Keraia
Ezra 9

Ezra 9:3

Intermarriage with Neighboring Peoples · Ezra 9:1–4
Read Ezra 9

Translations

Modern
When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And at my hearing this word, I tore my garment and my robe, and I pulled out some of the hair of my head and beard, and I sat down appalled.
Latin
Cumque audissem sermonem istum, scidi pallium meum et tunicam, et evelli capillos capitis mei et barbæ, et sedi mœrens.

Original

Hebrew
English
When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror.

Notes

Ezra 9:3

sat down in horror: Compare Genesis 37:34; 2 Kings 22:11; Job 1:20.

Ezra 9:1–10:44

Ezra addressed the issue of marrying idol-worshipping foreigners. The Jewish leaders had permitted this practice, even though the early settlers had promised to stay away from pagan influences (Ezra 4:1–5). Ezra prayed for the nation and assisted those who felt guilty about their sins to correct their actions.

Parallels

Nehemiah 13:23–31

Glossary

Beard Book of Ezra Elephantine Papyri First Book of Esdras Mixed Marriage

Topics

Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Saints Grieve to Witness in Their Brethren Beard: Plucked Dress: Various Articles of Mantle Garments: Often Rent in Affliction Mantle: Ripped As a Token of Grief Mourning for Calamities and Other Sorrows: Ripping the Garments Mourning: Cutting or Plucking off the Hair and Beard Rending: (Ripping, Tearing) of Garments, an Outward Sign of Affliction The Ammonites: The Jews Reprobated for Intermarrying With The Beard in Affliction: Sometimes Plucked Out The Hair: Plucked out in Extreme Grief