Question 1

What does Ezra 10:43 mean?

Accepted Answer

Ezra 10:43 lists the names of men from the family line of Nebo who were identified in a public record during a time of community correction in Jerusalem. The verse simply names Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, Joel, and Benaiah as sons of Nebo. This verse is part of a detailed list in the book of Ezra, where leaders are documenting those who had married foreign wives, which was against the community’s religious rules at that time. The listing of these specific names shows the seriousness and transparency of the process, as each family involved was named openly before the community.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Ezra 10:43

Accepted Answer

נְבוֹ (Nebo, transliterated "Nebo") refers to a family or clan, likely named after an ancestor, showing how lineage was tracked and recorded in ancient Israel. Each personal name—יְעִיאֵל (Jeiel, "Jeiel"), מַתִּתְיָה (Mattithiah, "Mattithiah"), זָבָד (Zabad, "Zabad"), זְבִינָא (Zebina, "Zebina"), יָדָי (Jadau, "Jadau"), יוֹאֵל (Joel, "Joel"), and בְּנָיָה (Benaiah, "Benaiah")—is included to make the record specific and personal, not just a general accusation against a group.

Question 3

Why Ezra 10:43 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse shows that the restoration of the community involved careful and public accountability, not just vague statements. By naming individuals, Ezra’s record emphasizes the importance of each person’s choices and the communal effort to return to their religious commitments. The verse connects to the wider passage by illustrating the thoroughness of the reforms and the willingness of the people to address difficult issues openly.

Ezra 10:43 (KJV)