Ezra 8:16
What does Ezra 8:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 8:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 8:16 means
Ezra responds by commissioning a team of chief men—Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, another Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam—and, in addition, Joiarib and Elnathan who were teachers. He chooses both leaders and instructors, men respected for wisdom and influence. This shows discernment: recruiting Levites requires capable messengers who can speak to hearts and convey the urgency of the task. Ezra’s solution matches the spiritual nature of the need. Rather than force, he sends persuasive, qualified men. Leadership in God’s work calls for the right people with the right message at the right time.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, who were teachers.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, who were teachers.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then I sent for Eliezer and Ariel and Shemaiah and Elnathan Jarib and Elnathan and Nathan and Zechariah and Meshullam, all responsible men; and for Joiarib and Elnathan, who were wise men.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I send for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, heads, and for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So I sent Eliezer, and Ariel, and Semeias, and Elnathan, and Jarib, and another Elnathan, and Nathan, and Zacharias, and Mosollam, chief men: and Joiarib, and Elnathan, wise men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I sent for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men, and for Joiarib and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
Context
Following the discovery in verse 15, verse 16 details Ezra’s deliberate plan to solve the lack of Levites. He selects leading men and teachers, anticipating the next step in verse 17—sending them to Iddo at Casiphia. The narrative emphasizes organization and suitability of personnel. This is preparatory for verses 18–20, in which God’s favor results in Levites and Nethinim joining the company. Once the team is complete, the chapter will move to spiritual preparation through fasting (verses 21–23) and then to the logistics of safeguarding temple offerings (verses 24–30).
v.15And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there we encamped three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
v.16This passage
v.17And I sent them forth unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and his brethren the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 10:21
And of the sons of Harim: Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.
- Ezra 8:13
And of the sons of Adonikam, that were the last; and these are their names: Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah; and with them threescore males.
- Ezra 10:39
and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
- Proverbs 20:5
Counsel in the heart of man islikedeep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out.
- 1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
- 1 Kings 3:11
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice;