King James Version

What Does Ezra 10:33 Mean?

Ezra 10:33 in the King James Version says “Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.”

Ezra 10:33 · KJV

Context

31

And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,

32

Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.

33

Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.

34

Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,

35

Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. The Hashum (חָשֻׁם, Chashum, possibly "shining" or "wealthy") family contributed seven members to the transgression roster. Mattenai (מַתְּנַי, "gift of Yahweh") and Mattathah (מַתַּתָּה, "gift") both emphasize divine giving, their similar names perhaps indicating brothers who together chose disobedience. They received the gift of restoration from exile but spurned the Giver through covenant violation.

Eliphelet (אֱלִיפֶלֶט, "God is deliverance") proclaims the divine rescue from Babylon these men experienced, yet they failed to maintain the holy separation that deliverance required. Manasseh appears again (see verse 30), showing this name's frequency among offenders—an ironic fulfillment of its meaning "causing to forget," as prosperity in the land caused forgetting of covenant obligations. Shimei (שִׁמְעִי, "renowned" or "hearing") concludes the list, the hearing/obedience theme again prominent. Seven violators from Hashum demonstrates the sin's pervasive reach across socioeconomic and family boundaries.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hashum numbered 223 members at the return (Ezra 2:19), making seven violators a significant proportion. The family name suggesting wealth may indicate economic prosperity that created both opportunity and temptation for advantageous intermarriages. The 458 BC post-exilic community faced constant economic pressure, with surrounding populations controlling much of the land. Intermarriage offered access to property and trade networks, creating strong pragmatic incentives that tested covenant commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the repeated "gift" names challenge believers about responding to God's gifts with gratitude expressed through obedience versus taking gifts for granted?
  2. What does the high proportion of violators in smaller families teach about how compromise can pervade communities when leadership fails to address sin decisively?
  3. In what ways might economic prosperity create spiritual amnesia, causing believers to forget covenant obligations that seemed clearer during hardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מִבְּנֵ֖י1 of 9

“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

חָשֻׁ֑ם2 of 9

“of Hashum”

H2828

chashum, the name of two or three israelites

מַתְּנַ֤י3 of 9

“Mattenai”

H4982

mattenai, the name of three israelites

מַתַּתָּה֙4 of 9

“Mattathah”

H4992

mattattah, an israelite

זָבָ֣ד5 of 9

“Zabad”

H2066

zabad, the name of seven israelites

אֱלִיפֶ֔לֶט6 of 9

“Eliphelet”

H467

eliphelet or elpelet, the name of six israelites

יְרֵמַ֥י7 of 9

“Jeremai”

H3413

jeremai, an israelite

מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה8 of 9

“Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

שִׁמְעִֽי׃9 of 9

“and Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty 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 10:33 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 10:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:22Ezra 2:19

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