Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.

EZRA 10:6KJV
Know the Bible

Ezra 10:6 (KJV)

What does Ezra 10:6 mean?

Ezra 10:6 describes how Ezra left the area in front of God’s house and went into a private room belonging to Johanan, the son of Eliashib. There, Ezra refused to eat or drink because he was deeply grieving over the unfaithfulness of the people who had returned from exile.

Ezra, a priest and scribe, is responding to the news that many Israelites had broken God’s law by marrying foreign women, which was seen as a serious transgression. His actions—fasting and mourning in private—show his personal sorrow and sense of responsibility for the community’s sin. This moment comes after a public gathering where the people confessed their wrongdoing, and it marks Ezra’s deep emotional involvement in seeking restoration for the people.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 10:6

  • The word for "mourned" is אָבַל (’aval), which means to grieve or lament deeply. This shows that Ezra’s response was not just ritual fasting but genuine sorrow.
  • The word for "transgression" is מַעַל (ma‘al), which often refers to a breach of faith or an act of unfaithfulness, especially in a covenant relationship. This highlights that the issue was not just a rule-breaking but a betrayal of trust with God.
  • The word for "chamber" is לִשְׁכָּה (lishkah), meaning a specific room or chamber, often within the temple complex. This detail suggests Ezra sought a place set apart for reflection and prayer, not just any private space.

Why Ezra 10:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Ezra’s grief was personal and intense, not just a public display; he withdrew to mourn privately, emphasizing the seriousness of the people’s sin.
  • The focus on "transgression" (ma‘al) shows that the problem was a spiritual breach, not just a social or ethnic issue, which helps avoid misunderstandings about the nature of the sin.
  • Ezra’s actions set the tone for the community’s response in the following verses, showing that true repentance involves both public confession and personal sorrow.

Where else these words appear

“Johanan” Hebrew H3076 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 26:3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:1 And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.
  • Nehemiah 6:18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

“Eliashib” Hebrew H475 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.
  • Ezra 10:36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,
  • Nehemiah 12:22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

“Ezra” Hebrew H5830 · used in 22 verses

  • Ezra 7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
  • Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.
  • Nehemiah 8:9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

“transgression” Hebrew H4604 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • Joshua 22:20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.
  • Ezra 9:2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.