King James Version

What Does Ezra 10:26 Mean?

Ezra 10:26 in the King James Version says “And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.”

Ezra 10:26 · King James Version

Context

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.

26

And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.

27

And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.

28

Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai , and Athlai.

Read Ezra 10 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah. The family of Elam (עֵילָם, 'Elam, meaning "hidden" or "eternity") contributed six offenders to the list. The name Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה, "Yahweh remembers") carries particular poignancy—Yahweh remembered His covenant promises to restore Israel from exile, yet Zechariah failed to remember covenant obligations by taking a foreign wife who would introduce idolatry into his household.

Mattaniah (מַתַּנְיָה, "gift of Yahweh") represents the bitter irony that God's gifts of restoration and renewed identity were being squandered through syncretistic compromise. The appearance of Jehiel (יְחִיאֵל, "God lives") among offenders raises the question whether marriages to women who worshiped dead idols demonstrated genuine faith that the living God inhabits His people. This roster serves as covenant lawsuit evidence—names invoking Yahweh's character now associated with covenant violation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Elam family numbered 1,254 returnees (Ezra 2:7), representing substantial portion of the restored community. Their six violators indicate widespread problem even among families who had experienced exile's judgment. The historical context of 458 BC involved constant pressure from Samaritan and other surrounding populations to assimilate through intermarriage, making this list's public nature a bold stand for covenant distinctiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Zechariah's name ("Yahweh remembers") teach about the relationship between God's faithfulness and human responsibility?
  2. How does the irony of these Yahweh-invoking names challenge superficial religious identity not rooted in obedience?
  3. In what ways might modern believers compromise covenant faithfulness while maintaining outward religious appearance?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּמִבְּנֵ֖י1 of 8

“And of the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֵילָ֑ם2 of 8

“of Elam”

H5867

elam, a son of shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six israelites

מַתַּנְיָ֤ה3 of 8

“Mattaniah”

H4983

mattanjah, the name of ten israelites

זְכַרְיָה֙4 of 8

“Zechariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

וִֽיחִיאֵ֣ל5 of 8

“and Jehiel”

H3171

jechiel (or jechavel), the name of eight israelites

וְעַבְדִּ֔י6 of 8

“and Abdi”

H5660

abdi, the name of two israelites

וִֽירֵמ֖וֹת7 of 8

“and Jeremoth”

H3406

jerimoth or jeremoth, the name of twelve israelites

וְאֵֽלִיָּֽה׃8 of 8

“and Eliah”

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other 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 10:26 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 10:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 10:2Ezra 2:31Nehemiah 7:34Nehemiah 7:12Ezra 2:7Ezra 8:7

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