Question 1

What does Ezra 10:31 mean?

Accepted Answer

Ezra 10:31 lists several men—Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, and Shimeon—who were sons of Harim and are being named as part of a record. This verse is part of a longer list identifying individuals involved in a particular situation addressed in the book of Ezra. Ezra 10 records the names of Israelites who had taken foreign wives, which was a concern for the community returning from exile. The writer, likely Ezra himself, is documenting those who were found to have done this, as part of a public record and a call to repentance. The verse simply names these men as part of the sons (descendants) of Harim, showing the thoroughness and seriousness with which the community addressed the issue.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Ezra 10:31

Accepted Answer

בְּנֵי (benê, H1121): This word means "sons" or "descendants," indicating that the men listed are from the family line of Harim, not necessarily his direct sons. חָרִם (Harim, H2766): Harim is a family or clan name, showing that these individuals belonged to a particular priestly or Levitical family group. אֱלִיעֶזֶר (Eliezer, H461), יִשִּׁיָּה (Ishijah, H3449), מַלְכִּיָּה (Malchiah, H4441), שְׁמַעְיָה (Shemaiah, H8098), שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimeon, H8095): These are personal names, each identifying a specific individual within the family of Harim. The careful listing by name emphasizes accountability and transparency in the community.

Question 3

Why Ezra 10:31 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse highlights the seriousness with which the returned exiles dealt with matters of community identity and faithfulness, showing that even specific individuals and families were held accountable. The careful recording of names demonstrates the public and transparent process of addressing communal issues, not just general statements but real people and families. Seeing these names in context helps readers understand the broader narrative of Ezra 10, where confession and restoration are central themes for the people returning from exile.

Ezra 10:31 (KJV)