Ezra 10:21 (KJV)

What does Ezra 10:21 mean?

Ezra 10:21 lists five men—Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah—who are identified as sons of Harim. This verse is part of a record naming specific individuals among the descendants of Harim who were involved in the events described in this chapter.

Ezra 10 records a time when the people of Israel, under Ezra’s leadership, were addressing intermarriage with foreign women, which was against their community’s laws at that time. The verse is part of a longer list naming those who had taken foreign wives and were now being called to account. The mention of these names shows the detailed and personal nature of the community’s response.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 10:21

• בְּנֵי (bənê, "sons"): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing that the list is about family lines and not just individuals.
• חָרִם (Harim): Harim is a family or clan name, showing that the issue affected entire family groups, not just isolated people.
• מַעֲשֵׂיָה (Maaseiah), אֵלִיָּה (Elijah), שְׁמַעְיָה (Shemaiah), יְחִיאֵל (Jehiel), עֻזִּיָּה (Uzziah): These are personal names, each identifying a specific individual within the Harim family line. The use of personal names highlights accountability and transparency in the community’s actions.

Why Ezra 10:21 matters

• This verse shows that the reforms in Ezra’s time were not just general statements but involved naming real people, making the process concrete and personal.
• By listing specific family lines, the passage emphasizes that the issue of intermarriage was widespread and affected many in the community, not just a few individuals.
• The detailed record-keeping in this chapter reflects the seriousness with which the community approached correcting their actions and restoring their relationship with their traditions.