Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

EZRA 9:7KJV
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Ezra 9:7 (KJV)

What does Ezra 9:7 mean?

Ezra 9:7 describes how the people of Israel, along with their leaders and priests, have been guilty of serious wrongdoing for generations, which has led to their suffering—being conquered, taken captive, and shamed by foreign rulers. The verse points out that this situation has continued up to Ezra’s own day.

Ezra is speaking in prayer to God after learning that some Israelites have broken God’s laws by marrying people from surrounding nations. He admits that their troubles—defeat, exile, and disgrace—are the result of ongoing “iniquities” (wrongdoings) by the people and their leaders. This confession sets the stage for Ezra’s deep concern about the community’s faithfulness and their relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 9:7

  • The word for “trespass” is מַעַל (maʿal), which refers to a serious act of unfaithfulness or betrayal, not just a minor mistake. This highlights the gravity of what the people have done.
  • “Iniquities” is עָוֹן (ʿavon), often meaning guilt or moral wrongdoing. The use of this word emphasizes that the suffering is a direct result of deep moral failings.
  • “Confusion of face” is בֹּשֶׁת פָּנִים (boshet panim), which literally means shame or humiliation. This phrase shows that their disgrace is not just physical suffering but also public embarrassment and loss of honor.

Why Ezra 9:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the hardships faced by Israel—such as exile and defeat—are not random but are understood as consequences of collective wrongdoing over many generations.
  • Ezra’s confession connects the current crisis to a long history of unfaithfulness, showing that the problem is deep-rooted and not just a recent failure.
  • The verse sets a tone of humility and honesty before God, which is crucial for understanding the rest of Ezra’s prayer and the community’s need for repentance and restoration.

Where else these words appear

“spoil” Hebrew H961 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 14:14 And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.
  • Nehemiah 4:4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
  • Esther 9:16 But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,

“trespass” Hebrew H819 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:18 And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
  • Ezra 9:13 And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;

“confusion” Hebrew H1322 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Samuel 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
  • Psalms 132:18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
  • Jeremiah 7:19 Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?

“captivity” Hebrew H7628 · used in 47 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Ezra 8:35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 30:10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.