King James Version

What Does Ezra 9:8 Mean?

Ezra 9:8 in the King James Version says “And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. space: Heb. moment a nail: or, a pin: that is, a constant and sure abode”

Ezra 9:8 · KJV

Grace

Context

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.

8

And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. space: Heb. moment a nail: or, a pin: that is, a constant and sure abode

9

For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. to repair: Heb. to set up

10

And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments,

Read Ezra 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ezra acknowledges recent mercy: 'And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place.' The phrase 'little space' (brief time) contrasts seventy years exile with recent restoration. The word 'grace' (techinnah) emphasizes unmerited favor. The 'remnant' theology acknowledges that only a portion returned and only divine mercy preserved them. The metaphor 'nail in his holy place' suggests something secure and permanent—God gave them place in Jerusalem despite unworthiness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'little space' refers to approximately eighty years from Cyrus's decree (538 BC) to Ezra's arrival (458 BC). In this brief period, God restored temple, city, and community. The 'remnant' theology is central to biblical soteriology—God preserves a believing minority through judgment. The 'nail in his holy place' metaphor appears in Isaiah 22:23—a secure peg driven into a wall. God established the community firmly in Jerusalem despite their previous faithlessness and current unworthiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'remnant' theology challenge triumphalism while preserving hope in God's faithfulness?
  2. What does the metaphor of 'nail in his holy place' teach about God's commitment to establish His people despite their failures?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְעַתָּ֡ה1 of 23
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

מְעַ֖ט2 of 23

“And now for a little”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

רֶגַע֩3 of 23

“space”

H7281

a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time

הָֽיְתָ֨ה4 of 23
H1961

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

תְחִנָּ֜ה5 of 23

“grace”

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

מֵאֵ֣ת׀6 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֣ה7 of 23

“hath been shewed from the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ8 of 23

“our 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

לְהַשְׁאִ֥יר9 of 23

“to leave”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

לָ֙נוּ֙10 of 23
H0
פְּלֵיטָ֔ה11 of 23

“us a remnant to escape”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

וּלְתִתֵּ֛נוּ12 of 23

“and give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֥נוּ13 of 23
H0
יָתֵ֖ד14 of 23

“us a nail”

H3489

a peg

בִּמְק֣וֹם15 of 23

“place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

קָדְשׁ֑וֹ16 of 23

“in his holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְהָאִ֤יר17 of 23

“may lighten”

H215

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

עֵינֵ֙ינוּ֙18 of 23

“our eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ19 of 23

“our 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

וּלְתִתֵּ֛נוּ20 of 23

“and give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מִֽחְיָ֥ה21 of 23

“reviving”

H4241

preservation of life; hence, sustenance; also the live flesh, i.e., the quick

מְעַ֖ט22 of 23

“And now for a little”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

בְּעַבְדֻתֵֽנוּ׃23 of 23

“in our bondage”

H5659

servitude

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 9:8 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 9:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 13:3Romans 11:5-6Hosea 6:2Psalms 85:6Ezekiel 37:11-14Isaiah 57:15

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