And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

EZRA 10:2KJV
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Ezra 10:2 (KJV)

What does Ezra 10:2 mean?

Ezra 10:2 describes Shechaniah, a descendant of Elam, admitting to Ezra that the people of Israel have sinned by marrying foreign women, but he also expresses hope that there is still a way forward for Israel despite this wrongdoing. The verse highlights both confession of guilt and the belief that restoration is possible.

Shechaniah is speaking directly to Ezra, who is a priest and scribe leading a reform among the returned exiles in Jerusalem. The situation is tense because many Israelites have married women from the surrounding nations, which was seen as disobedience to God's commands at that time. Shechaniah’s words acknowledge this failure but also introduce the idea that hope remains if the people respond rightly.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 10:2

  • The word for "trespassed" is מָעַל (maʿal), which often means to act unfaithfully or to break trust, especially in a religious sense. This shows that the issue is not just about marriage but about breaking faith with God.
  • The word for "strange" is נָכְרִי (nokhrí), meaning foreign or non-Israelite. This emphasizes that the wives were from outside the community, which was significant for the identity and religious purity of Israel at the time.
  • The word for "hope" is מִקְוֶה (miqveh), which can mean expectation or something to look forward to. Here, it suggests that even after serious failure, there is still a possibility for renewal if the people act.

Why Ezra 10:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the community recognized their actions as a serious breach of faith, not just a social issue, which sets the tone for the rest of the chapter.
  • The mention of "hope" is important because it shows that repentance and restoration are possible, even after significant wrongdoing.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by introducing the process of confession and reform that Ezra will lead, showing both the gravity of the problem and the possibility of change.

Where else these words appear

“Shechaniah” Hebrew H7935 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:15 And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:
  • Nehemiah 3:29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

“hope” Hebrew H4723 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 1:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
  • 1 Kings 10:28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Jeremiah 14:8 O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

“Jehiel” Hebrew H3171 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:32 Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

“Ezra” Hebrew H5830 · used in 22 verses

  • Ezra 7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
  • Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.
  • Nehemiah 8:9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.