King James Version

What Does Ezra 9:2 Mean?

Ezra 9:2 in the King James Version says “For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

Ezra 9:2 · KJV


Context

1

Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

2

For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

3

And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

4

Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crisis of intermarriage: 'For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.' The phrase 'holy seed' (zera ha-qodesh) refers to Israel, set apart for God (Exodus 19:6, Deuteronomy 7:6). 'Mingled' (hit'arevu) indicates mixing that compromises distinctiveness—marriage with pagans threatened covenant identity because it typically led to idolatry (as Solomon's case proved, 1 Kings 11:1-8). The prohibition wasn't racial but theological: preventing syncretism (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). That 'princes and rulers' led this sin aggravates it—leaders modeling covenant breaking. Ezra's response (9:3-15) shows anguish over sin threatening the restored community's spiritual integrity. This principle applies: believers shouldn't form primary bonds with unbelievers where spiritual compromise is likely (2 Corinthians 6:14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The returned exiles, meant to rebuild a faithful community, were repeating pre-exilic sins. Deuteronomy 7:1-4 forbade marriage with Canaanite nations specifically to prevent idolatry—exactly what happened before exile. The 'people of those lands' (v. 1) included Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, etc.—same groups Israel should have driven out centuries earlier. That leadership participated demonstrates how pervasive the problem was. Ezra's prayer (9:6-15) and subsequent action (chapter 10: putting away foreign wives) seems harsh but reflects crisis thinking: the community's survival as God's people was at stake. This wasn't ethnic prejudice but theological preservation. New Testament parallel: believers shouldn't be 'unequally yoked' (2 Corinthians 6:14) in ways compromising faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What relationships or alliances do I form that compromise my distinct identity as God's person?
  2. How seriously do I take the call to be 'holy'—set apart for God—versus conforming to surrounding culture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּֽי1 of 17
H3588

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

נָשְׂא֣וּ2 of 17

For they have taken

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִבְּנֹֽתֵיהֶ֗ם3 of 17

of their daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לָהֶם֙4 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְלִבְנֵיהֶ֔ם5 of 17

for themselves and for their 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

וְהִתְעָֽרְבוּ֙6 of 17

have mingled

H6148

to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

זֶ֣רַע7 of 17

seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ8 of 17

so that the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בְּעַמֵּ֖י9 of 17

themselves with the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָֽאֲרָצ֑וֹת10 of 17

of those lands

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיַ֧ד11 of 17

yea the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַשָּׂרִ֣ים12 of 17

of the princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְהַסְּגָנִ֗ים13 of 17

and rulers

H5461

a prfect of a province

הָ֥יְתָ֛ה14 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּמַּ֥עַל15 of 17

in this trespass

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

הַזֶּ֖ה16 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

רִֽאשׁוֹנָֽה׃17 of 17

hath been chief

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)


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 9:2 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 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study