Ezra 10:35 (KJV)

What does Ezra 10:35 mean?

Ezra 10:35 lists the names Benaiah, Bedeiah, and Chelluh as part of a record. This verse is part of a longer list naming individuals involved in a specific event addressed in the book of Ezra.

Ezra, a priest and scribe, is documenting the names of those among the Israelites who had taken foreign wives, which was considered a serious issue at that time. The verse simply records three individuals by name, showing their inclusion in this group. This list helps establish a historical record of the people involved and the seriousness with which the community addressed the situation.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 10:35

• בְּנָיָה (Benaiah, transliterated "Benaiah") means "Yahweh has built" or "Yahweh builds." The name reflects a common practice of embedding references to God in personal names, highlighting the religious context of the community.
• בְּדֵעְיָה (Bedeiah, transliterated "Bedeiah") means "Yahweh knows." This name again points to a theologically conscious community, where names often express trust in God's knowledge or oversight.
• כֶּלּוּהַ (Chelluh, transliterated "Chelluh") has an uncertain meaning, but it is preserved here as a personal name. Its inclusion alongside the other names underscores the thoroughness of the record.

Why Ezra 10:35 matters

• Ezra 10:35 is part of a detailed list that shows the community's commitment to accountability and transparency as they dealt with a difficult issue.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by emphasizing that the response to intermarriage was not abstract but involved real people, each named and remembered.
• The careful recording of names in Ezra 10 highlights the importance of individual responsibility within the community’s efforts to return to faithfulness.