Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.

EZRA 9:12KJV
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Ezra 9:12 (KJV)

What does Ezra 9:12 mean?

Ezra 9:12 tells the Israelites not to give their daughters in marriage to the surrounding peoples’ sons, nor to take their daughters for their own sons, and not to seek peace or prosperity from these groups, so that they will remain strong, enjoy the land’s blessings, and pass it on to their children. The verse emphasizes keeping the community distinct and faithful to God’s instructions.

Ezra is speaking to the returned exiles in Jerusalem after discovering that many had intermarried with neighboring peoples, which was seen as a threat to their faithfulness and identity. The verse summarizes the concern that mixing with other nations could weaken the Israelites’ commitment to God and jeopardize their future in the land. The instruction is practical and communal, aiming to secure both spiritual and material well-being for future generations.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 9:12

  • שָׁלוֹם (shalom; H7965): This word means "peace," but also carries the sense of wholeness or well-being. Here, Ezra warns not to seek the full welfare or alliance of the surrounding peoples, not just the absence of conflict.
  • חָזַק (chazaq; H2388): Translated as "be strong," this word often means to be firm or courageous. The strength here is not just physical but also moral and spiritual, tied to remaining faithful.
  • טוֹב (tov; H2896): Rendered "wealth" or "good," this word refers to both material prosperity and general goodness. Ezra cautions against pursuing the material benefits of alliances at the cost of faithfulness.

Why Ezra 9:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the concern was not ethnic difference but the risk of adopting practices and beliefs that would draw the Israelites away from their covenant with God.
  • Ezra 9:12 highlights the link between faithfulness to God and the long-term well-being of the community, showing that spiritual choices have practical consequences for future generations.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Ezra and Nehemiah of rebuilding not just physical walls but also the spiritual boundaries that define the people’s identity.

Where else these words appear

“good” Hebrew H2898 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
  • Nehemiah 9:36 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it:
  • Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?