King James Version

What Does Ezra 10:23 Mean?

Ezra 10:23 in the King James Version says “Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.”

Ezra 10:23 · KJV

Context

21

And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

22

And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.

23

Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.

24

Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.

25

Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.

Read Ezra 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer—the list now moves from priests to Levites, who assisted in temple service (Numbers 3:5-10). Six Levites appear here, representing a smaller percentage than priests, possibly because Levites had fewer returnees overall (Ezra 8:15-19).

The parenthetical note (the same is Kelita) indicates alternative name or title. This careful identification shows the scribe's concern for precision—ensuring readers knew exactly who was being named. The double-naming prevents confusion and maintains historical accuracy. This attention to detail demonstrates the record's reliability and seriousness.

The names again carry theological significance: Judah means 'praise Yahweh,' yet stood guilty of covenant violation. Eliezer means 'God is my help,' yet sought help through forbidden marriage alliance. The Levites' violation was particularly shameful, as they were specially set apart (hivdil, same root as the separation from foreign wives commanded in 10:11) for holy service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levites served crucial roles in temple worship, teaching Torah, and maintaining religious purity among the people. Their violation of covenant law through intermarriage particularly undermined their teaching authority. The dual name Kelaiah/Kelita may reflect Babylonian versus Hebrew naming, common among exiles. Kelita appears later in Nehemiah 8:7 among Levites teaching the law—possibly the same person after repentance and restoration, demonstrating God's redemptive grace even after serious sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Levitical violation teach about the danger facing those in ministry roles—how proximity to holy things doesn't guarantee holy living?
  2. How does the careful identification of Kelaiah/Kelita demonstrate the importance of accuracy and accountability in church records?
  3. What warning does the presence of Levites in the list offer to modern ministry leaders about vulnerability to compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּמִֽן1 of 10
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלְוִיִּ֑ם2 of 10

“Also of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

יֽוֹזָבָ֣ד3 of 10

“Jozabad”

H3107

jozabad, the name of ten israelites

וְשִׁמְעִ֗י4 of 10

“and Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

וְקֵֽלָיָה֙5 of 10

“and Kelaiah”

H7041

kelajah, an israelite

ה֣וּא6 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

קְלִיטָ֔א7 of 10

“the same is Kelita”

H7042

kelita, the name of three israelites

פְּתַֽחְיָ֥ה8 of 10

“Pethahiah”

H6611

pethachjah, the name of four israelites

יְהוּדָ֖ה9 of 10

“Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וֶֽאֱלִיעֶֽזֶר׃10 of 10

“and Eliezer”

H461

eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 10:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 10:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 8:33Nehemiah 10:10Nehemiah 11:16

Test Your Knowledge

Ezra 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzra Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezra 10 with CommentaryAll Ezra ChaptersComplete Ezra QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes