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.

EZRA 9:2KJV
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Ezra 9:2 (KJV)

What does Ezra 9:2 mean?

Ezra 9:2 says that some Israelites, including their leaders, had married women from the surrounding nations, which was seen as mixing the "holy seed" with other peoples and breaking a commandment. The verse points out that even the leaders were the main ones involved in this wrongdoing.

Ezra is speaking about a problem he discovered after returning from exile: many Israelites, including priests and officials, had formed family ties with neighboring peoples, which was forbidden at that time to keep Israel set apart. The phrase "holy seed" refers to the Israelites as a people chosen for a special purpose, and "mingled" means they had joined themselves to other groups in ways that went against their laws.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 9:2

  • "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." Calling the Israelites the "holy seed" emphasizes their unique identity and purpose among the nations.
  • "Seed" (זֶרַע, zera‘): Often used for descendants or offspring, "seed" here highlights the idea of a distinct family line meant to stay separate.
  • "Mingled" (עָרַב, ‘arav): This word means to mix or join together. In this context, it stresses that the Israelites had closely connected themselves with foreign peoples, not just socially but through marriage.
  • "Trespass" (מַעַל, ma‘al): This word refers to a serious act of unfaithfulness or betrayal, especially in a covenant relationship. It shows that the issue was not just a social problem but a spiritual violation.

Why Ezra 9:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the problem was not just among ordinary people but was led by those in positions of authority, showing the depth of the issue.
  • It highlights the concern for maintaining a distinct identity for the Israelites after returning from exile, which was seen as crucial for their relationship with God.
  • Understanding the specific words used helps explain why this was seen as a serious breach, not just a cultural preference but a matter of faithfulness to their covenant.

Where else these words appear

“rulers” Hebrew H5461 · used in 16 verses

  • Nehemiah 2:16 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.
  • Nehemiah 7:5 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,
  • Jeremiah 51:28 Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion.

“mingled” Hebrew H6148 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 43:9 I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:
  • Proverbs 6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
  • Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

“trespass” 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 9:4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.