the transformative power of prayer as a means of walking in love, sharing his personal journey of experiencing God's love through answered prayers. He recou
Zac Poonen Seeking God With All Our Heart by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their lives and identify where they may have gone astray from following God. He emphasizes the importance of prior
David Wilkerson The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You - Part 1 by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the theme of deliverance, drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the assurance that God hears the cries of His people and delivers them from all troubles. It
Shane Idleman Shocking Message on Prayer (Prayerfest) by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer, highlighting the essential role of prayer in the life of a believer and the church. It calls for a return to a deep, humble, and surrend
Chuck Smith David's Actions in Praise for God's Deliverance by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses David's actions in praise for God's deliverance. He focuses on 2 Samuel, chapter 22, where David describes how God intervened in his li
Shane Idleman An Unforgettable Illustration - the Power of Prayer and Fasting by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the transformative power of prayer and fasting, illustrating that true desperation for God can be gauged by our willingness to sacrifice meals for spiritua
David Wilkerson Stand Still and Know by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson shares a poignant experience from 1958 when he felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to reach out to seven teenage boys on trial for murder. Despite being removed from
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