Ezra 10:4
What does Ezra 10:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 10:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 10:4 means
Shecaniah calls Ezra to arise and take responsibility, affirming that the people stand with him and urging courage. Leadership in a moment like this requires resolve, clarity, and faith. Ezra has grieved and prayed; now he must act. The community pledges support, recognizing that decisive obedience must be organized and led. Words of encouragement—“be of good courage, and do it”—echo the pattern of God strengthening leaders for heavy tasks. The people acknowledge that the matter belongs to Ezra’s charge as a scribe and priest, one who knows God’s law and is charged to apply it to the life of the nation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Arise; for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we are with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Arise; for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we are with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Up, now! for this is your business, and we are with you; take heart and do it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862rise, for on thee <FI>is<Fi> the matter, and we <FI>are<Fi> with thee; be strong, and do.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Arise, it is thy part to give orders, and we will be with thee: take courage, and do it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Arise, for this matter is incumbent on thee, and we will be with thee: be of good courage, and do [it].
Context
After stating a plan, the spokesman shifts to mobilizing the leader who must implement it. Ezra is not left alone; the community’s voice commits to solidarity. This creates momentum for the oath and the official steps soon taken. The sequence matters: grief, confession, proposal, and then a call to action. Next, Ezra will secure a binding commitment from the leaders and the people, ensuring that the plan is not just aspiration but covenantal obligation, undergirded by united resolve.
v.3Now 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.
v.4This passage
v.5Then arose Ezra, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they sware.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 12:12
Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees;
- 1 Chronicles 22:19
Now set your heart and your soul to seek after Jehovah your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of Jehovah God, to bring the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of Jehovah.
- Mark 13:34
It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch.
- Joshua 7:10
And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore art thou thus fallen upon thy face?
- 1 Chronicles 22:16
of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and Jehovah be with thee.
- Ezra 7:23
Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?