King James Version

What Does Ezra 10:4 Mean?

Ezra 10:4 in the King James Version says “Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.”

Ezra 10:4 · KJV

Context

2

And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

3

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. to put: Heb. to bring forth

4

Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.

5

Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.

6

Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.

Read Ezra 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it. Shecaniah issues four imperatives to Ezra: arise (qum), recognize responsibility (aleikha haddavar, "upon you is the matter"), take courage (chazaq), and execute (aseh). This pattern appears when God commissions leaders for difficult tasks (Joshua 1:6-9, Haggai 2:4). The community recognizes that spiritual crisis requires decisive leadership, not endless deliberation.

The phrase "this matter belongeth unto thee" acknowledges Ezra's unique authority as scribe and priest. Though Shecaniah proposed the solution, implementing it required Ezra's teaching authority and governmental position. The promise "we also will be with thee" offers corporate support for what would be intensely unpopular action. Leaders facing necessary but difficult decisions need such backing from the faithful remnant.

The command "be of good courage" (chazaq) implies that cowardice would be the natural temptation. Dismantling families, facing widespread anger, and implementing mass divorce proceedings would require moral fortitude. This courage isn't psychological self-confidence but faith that obedience to God's law supersedes approval from people. Leadership often demands unpopular obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern governance typically concentrated authority in a single leader who could make binding decisions. Ezra held dual authority as Persian-appointed governor and Torah scribe (Ezra 7:12-26), giving him both civil and religious jurisdiction. However, even with such authority, implementing divorce proceedings affecting over 100 families (Ezra 10:18-44) required communal support.

The situation was unprecedented. No previous biblical instance involved wholesale dissolution of existing marriages. The closest parallel was Israel's refusal to marry Canaanites before entering the land. Now the community faced undoing marriages that had already occurred, some producing children. This required interpreting Torah principles in novel circumstances—precisely the kind of decision requiring scribal expertise like Ezra possessed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the community's promise "we will be with thee" teach about the necessity of supporting godly leaders in difficult decisions?
  2. How does the call to "be of good courage" distinguish biblical courage (faith-based obedience) from worldly confidence?
  3. When have you faced a decision where doing right required courage to face disapproval and opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
ק֛וּם1 of 8

“Arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

כִּֽי2 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָלֶ֥יךָ3 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַדָּבָ֖ר4 of 8

“for this matter”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וַֽאֲנַ֣חְנוּ5 of 8
H587

we

עִמָּ֑ךְ6 of 8
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חֲזַ֖ק7 of 8

“belongeth unto thee we also will be with thee be of good courage”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וַֽעֲשֵֽׂה׃8 of 8

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 10:4 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 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 28:10Ecclesiastes 9:101 Chronicles 22:19Hebrews 10:24Hebrews 12:12-13Isaiah 35:3-4

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