King James Version

What Does Ezra 9:5 Mean?

Ezra 9:5 in the King James Version says “And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knee...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God, heaviness: or, affliction”

Ezra 9:5 · KJV

Context

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.

5

And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God, heaviness: or, affliction

6

And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. trespass: or, guiltiness

7

Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'evening sacrifice' (about 3 PM) was one of the two daily tamid offerings. Ezra chose this time deliberately—when the community gathered for sacrifice, his public prayer would have maximum impact and participation. Rising 'from my heaviness' (Hebrew ta'anit, meaning humiliation/affliction) shows Ezra emerging from mourning to intercession. His posture—'fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God'—combines physical humility (kneeling) with supplication (spread hands). This embodied prayer demonstrates that physical posture can appropriately express heart attitude. Ezra's personal identification—'my God'—shows intimate relationship even while confessing corporate sin. The prayer that follows is one of Scripture's great penitential prayers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The evening sacrifice time ensured maximum participation in Ezra's prayer. The gathered community would hear and join his confession. Ancient Hebrew prayer often involved bodily posture—standing (1 Samuel 1:26), kneeling (1 Kings 8:54), or prostrating (Genesis 17:3). The raising of hands symbolized both supplication (receiving from God) and consecration (offering to God). Ezra's public prayer at the regular sacrifice time linked his intercession to the ongoing sacrificial system, showing that sacrifice alone without repentance was insufficient. His prayer would continue through verses 6-15, providing theological interpretation of the crisis and calling for covenant renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ezra's choice of time for prayer demonstrate wisdom in leading corporate repentance?
  2. What role does physical posture play in expressing reverence, humility, and earnestness in prayer?
  3. In what ways can pastors lead congregations in corporate confession and intercession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבְמִנְחַ֣ת1 of 15

“sacrifice”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

הָעֶ֗רֶב2 of 15

“And at the evening”

H6153

dusk

קַ֚מְתִּי3 of 15

“I arose up”

H6965

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

מִתַּֽעֲנִיתִ֔י4 of 15

“from my heaviness”

H8589

affliction (of self), i.e., fasting

וּבְקָרְעִ֥י5 of 15

“and having rent”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

בִגְדִ֖י6 of 15

“my garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וּמְעִילִ֑י7 of 15

“and my mantle”

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וָֽאֶכְרְעָה֙8 of 15

“I fell”

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

עַל9 of 15
H5921

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

בִּרְכַּ֔י10 of 15

“upon my knees”

H1290

a knee

וָֽאֶפְרְשָׂ֥ה11 of 15

“and spread out”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

כַפַּ֖י12 of 15

“my hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

אֶל13 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֥ה14 of 15

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָֽי׃15 of 15

“my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:541 Kings 8:381 Kings 8:22Exodus 9:29Exodus 9:332 Chronicles 6:13

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