King James Version

What Does Ezra 8:16 Mean?

Ezra 8:16 in the King James Version says “Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.”

Ezra 8:16 · KJV

Context

14

Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud , and with them seventy males. Zabbud: or, Zaccur, as some read

15

And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. abode: or, pitched

16

Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.

17

And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims , at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God. I told: Heb. I put words in their mouth

18

And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen ;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan...—Ezra dispatches a delegation of eleven men, carefully listed by name. The שָׁלַח (shalach, sent) indicates formal commission. The names reveal theological significance: אֱלִיעֶזֶר (Eliezer, 'God is my help'), אֲרִיאֵל (Ariel, 'lion of God'), שְׁמַעְיָה (Shemaiah, 'Yahweh has heard'). These weren't random selections but strategic choices of influential leaders.

Chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding—רָאשִׁים (rashim, chief men/heads) indicates tribal or family leadership status. The phrase אַנְשֵׁי בִינָה (anshei binah, men of understanding/discernment) distinguishes the final two as particularly wise, suitable for the delicate task of persuading reluctant Levites to leave comfortable Babylonian life for uncertain future in impoverished Judah. This combination of political authority (chiefs) and wisdom (understanding) shows Ezra's strategic leadership—he knew convincing the Levites required both status and eloquence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The eleven delegates represent significant families within the exile community. 'Men of understanding' likely means those skilled in Torah interpretation and persuasive argument—necessary to counter the Levites' rational objections to returning. The journey to Casiphia (v. 17) was probably 10-20 miles from Ahava, suggesting the Levites had established a separate religious community, perhaps a diaspora study center or synagogue, making their absence from Ezra's caravan even more puzzling.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Ezra's strategic selection of influential and wise men teach about mobilizing people for difficult ministry?
  2. Why is 'understanding' (wisdom) as important as positional authority when calling people to costly obedience?
  3. How might modern ministry leaders learn from Ezra's approach to recruiting reluctant but necessary workers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וָֽאֶשְׁלְחָ֡ה1 of 14

“Then sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לֶֽאֱלִיעֶ֡זֶר2 of 14

“I for Eliezer”

H461

eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites

לַֽאֲרִיאֵ֡ל3 of 14

“for Ariel”

H740

ariel, a symbolical name for jerusalem, also the name of an israelite

לִֽ֠שְׁמַעְיָה4 of 14

“for Shemaiah”

H8098

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

וּלְאֶלְנָתָ֖ן5 of 14

“and for Elnathan”

H494

elnathan, the name of four israelites

וּלְיָרִ֜יב6 of 14

“and for Jarib”

H3402

jarib, the name of three israelites

וּלְאֶלְנָתָ֖ן7 of 14

“and for Elnathan”

H494

elnathan, the name of four israelites

וּלְנָתָ֛ן8 of 14

“and for Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

וְלִזְכַרְיָ֥ה9 of 14

“and for Zechariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

וְלִמְשֻׁלָּ֖ם10 of 14

“and for Meshullam”

H4918

meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites

רָאשִׁ֑ים11 of 14

“chief men”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וּלְיֽוֹיָרִ֥יב12 of 14

“also for Joiarib”

H3114

jojarib, the name of four israelites

וּלְאֶלְנָתָ֖ן13 of 14

“and for Elnathan”

H494

elnathan, the name of four israelites

מְבִינִֽים׃14 of 14

“men of understanding”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

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 8:16 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 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 2:21Ezra 8:181 Kings 3:11Ezra 10:391 Chronicles 26:14Proverbs 28:2

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