King James Version

What Does Ezra 10:27 Mean?

Ezra 10:27 in the King James Version says “And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezra 10:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza. The Zattu (זַתּוּא, Zattu', possibly meaning "olive tree") family contributed six members to the transgression list. Elioenai (אֶלְיוֹעֵינַי, "my eyes are toward Yahweh") and Eliashib (אֶלְיָשִׁיב, "God restores") both contain theophoric elements emphasizing divine focus and restoration, yet their bearers looked to foreign wives rather than covenant faithfulness, seeking restoration through human strategy rather than divine provision.

The name Zabad (זָבָד, "he has given") likely refers to divine gift, while Aziza (עֲזִיזָא, "strong" or "powerful") suggests strength—yet true strength lay in covenant obedience, not in political alliances through intermarriage. The recurrence of Mattaniah and Jeremoth across multiple families indicates these were common names in post-exilic community, showing the sin's pervasiveness cut across social boundaries. The olive tree imagery of Zattu's name evokes covenant blessing (Psalm 128:3), now endangered by syncretistic unfaithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Zattu clan numbered 945 members at the return (Ezra 2:8). Six violators from this mid-sized family suggests proportionally significant compromise. The period following the exile (458 BC) saw economic pressure to intermarry with landed populations who had occupied Judah during the captivity. These marriages often represented pragmatic attempts to secure property and social standing rather than faith-driven covenant violations, yet pragmatism proved equally destructive to holy community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do names emphasizing "eyes toward Yahweh" challenge believers about whether their actual focus matches their professed devotion?
  2. What does the tension between divine "restoration" (Eliashib) and human attempts to secure future through compromise teach about faith versus pragmatism?
  3. In what areas might contemporary Christians compromise covenant faithfulness for economic security or social advantage?

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

זַתּ֑וּא2 of 8

“of Zattu”

H2240

zattu, an israelite

אֶלְיֽוֹעֵנַ֤י3 of 8

“Elioenai”

H454

eljehoenai or eljoenai, the name of seven israelites

אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙4 of 8

“Eliashib”

H475

eljashib, the name of six israelites

מַתַּנְיָ֣ה5 of 8

“Mattaniah”

H4983

mattanjah, the name of ten israelites

וִֽירֵמ֔וֹת6 of 8

“and Jeremoth”

H3406

jerimoth or jeremoth, the name of twelve israelites

וְזָבָ֖ד7 of 8

“and Zabad”

H2066

zabad, the name of seven israelites

וַֽעֲזִיזָֽא׃8 of 8

“and Aziza”

H5819

aziza, an israelite

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 10:27 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 10:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:13Ezra 2:8

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