Ezra 10:5
What does Ezra 10:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 10:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 10:5 means
Ezra rises and secures a solemn oath from the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel to do as proposed. An oath formalizes intent, binds the conscience, and creates public accountability. It ensures that repentance will not fade with the emotion of the moment. Involving priests and Levites first is fitting, as spiritual leaders must model obedience. Extending the oath to “all Israel” emphasizes that covenant faithfulness belongs to the whole community. By swearing, they declare before God and one another that they will carry out the difficult remedy, trusting that obedience, though costly, brings God’s favor and restores integrity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Ezra got up, and made the chiefs of the priests and the Levites and all Israel take an oath that they would do this. So they took an oath.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So Esdras arose, and made the chiefs of the priests and of the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word, and they swore.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then Ezra arose, and made the chiefs of the priests, of the Levites, and of all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. And they swore.
Context
Encouraged to act, Ezra moves swiftly to transform resolution into binding commitment. This vow by leaders and people anchors the plan in public, covenantal terms. The next scene will show Ezra withdrawing in fasting and grief, underlining that even with an oath the matter is spiritually weighty. Thereafter, a proclamation will summon the entire returned community to Jerusalem for decision and action. Thus the narrative moves from private contrition to public covenant to corporate assembly.
v.4Arise; for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we are with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
v.5This passage
v.6Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water; for he mourned because of the trespass of them of the captivity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 1:5
That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:
- 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.
- Matthew 26:63
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son of God.
- Nehemiah 5:12
Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do, even as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise.
- Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man’s friend that cometh of hearty counsel.
- Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!