And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

EZRA 10:21KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Harim” Hebrew H2766 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 24:8 The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,
  • Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,
  • Nehemiah 7:42 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

“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.

“Maaseiah” Hebrew H4641 · used in 23 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.
  • Ezra 10:22 And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.
  • Nehemiah 11:7 And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.

“Uzziah” Hebrew H5818 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:8 And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.