Ezra 10:12
What does Ezra 10:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 10:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 10:12 means
The assembly answers with a loud voice, affirming that Ezra’s prescription is necessary: “As thou hast said concerning us, so must we do.” Their reply shows consent without bargaining. They accept God’s assessment and the needed remedy. The unanimity and volume suggest deep conviction and a desire to be right with God, even at personal cost. Communal repentance requires communal will, and here the people demonstrate it. Their words are not simply ceremonial; they commit themselves publicly, adding moral pressure to follow through. This is the turning point where grief becomes resolve and intention becomes promise.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then all the assembly answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said concerning us, so must we do.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then all the assembly answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said concerning us, so must we do.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then all the people, answering, said with a loud voice, As you have said, so it is right for us to do.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And all the assembly answer and say <FI>with<Fi> a great voice, `Right; according to thy word--on us to do;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all the multitude answered and said with a loud voice: According to thy word unto us, so be it done.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the whole congregation answered and said with a loud voice, Yes, it is for us to do according to thy words.
Context
This corporate assent follows Ezra’s clear demand for confession and separation. The crowd’s agreement paves the way for implementation, yet logistical realities remain. Immediately after, the people will explain that the weather is severe, the assembly large, and the sin widespread—too big for a quick fix in the rain. Therefore, they will propose a measured procedure involving appointed times and local oversight, so that the remedy can be carried out thoroughly and equitably.
v.11Now therefore make confession unto Jehovah, the God of your fathers, and do his pleasure; and separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the foreign women.
v.12This passage
v.13But 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 have greatly transgressed in this matter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 13:23
In those days also saw I the Jews that had married women of Ashdod, of Ammon, andof Moab:
- Psalms 78:37
For their heart was not right with him, Neither were they faithful in his covenant.
- Ezra 10:3
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.
- Psalms 78:57
But turned back, and dealt treacherously like their fathers: They were turned aside like a deceitful bow.