Old Testament
Ezra 9:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the ones you gave through your servants the prophets when you said, 'The land you are entering to possess is an unclean land. The peoples living there have filled it from one end to the other with their filthiness, their disgusting practices, and their uncleanness.'
Compare translations
Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.
What Ezra 9:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the speaker recalls a warning given by God through the prophets. God had made it clear that the land the people were about to enter was tainted. The inhabitants had filled it with their immoral actions and practices that were offensive and unclean. This message serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity and integrity in one's life. The land represents not just a physical space but also the moral and spiritual environment one chooses to inhabit. The warning emphasizes the need to be cautious about the influences we allow into our lives. It encourages us to reflect on our surroundings and the values we embrace, ensuring they align with a higher standard. Ultimately, this passage calls for vigilance against the negative influences that can corrupt our hearts and minds, urging us to seek a life that honors what is good and pure. It’s a powerful reminder that our choices matter, and we should strive to create a life that reflects our values.
How to apply Ezra 9:11 to your life
Consider the influences in your life. Are there practices or habits that compromise your values? Take time to evaluate your surroundings and make conscious choices that align with your beliefs. Surround yourself with positivity and integrity to foster a healthier mindset and lifestyle. Remember, your environment shapes who you are!
Curated for this public verse page. Ezra Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezra 9:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezra 9:11
At a Glance — the Book of Ezra
- Author
- Ezra the priest and scribe
- Written
- Around 440 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Returning Jewish exiles
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezra 9:11 warn about the land the Israelites are entering?
Ezra 9:11 warns that the land the Israelites are about to enter is considered unclean due to the immoral practices of its inhabitants. God, through the prophets, emphasizes that the land is filled with filthiness and abominations, highlighting the need for the Israelites to be aware of the negative influences they may encounter.
How can Ezra 9:11 apply to our lives today?
Ezra 9:11 serves as a reminder to evaluate the influences in our own lives. Just as the Israelites were cautioned about the unclean practices in the land, we should be mindful of the environments we inhabit and the values we embrace. This verse encourages us to maintain moral integrity and to surround ourselves with positive influences that align with our beliefs.
What does 'unclean land' mean in the context of Ezra 9:11?
In the context of Ezra 9:11, 'unclean land' refers to a place tainted by the immoral actions and practices of its people. It symbolizes a spiritual and moral environment that is corrupt and contrary to God's standards. This concept serves as a warning to the Israelites to remain vigilant and avoid adopting the negative behaviors of those around them.
Why is it important to heed warnings like those in Ezra 9:11?
Heeding warnings like those in Ezra 9:11 is crucial because they guide us in making choices that align with our values and beliefs. Ignoring such warnings can lead to negative influences that compromise our integrity and spiritual well-being. This passage encourages us to be proactive in creating a life that reflects purity and moral strength.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.