http://www.humanreligions.info/ezra.html
By Vexen Crabtree 2012
Jewish Tanakh
Title: Ezra-Nehemiah (1st half)
Section: Ketuvim
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Title: Ezra
Section: 'History' Books
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Catholic Bible
Title: 1 Esdras
Section: 'History' Books
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Eastern Orthodox Bibles
Title: Ezra (2 Esdras)
Section: 'History' Books
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Written and edited by unknown authors around the 3rd century BCE. Some Jews in Babylon were released, and this is the story of their return to Jerusalem. Also, Persian activity constantly disrupts the building of the second Jewish Temple. Ezra describes and deliberates over the "problem" of Jews marrying non-Jews. There are numerical contradictions between Ezra 2 and Neh. 7, which both present detailed counts of how many families moved between Babylon and Jerusalem, but err by over 10,000 people1. 'The many literary and historical problems associated with Ezra make the literature on this subject enormous and controversial'2. Ezra also presents a problematic ethics and is a source of racism based on Ezra 9:2-3 and Ezra 10:2-3,10-12 which threaten god's wrath upon those who marry foreign wives, the mere rumour of which causes Ezra to tear his clothes, pluck out his beard hair and sit down astonished. We in the modern world know better: tolerance between ethnicities is core facet of human decency, and so, Ezra is probably best to remain largely forgotten.
It is a strange fate of history that for some reason that is apparently without evidence, Qur'an 9:30 says that Jews thought Ezra was the son of God. But even across the many variant texts of Ezra, Jewish commentary on holy scripture simply doesn't attest to this2, and the source of this rumour may be a simple mis-reading.
Ezra:
There are numerical contradictions between Ezra 2 and Neh. 7, which both present detailed counts of how many families moved between Babylon and Jerusalem, but their numbers err by over 10,000 people. Many different approaches have been taken by apologists to explain the differences, but there is still no convincing argument to explain it except to admit that they simply give contradictory information, because the numbers are not accurate, and the authors/editors did not have any method to check what they were saying. In other words: The inaccuracy stems from untrustworthiness.
Who are we supposed to think of as the author of Ezra? In chapters 7 through 9, Ezra is written in the first-person. But in chapter 10, Ezra is mentioned in the third person - the text is about Ezra, not by him. "The many literary and historical problems associated with Ezra make the literature on this subject enormous and controversial"2. For example,
“On the basis of the Greek version (1 Esd.) it appears that Nehemiah 8 originally followed and was part of Ezra, so that the climax of the history was Ezra's reading of the law book to the Jerusalem community. A later editor who wanted to make the activity of Ezra and Nehemiah appear contemporary transposed this part of the history to its present position. Nehemiah 9, the prayer of confession of Ezra, also fits badly as a continuation of chapter 8 and is a later addition. At any rate the biblical portrait of Ezra is not a contemporary record but, in my view, is Hellenistic in date and must be used with caution in any historical reconstruction of the period.
The biblical tradition concerning Ezra [that] identifies Ezra as the scribe who brought the Law to the restored community in Jerusalem is clearly the oldest tradition. Many scholars believe that this tradition reflects the introduction the Pentateuch into, and its formal acceptance by, the Jewish community in Jerusalem. For this reason the figure of Ezra represents a new era in which the community stands under the Law and its interpreters and becomes, in this view, a religion 'of the book,' so that it is often regarded as the beginning of Judaism. However, any notion of a radical discontinuity with the religion of the Jews in the late monarchy or exilic periods is quite unwarranted, since the Pentateuch itself embodies much from these periods.”
"The Encyclopedia of Religion" by Eliade Mircea (1987)2
#biblical_racism #racism #xenophobia
Ezra has long been a source of racism and pointless sectarianism. It says when his people marry outsiders, it offends God and "corrupts" the community (Ezra 9:2). Learning of intermarriage causes the prophet Ezra to tear his clothes, pluck out his beard hair and sit down astonished (9:3). This prejudice and intolerance is found again in Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12 where 113 men are forced to abandon foreign wives else face God's wrath.
For similar verses, see: Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy).
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, | And in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, at the completion of the word of Jehovah from the mouth of Jeremiah, hath Jehovah waked up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, and he causeth an intimation to pass over into all his kingdom, and also in writing, saying, | |
| 2 | Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. | `Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, All kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, God of the heavens, given to me, and He hath laid a charge on me to build to Him a house in Jerusalem, that `is' in Judah; | |
| 3 | Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. | who `is' among you of all His people? His God is with him, and he doth go up to Jerusalem, that `is' in Judah, and build the house of Jehovah, God of Israel -- He `is' God -- that `is' in Jerusalem. | |
| 4 | And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. | `And every one who is left, of any of the places where he `is' a sojourner, assist him do the men of his place with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, along with a free-will offering for the house of God, that `is' in Jerusalem.' | |
| 5 | Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. | And heads of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin rise, and the priests and the Levites, even every one whose spirit God hath waked, to go up to build the house of Jehovah, that `is' in Jerusalem; | |
| 6 | And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered. | and all those round about them have strengthened `them' with their hands, with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, apart from all that hath been offered willingly. | |
| 7 | Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods; | And the king Cyrus hath brought out the vessels of the house of Jehovah that Nebuchadnezzar hath brought out of Jerusalem, and putteth them in the house of his gods; | |
| 8 | Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. | yea, Cyrus king of Persia bringeth them out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbereth them to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. | |
| 9 | And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives, | And this `is' their number: dishes of gold thirty, dishes of silver a thousand, knives nine and twenty, | |
| 10 | Thirty basins of gold, silver basins of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand. | basins of gold thirty, basins of silver (seconds) four hundred and ten, other vessels a thousand. | |
| 11 | All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem. | All the vessels of gold and of silver `are' five thousand and four hundred; the whole hath Sheshbazzar brought up with the going up of the removal from Babylon to Jerusalem. |
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. | And the seventh month cometh, and the sons of Israel `are' in the cities, and the people are gathered, as one men, unto Jerusalem. | |
| 2 | Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. | And rise doth Jeshua son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and they build the altar of the God of Israel, to cause to ascend upon it burnt-offerings, as it is written in the law of Moses, the man of God. | |
| 3 | And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening. | And they establish the altar on its bases, because of the fear upon them of the peoples of the lands, and he causeth burnt-offerings to ascend upon it to Jehovah, burnt-offerings for the morning and for the evening. | |
| 4 | They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; | And they make the feast of the booths as it is written, and the burnt-offering of the day daily in number according to the ordinance, the matter of a day in its day; | |
| 5 | And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD. | and after this a continual burnt-offering, and for new moons, and for all appointed seasons of Jehovah that are sanctified; and for every one who is willingly offering a willing-offering to Jehovah. | |
| 6 | From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. | From the first day of the seventh month they have begun to cause burnt-offerings to ascend to Jehovah, and the temple of Jehovah hath not been founded, | |
| 7 | They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia. | and they give money to hewers and to artificers, and food, and drink, and oil to Zidonians and to Tyrians, to bring in cedar-trees from Lebanon unto the sea of Joppa, according to the permission of Cyrus king of Persia concerning them. | |
| 8 | Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD. | And in the second year of their coming in unto the house of God, to Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all those coming from the captivity to Jerusalem, and they appoint the Levites from a son of twenty years and upward, to overlook the work of the house of Jehovah. | |
| 9 | Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites. | And Jeshua standeth, `and' his sons, and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, sons of Judah together, to overlook those doing the work in the house of God; the sons of Henadad, `and' their sons and their brethren the Levites. | |
| 10 | And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. | And those building have founded the temple of Jehovah, and they appoint the priests, clothed, with trumpets, and the Levites, sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise Jehovah, by means of `the instruments of' David king of Israel. | |
| 11 | And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. | And they respond in praising and in giving thanks to Jehovah, for good, for to the age His kindness `is' over Israel, and all the people have shouted -- a great shout -- in giving praise to Jehovah, because the house of Jehovah hath been founded. | |
| 12 | But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: | And many of the priests, and the Levites, and the heads of the fathers, the aged men who had seen the first house -- in this house being founded before their eyes -- are weeping with a loud voice, and many with a shout, in joy, lifting up the voice; | |
| 13 | 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. | 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. |
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; | And adversaries of Judah and Benjamin hear that the sons of the captivity are building a temple to Jehovah, God of Israel, | |
| 2 | Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. | and they draw nigh unto Zerubbabel, and unto heads of the fathers, and say to them, `Let us build with you; for, like you, we seek to your God, and we are not sacrificing since the days of Esar-Haddon king of Asshur, who brought us up hither.' | |
| 3 | But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. | And Zerubbabel saith to them, also Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of the fathers of Israel, `Not for you, and for us, to build a house to our God; but we ourselves together do build to Jehovah God of Israel, as the king Cyrus, king of Persia, commanded us.' | |
| 4 | Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, | And it cometh to pass, the people of the land are making the hands of the people of Judah feeble, and troubling them in building, | |
| 5 | And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. | and are hiring against them counsellors to make void their counsel all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even till the reign of Darius king of Persia. | |
| 6 | And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. | And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the commencement of his reign, they have written an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem; | |
| 7 | And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue. | and in the days of Artaxerxes have Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions written unto Artaxerxes king of Persia, and the writing of the letter is written in Aramaean, and interpreted in Aramaean. | |
| 8 | Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: | Rehum counsellor, and Shimshai scribe have written a letter concerning Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king, thus: | |
| 9 | Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites, | Then Rehum counsellor, and Shimshai scribe, and the rest of their companions, Dinaites, and Apharsathchites, Tarpelites, Apharsites, Archevites, Babylonians, Susanchites, (who are Elamites), | |
| 10 | And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnapper brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time. | and the rest of the nations that the great and honourable Asnapper removed and set in the city of Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, and at such a time: | |
| 11 | This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time. | This `is' a copy of a letter that they have sent unto him, unto Artaxerxes the king: `Thy servants, men beyond the river, and at such a time; | |
| 12 | Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations. | Be it known to the king, that the Jews who have come up from thee unto us, have come in to Jerusalem, the rebellious and base city they are building, and the walls they have finished, and the foundations they join. | |
| 13 | Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. | `Now, be it known to the king, that if this city be builded, and the walls finished, toll, tribute, and custom they do not give; and at length `to' the kings it doth cause loss. | |
| 14 | Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king; | Now, because that the salt of the palace `is' our salt, and the nakedness of the king we have no patience to see, therefore we have sent and made known to the king; | |
| 15 | That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. | so that he doth seek in the book of the records of thy fathers, and thou dost find in the book of the records, and dost know, that this city `is' a rebellious city, and causing loss `to' kings and provinces, and makers of sedition `are' in its midst from the days of old, therefore hath this city been wasted. | |
| 16 | We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river. | We are making known to the king that, if this city be builded and the walls finished, by this means a portion beyond the river thou hast none.' | |
| 17 | Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. | An answer hath the king sent unto Rehum counsellor, and Shimshai scribe, and the rest of their companions who are dwelling in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, `Peace, and at such a time: | |
| 18 | The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. | The letter that ye sent unto us, explained, hath been read before me, | |
| 19 | And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. | and by me a decree hath been made, and they sought, and have found that this city from the days of old against kings is lifting up itself, and rebellion and sedition is made in it, | |
| 20 | There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. | and mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, even rulers over all beyond the river, and toll, tribute, and custom is given to them. | |
| 21 | Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. | `Now, make ye a decree to cause these men to cease, and this city is not builded, till by me a decree is made. | |
| 22 | Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? | And beware ye of negligence in doing this; why doth the hurt become great to the loss of the kings?' | |
| 23 | Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. | Then from the time that a copy of the letter of king Artaxerxes is read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they have gone in haste to Jerusalem, unto the Jews, and caused them to cease by force and strength; | |
| 24 | Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. | then ceased the service of the house of God that `is' in Jerusalem, and it ceased till the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. |
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. | And prophesied have the prophets, (Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah son of Iddo) unto the Jews who `are' in Judah and in Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel -- unto them. | Ezra 5:1,14 comments: The Book of Haggai / Aggeus Ezra 5:1,14: See The 12 Minor Prophets of the Old Testament (Originally from the Trei Asar): 10. The Book of Haggai / Aggeus |
| 2 | Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. | Then have Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua son of Jozadak, risen, and begun to build the house of God, that `is' in Jerusalem, and with them are the prophets of God supporting them. | |
| 3 | At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? | At that time come to them hath Tatnai, governor beyond the river, and Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, and thus they are saying to them, `Who hath made for you a decree this house to build, and this wall to finish?' | |
| 4 | Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? | Then thus we have said to them, `What `are' the names of the men who are building this building?' | |
| 5 | But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter. | And the eye of their God hath been upon the elders of the Jews, and they have not caused them to cease till the matter goeth to Darius, and then they send back a letter concerning this thing. | |
| 6 | The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king: | The copy of a letter that Tatnai, governor beyond the river, hath sent, and Shethar-Boznai and his companions, the Apharsachites who `are' beyond the river, unto Darius the king. | |
| 7 | They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace. | A letter they have sent unto him, and thus is it written in it: | |
| 8 | Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands. | `To Darius the king, all peace! be it known to the king that we have gone to the province of Judah, to the great house of God, and it is built `with' rolled stones, and wood is placed in the walls, and this work is done speedily, and prospering in their hand. | |
| 9 | Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? | Then we have asked of these elders, thus we have said to them, Who hath made for you a decree this house to build, and this wall to finish? | |
| 10 | We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. | And also their names we have asked of them, to let thee know, that we might write the names of the men who `are' at their head. | |
| 11 | And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up. | `And thus they have returned us word, saying, We `are' servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built many years before this, that a great king of Israel built and finished: | |
| 12 | But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. | but after that our fathers made the God of heaven angry, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon the Chaldean, and this house he destroyed, and the people he removed to Babylon; | |
| 13 | But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. | but in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God, | |
| 14 | And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; | and also, the vessels of the house of God, of gold and silver, that Nebuchadnezzar had taken forth out of the temple that `is' in Jerusalem, and brought them to the temple of Babylon, them hath Cyrus the king brought forth out of the temple of Babylon, and they have been given to `one', Sheshbazzar `is' his name, whom he made governor, | |
| 15 | And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place. | and said to him, These vessels lift up, go, put them down in the temple that `is' in Jerusalem, and the house of God is builded on its place. | |
| 16 | Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished. | Then hath this Sheshbazzar come -- he hath laid the foundations of the house of God that `is' in Jerusalem, and from thence even till now it hath been building, and is not finished. | |
| 17 | Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter. | `And now, if to the king it be good, let search be made in the treasure-house of the king, that `is' there in Babylon, whether it be that of Cyrus the king there was made a decree to build this house of God in Jerusalem, and the will of the king concerning this thing he doth send unto us.' |
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. | Then Darius the king made a decree, and they sought in the house of the books of the treasuries placed there in Babylon, | |
| 2 | And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: | and there hath been found at Achmetha, in a palace that `is' in the province of Media, a roll, and a record thus written within it `is': | |
| 3 | In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; | `In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king hath made a decree concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: the house let be builded in the place where they are sacrificing sacrifices, and its foundations strongly laid; its height sixty cubits, its breadth sixty cubits; | |
| 4 | With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house: | three rows of rolled stones, and a row of new wood, and the outlay let be given out of the king's house. | |
| 5 | And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God. | `And also, the vessels of the house of God, of gold and silver, that Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple that `is' in Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, let be given back, and go to the temple that `is' in Jerusalem, `each' to its place, and put `them' down in the house of God. | |
| 6 | Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: | `Now, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, the Apharsachites, who `are' beyond the river, be ye far from hence; | |
| 7 | Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. | let alone the work of this house of God, let the governor of the Jews, and the elders of the Jews, build this house of God on its place. | |
| 8 | Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. | `And by me is made a decree concerning that which ye do with the elders of these Jews to build this house of God, that of the riches of the king, that `are' of the tribute beyond the river, speedily let the outlay be given to these men, that they cease not; | |
| 9 | And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: | and what they are needing -- both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs for burnt-offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil according to the saying of the priests who `are' in Jerusalem -- let be given to them day by day without fail, | |
| 10 | That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. | that they be bringing near sweet savours to the God of heaven, and praying for the life of the king, and of his sons. | |
| 11 | Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. | `And by me is made a decree, that any one who changeth this thing, let wood be pulled down from his house, and being raised up, let him be smitten on it, and his house let be made a dunghill for this. | |
| 12 | And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed. | And God, who caused His name to dwell there, doth cast down any king and people that putteth forth his hand to change, to destroy this house of God that `is' in Jerusalem; I Darius have made a decree; speedily let it be done.' | |
| 13 | Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily. | Then Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king hath sent, so they have done speedily; | |
| 14 | And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. | and the elders of the Jews are building and prospering through the prophecy of Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah son of Iddo, and they have built and finished by the decree of the God of Israel, and by the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. | |
| 15 | And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. | And this house hath gone out till the third day of the month Adar, that is `in' the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. | |
| 16 | And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy. | And the sons of Israel have made, `and' the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the sons of the captivity, a dedication of this house of God with joy, | |
| 17 | And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. | and have brought near for the dedication of this house of God, bullocks a hundred, rams two hundred, lambs four hundred; and young he-goats for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve, according to the number of the tribes of Israel; | |
| 18 | And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses. | and they have established the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, over the service of God that `is' in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. | |
| 19 | And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month. | And the sons of the captivity make the passover on the fourteenth of the first month, | |
| 20 | For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. | for the priests and the Levites have been purified together -- all of them `are' pure -- and they slaughter the passover for all the sons of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. | |
| 21 | And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat, | And the sons of Israel, those returning from the captivity, and every one who is separated from the uncleanness of the nations of the land unto them, to seek to Jehovah, God of Israel, do eat, | |
| 22 | And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. | and they make the feast of unleavened things seven days with joy, for Jehovah made them to rejoice, and turned round the heart of the king of Asshur unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. |
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, | And after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, | |
| 2 | The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, | son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, | |
| 3 | The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, | son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, | |
| 4 | The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, | son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, | |
| 5 | The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest: | son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the head priest; | |
| 6 | This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. | Ezra himself hath come up from Babylon, and he `is' a scribe ready in the law of Moses, that Jehovah God of Israel gave, and the king giveth to him -- according to the hand of Jehovah his God upon him -- all his request. | |
| 7 | And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. | And there go up of the sons of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. | |
| 8 | And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. | And he cometh in to Jerusalem in the fifth month, that `is in' the seventh year of the king, | |
| 9 | For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. | for on the first of the month he hath founded the ascent from Babylon, and on the first of the fifth month he hath come in unto Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him, | |
| 10 | For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. | for Ezra hath prepared his heart to seek the law of Jehovah, and to do, and to teach in Israel statute and judgment. | |
| 11 | Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. | And this `is' a copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a scribe of the words of the commands of Jehovah, and of His statutes on Israel: | |
| 12 | Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. | `Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a perfect scribe of the law of the God of heaven, and at such a time: | |
| 13 | I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee. | By me hath been made a decree that every one who is willing, in my kingdom, of the people of Israel and of its priests and Levites, to go to Jerusalem with thee, doth go; | |
| 14 | Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand; | because that from the king and his seven counsellors thou art sent, to inquire concerning Judah and concerning Jerusalem, with the law of God that `is' in thy hand, | |
| 15 | And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, | and to carry silver and gold that the king and his counsellors willingly offered to the God of Israel, whose tabernacle `is' in Jerusalem, | |
| 16 | And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem: | and all the silver and gold that thou findest in all the province of Babylon, with the free-will offerings of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly, for the house of their God that `is' in Jerusalem, | |
| 17 | That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem. | therefore thou dost speedily buy with this money, bullocks, rams, lambs, and their presents, and their libations, and dost bring them near to the altar of the house of your God that `is' in Jerusalem, | |
| 18 | And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God. | and that which to thee and to thy brethren is good to do with the rest of the silver and gold, according to the will of your God ye do.' | |
| 19 | The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem. | `And the vessels that are given to thee, for the service of the house of thy God, make perfect before the God of Jerusalem; | |
| 20 | And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house. | and the rest of the needful things of the house of thy God, that it falleth to thee to give, thou dost give from the treasure-house of the king. | |
| 21 | And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily, | `And by me -- I Artaxerxes the king -- is made a decree to all treasurers who `are' beyond the river, that all that Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, doth ask of you, be done speedily: | |
| 22 | Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. | Unto silver a hundred talents, and unto wheat a hundred cors, and unto wine a hundred baths, and unto oil a hundred baths, and salt without reckoning; | |
| 23 | Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? | all that `is' by the decree of the God of heaven, let be done diligently for the house of the God of heaven; for why is there wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons? | |
| 24 | Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them. | `And to you we are making known, that upon any of the priests and Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, and servants of the house of God, tribute and custom there is no authority to lift up. | |
| 25 | And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not. | `And thou, Ezra, according to the wisdom of thy God, that `is' in thy hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may be judges to all the people who are beyond the river, to all knowing the law of thy God, and he who hath not known ye cause to know; | |
| 26 | And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. | and any who doth not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, speedily is judgment done upon him, whether to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of riches, and to bonds.' | |
| 27 | Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem: | Blessed `is' Jehovah, God of our fathers, who hath given such a thing as this in the heart of the king, to beautify the house of Jehovah that `is' in Jerusalem, | |
| 28 | And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. | and unto me hath stretched out kindness before the king and his counsellors, and before all the mighty heads of the king: and I have strengthened myself as the hand of Jehovah my God `is' upon me, and I gather out of Israel heads to go up with me. |
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king. | And these `are' heads of their fathers, and the genealogy of those going up with me, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king, from Babylon. | |
| 2 | Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush. | From the sons of Phinehas: Gershom; from the sons of Ithamar: Daniel; from the sons of David: Hattush; | |
| 3 | Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty. | from the sons of Shechaniah, from the sons of Pharosh: Zechariah, and with him, reckoning themselves by genealogy, of males a hundred and fifty. | |
| 4 | Of the sons of Pahathmoab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males. | From the sons of Pahath-Moab: Elihoenai son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred who are males. | |
| 5 | Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males. | From the sons of Shechaniah: the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred who are males. | |
| 6 | Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males. | And from the sons of Adin: Ebed son of Jonathan, and with him fifty who are males. | |
| 7 | And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males. | And from the sons of Elam: Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him seventy who are males. | |
| 8 | And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males. | And from the sons of Shephatiah: Zebadiah son of Michael, and with him eighty who are males. | |
| 9 | Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males. | From the sons of Joab: Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen who are males. | |
| 10 | And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males. | And from the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah, and with him a hundred and sixty who are males. | |
| 11 | And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males. | And from the sons of Bebai: Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight who are males. | |
| 12 | And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males. | And from the sons of Azgad: Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him a hundred and ten who are males. | |
| 13 | And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males. | And from the younger sons of Adonikam -- and these `are' their names -- Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them sixty who are males. | |
| 14 | Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males. | And from the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud, and with them seventy who are males. | |
| 15 | And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. | And I gather them unto the river that is going unto Ahava, and we encamp there three days; and I consider about the people, and about the priests, and of the sons of Levi I have found none there; | |
| 16 | Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding. | and I send for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, heads, and for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding; | |
| 17 | And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God. | and I charge them for Iddo the head, in the place Casiphia, and put in their mouth words to speak unto Iddo, `and' his brethren the Nethinim, in the place Casiphia, to bring to us ministrants for the house of our God. | |
| 18 | And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen; | And they bring to us, according to the good hand of our God upon us, a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, son of Levi, son of Israel, and Sherebiah, and his sons, and his brethren, eighteen; | |
| 19 | And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty; | and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah, of the sons of Merari, his brethren, and their sons, twenty; | |
| 20 | Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name. | and from the Nethinim, whom David and the heads gave for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim, all of them defined by name. | |
| 21 | Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. | And I proclaim there a fast, by the river Ahava, to afflict ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a right way for us, and for our infants, and for all our substance, | |
| 22 | 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 good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. | for I was ashamed to ask from the king a force and horsemen to help us because of the enemy in the way, for we spake to the king, saying, `The hand of our God `is' upon all seeking Him for good, and His strength and His wrath `is' upon all forsaking Him.' | |
| 23 | So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. | And we fast, and seek from our God for this, and He is entreated of us. | |
| 24 | Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them, | And I separate from the heads of the priests, twelve, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them of their brethren ten, | |
| 25 | And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered: | and I weigh to them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, a heave-offering of the house of our God, that the king, and his counsellors, and his heads, and all Israel -- those present -- lifted up; | |
| 26 | I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents; | and I weigh to their hand, of silver, talents six hundred and fifty, and of vessels of silver a hundred talents, of gold a hundred talents, | |
| 27 | Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold. | and basins of gold twenty, of a thousand drams, and two vessels of good shining brass, desirable as gold. | |
| 28 | And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers. | And I say unto them, `Ye `are' holy to Jehovah, and the vessels `are' holy, and the silver and the gold `are' a willing-offering to Jehovah, God of your fathers; | |
| 29 | Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD. | watch, and keep, till ye weigh before the heads of the priests, and of the Levites, and the heads of the fathers of Israel, in Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of Jehovah.' | |
| 30 | So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God. | And the priests and the Levites took the weight of the silver, and of the gold, and of the vessels, to bring to Jerusalem to the house of our God. | |
| 31 | Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way. | And we journey from the river Ahava, on the twelfth of the first month, to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God hath been upon us, and He delivereth us from the hand of the enemy and the lier in wait by the way; | |
| 32 | And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days. | and we come in to Jerusalem, and dwell there three days. | |
| 33 | Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites; | And on the fourth day hath been weighed the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, in the house of our God, unto the hand of Meremoth son of Uriah the priest, and with him Eleazar son of Phinehas, and with them Jozabad son of Jeshua, and Noadiah son of Binnui, the Levites: | |
| 34 | By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time. | by number, by weight of every one, and all the weight is written at that time. | |
| 35 | Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD. | Those coming in of the captives -- sons of the removal -- have brought near burnt-offerings to the God of Israel, bullocks twelve, for all Israel, rams ninety and six, lambs seventy and seven, young he-goats for a sin-offering twelve -- the whole a burnt-offering to Jehovah; | |
| 36 | And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God. | and they give the laws of the king to the lieutenants of the king and the governors beyond the river, and they have lifted up the people and the house of God. |
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
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| 1 | Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. | And at the completion of these things, drawn nigh unto me have the heads, saying, `The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not been separated from the peoples of the lands, as to their abominations, even the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite, the Ammonite, the Moabite, the Egyptian, and the Amorite, | Ezra 9:2 is referenced on Marriage: Its Diversity and Character: 5.2. Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy) Some comments on Ezra 9:2-3 are on Marriage: Its Diversity and Character: 5.2. Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy) Ezra 9:2 is discussed on Incest in the Bible: Adam and Eve and Their Children, and Noah and His Family: 2. Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy) Ezra 9:2-3 is referenced on Incest in the Bible: Adam and Eve and Their Children, and Noah and His Family: 2. Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy) Ezra 9:2 is referenced on Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy): 1. Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) Ezra 9:2-3 appears on Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy): 1. Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) Ezra 9:2 is discussed on Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy): 1. Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) Ezra 9:2-3: Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy): 1. Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) Ezra 9:2-3: See The Bible's History Books Covering 1100-950 BCE: 8.1. Ezra-Nehemiah / 1 Esdras / Ezra (2 Esdras) Some comments on Ezra 9:2 are on Fundamentalist Judaism and Jewish Terrorism: 3.2. Marriage Rules Against Marrying Outsiders Some comments on Ezra 9:2-3 are on Fundamentalist Judaism and Jewish Terrorism: 3.2. Marriage Rules Against Marrying Outsiders Ezra 9:2-3 is discussed on this page in a different section Ezra 9:2 is discussed on this page in 2. Biblical Racism Ezra 9:2-3 comments in 2. Biblical Racism |
| 2 | For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass. | for they have taken of their daughters to them, and to their sons, and the holy seed have mingled themselves among the peoples of the lands, and the hand of the heads and of the seconds have been first in this trespass.' | |
| 3 | And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied. | And at my hearing this word, I have rent my garment and my upper robe, and pluck out of the hair of my head, and of my beard, and sit astonished, | |
| 4 | Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice. | and unto me are gathered every one trembling at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the removal, and I am sitting astonished till the present of the evening. | |
| 5 | And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God, | And at the present of the evening I have risen from mine affliction, and at my rending my garment and my upper robe, then I bow down on my knees, and spread out my hands unto Jehovah my God, | |
| 6 | And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. | and say, `O my God, I have been ashamed, and have blushed to lift up, O my God, my face unto Thee, for our iniquities have increased over the head, and our guilt hath become great unto the heavens. | |
| 7 | Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. | `From the days of our fathers we `are' in great guilt unto this day, and in our iniquities we have been given -- we, our kings, our priests -- into the hand of the kings of the lands, with sword, with captivity, and with spoiling, and with shame of face, as `at' this day. | |
| 8 | And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. | `And now, as a small moment hath grace been from Jehovah our God, to leave to us an escape, and to give to us a nail in His holy place, by our God's enlightening our eyes, and by giving us a little quickening in our servitude; | |
| 9 | For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. | for servants we `are', and in our servitude our God hath not forsaken us, and stretcheth out unto us kindness before the kings of Persia, to give to us a quickening to lift up the house of our God, and to cause its wastes to cease, and to give to us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. | |
| 10 | And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, | `And now, what do we say, O our God, after this? for we have forsaken Thy commands, | |
| 11 | Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness. | that Thou hast commanded by the hands of thy servants the prophets, saying, The land into which ye are going to possess it, `is' a land of impurity, by the impurity of the people of the lands, by their abominations with which they have filled it -- from mouth unto mouth -- by their uncleanness; | |
| 12 | Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever. | and now, your daughters ye do not give to their sons, and their daughters ye do not take to your sons, and ye do not seek their peace, and their good -- unto the age, so that ye are strong, and have eaten the good of the land, and given possession to your sons unto the age. | |
| 13 | And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; | `And after all that hath come upon us for our evil works, and for our great guilt (for Thou, O our God, hast kept back of the rod from our iniquities, and hast given to us an escape like this), | |
| 14 | Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? | do we turn back to break Thy commands, and to join ourselves in marriage with the people of these abominations? art not Thou angry against us -- even to consumption -- till there is no remnant and escaped part? | |
| 15 | O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this. | `O Jehovah, God of Israel, righteous `art' Thou, for we have been left an escape, as `it is' this day; lo, we `are' before Thee in our guilt, for there is none to stand before Thee concerning this.' |
| KJV | YLT | Notes | |
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| 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. | 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. | Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12 is discussed on Marriage: Its Diversity and Character: 5.2. Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy) Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12 is discussed on Incest in the Bible: Adam and Eve and Their Children, and Noah and His Family: 2. Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy) Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12 is mentioned on Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy): 1. Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) For more on Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12 see Religious Dogmas Against Marrying Outsiders (Exogamy): 1. Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) Some comments on Ezra 10:2-3,10-12 are on The Bible's History Books Covering 1100-950 BCE: 8.1. Ezra-Nehemiah / 1 Esdras / Ezra (2 Esdras) Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12 is discussed on Fundamentalist Judaism and Jewish Terrorism: 3.2. Marriage Rules Against Marrying Outsiders Ezra 10:2-3,10-12 is referenced on this page in a different section Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12 is referenced on this page in 2. Biblical Racism |
| 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. | 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, | |
| 3 | Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. | and now, let us make a covenant with our God, to cause all the women to go out, and that which is born of them, by the counsel of the Lord, and of those trembling at the command of our God, and according to law it is done; | |
| 4 | Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it. | rise, for on thee `is' the matter, and we `are' with thee; be strong, and do.' | |
| 5 | Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware. | And Ezra riseth, and causeth the heads of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear to do according to this word -- and they swear. | |
| 6 | Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away. | And Ezra riseth from before the house of God, and goeth unto the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib; yea, he goeth there, bread he hath not eaten, and water he hath not drunk, for he is mourning because of the trespass of the removal. | |
| 7 | And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem; | And they cause a voice to pass over into Judah and Jerusalem, to all sons of the removal, to be gathered to Jerusalem, | |
| 8 | And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away. | and every one who cometh not in by the third day, according to the counsel of the heads and of the elders, all his substance is devoted, and himself separated from the assembly of the removal. | |
| 9 | Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain. | And gathered are all the men of Judah and Benjamin to Jerusalem by the third day, it `is' the ninth month, on the twentieth of the month, and all the people sit in the broad place of the house of God, trembling on account of the matter and of the showers. | |
| 10 | And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. | And Ezra the priest riseth, and saith unto them, `Ye -- ye have trespassed, and ye settle strange women, to add to the guilt of Israel; | |
| 11 | Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives. | and, now, make confession to Jehovah, God of your fathers, and do His good pleasure, and be separated from the peoples of the land, and from the strange women.' | |
| 12 | Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do. | And all the assembly answer and say `with' a great voice, `Right; according to thy word -- on us to do; | |
| 13 | But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing. | but the people `are' many, and `it is' the time of showers, and there is no power to stand without, and the work `is' not for one day, nor for two, for we have multiplied to transgress in this thing. | |
| 14 | Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us. | `Let, we pray thee, our heads of all the assembly stand, and all who `are' in our cities, who have settled strange wives, do come in at the times appointed, and with them the elders of city and city, and its judges, till the turning back of the fury of the wrath of our God from us, for this thing.' | |
| 15 | Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them. | Only Jonathan son of Asahel, and Jahaziah son of Tikvah, stood against this, and Meshullam, and Shabbethai the Levite, helped them. | |
| 16 | And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter. | And the sons of the removal do so, and Ezra the priest, `and' men, heads of the fathers, for the house of their fathers, are separated, even all of them by name, and they sit on the first day of the tenth month, to examine the matter; | |
| 17 | And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month. | and they finish with all the men who have settled strange women unto the first day of the first month. | |
| 18 | And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah. | And there are found of the sons of the priests that have settled strange women: of the sons of Jeshua son of Jozadak, and his brethren, Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah; | |
| 19 | And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass. | and they give their hand to send out their wives, and, being guilty, a ram of the flock, for their guilt. | |
| 20 | And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah. | And of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah; | |
| 21 | And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah. | and of the sons of Harim: Masseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah; | |
| 22 | And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah. | and of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah. | |
| 23 | Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. | And of the Levites: Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah -- he `is' Kelita, -- Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. | |
| 24 | Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri. | And of the singers: Eliashib. And of the gatekeepers: Shallum, and Telem, and Uri. | |
| 25 | Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah. | And of Israel: of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchijah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah. | |
| 26 | And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah. | And of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Elijah. | |
| 27 | And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza. | And of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza. | |
| 28 | Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai. | And of the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, Athlai. | |
| 29 | And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth. | And of the sons of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth. | |
| 30 | And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh. | And of the sons of Pahath-Moab: Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh. | |
| 31 | And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, | And of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, | |
| 32 | Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah. | Benjamin, Malluch, Shemariah. | |
| 33 | Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. | Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, Shimei. | |
| 34 | Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel, | Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, and Uel, | |
| 35 | Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh, | Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhu, | |
| 36 | Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, | Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, | |
| 37 | Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau, | Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau, | |
| 38 | And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei, | and Bani, and Binnui, Shimei, | |
| 39 | And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah, | and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah, | |
| 40 | Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, | Machnadbai, Shashai, Sharai, | |
| 41 | Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah, | Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah, | |
| 42 | Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. | Shallum, Amariah, Joseph. | |
| 43 | Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah. | Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah; | |
| 44 | All these had taken strange wives: and some of them had wives by whom they had children. | all these have taken strange women, and there are of them women -- who adopt sons. |