Ezra 5:10
What does Ezra 5:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 5:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 5:10 means
The officials also requested the names of those leading the work so they could “certify” them to the king. This shows thoroughness and protects against false reports. Identifying responsible parties helps the empire assess both accountability and intent. From the builders’ perspective, providing names is a statement of integrity and confidence; they believe the records will vindicate them. The verse underscores that God’s people, when acting rightly, need not fear the light. Civil processes, though imperfect, can serve truth when facts are carefully recorded and examined by proper authorities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000We asked them their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were at the head of them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901We asked them their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were at the head of them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And we made request for their names, so that we might send you word, and give you the names of the men at the head of them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And also their names we have asked of them, to let thee know, that we might write the names of the men who <FI>are<Fi> at their head.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752We asked also of them their names, that we might give thee notice: and we have written the names of the men that are the chief among them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890We asked their names also, to inform thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
Context
Verse 10 completes the officials’ side of the interaction—asking about authorization and leadership. Next, in verses 11–16, the letter directly quotes the Jews’ answer, laying out their identity, their history, and the decree of Cyrus. This transition from the officials’ questions to the builders’ testimony is the heart of the chapter’s legal and theological argument.
v.9Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?
v.10This passage
v.11And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and finished.