Ezra 10:13
What does Ezra 10:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 10:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 10:13 means
The people acknowledge both the magnitude of their transgression and the impracticality of resolving it on the spot. It is a time of much rain; the crowd is vast; and the work will take more than one or two days. This realism does not diminish their resolve but seeks a wise way forward. True repentance considers how to make obedience sustainable and just. By admitting, “we have greatly transgressed,” they keep the moral weight in view even as they raise logistical concerns. The goal is thorough, fair correction—not a rushed, chaotic action that could deepen harm or leave matters unsettled.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the number of people is great, and it is a time of much rain; it is not possible for us to go on waiting outside, and this is not a thing which may be done in one day or even two: for our sin in this business is great.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but the people <FI>are<Fi> many, and <FI>it is<Fi> the time of showers, and there is no power to stand without, and the work <FI>is<Fi> not for one day, nor for two, for we have multiplied to transgress in this thing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But as the people are many, and it is time of rain, and we are not able to stand without, and it is not a work of one day or two, (for we have exceedingly sinned in this matter,)
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the people are many, and it is a time of pouring rain, and it is not possible to stand without: neither is this a work for one day or two; for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
Context
After agreeing to Ezra’s call, the assembly voices practical constraints. This sets up the proposal in the next verse for a structured, time-bound investigation overseen by leaders and local judges. The shift from emotion to administration is crucial: it aims to honor God’s law without injustice or disorder. Soon, a minority will oppose the plan, but the broader community will proceed, establishing a commission under Ezra’s oversight that will begin work the following month and conclude within a few months.
v.12Then all the assembly answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said concerning us, so must we do.
v.13This passage
v.14Let now our princes be appointed for all the assembly, and let all them that are in our cities that have married foreign women come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God be turned from us, until this matter be despatched.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 10:18
And among the sons of the priests there were found that had married foreign women: namely, of the sons of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and his brethren, Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.
- Matthew 7:13
Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.