Old Testament

Ezra 9:12

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this passage, Ezra is advising the people to avoid intermarriage with those outside their community.

Author
Ezra the priest and scribe
Written
Around 440 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Returning Jewish exiles
CBTClear Bible Translation

So do not give your daughters to their sons, and do not take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek their peace or their wealth forever, so that you may be strong, enjoy the good things of the land, and leave it as an inheritance to your children forever.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, Ezra is advising the people to avoid intermarriage with those outside their community. He emphasizes that these relationships could lead them away from their values and weaken their identity. By not seeking alliances with others for peace or wealth, they can remain strong and enjoy the blessings of their land. This is not just about personal choices; it’s about the future of their children and the legacy they will leave behind. The message is clear: prioritize your community and values to ensure a prosperous future. The focus is on maintaining integrity and strength as a people, which ultimately benefits the next generation. This guidance serves as a reminder to be mindful of the influences we allow into our lives and how they can shape our future. It’s about making choices that align with our core beliefs and protecting what is important to us, ensuring that we pass on a rich heritage to those who come after us. The call is to be intentional in relationships and community engagement.

Key themes

Related topics

community, values, legacy

How to apply Ezra 9:12 to your life

Consider the relationships you cultivate in your life. Are they aligned with your values and beliefs? Focus on building connections that strengthen your community and support your goals. Remember, the choices you make today will impact future generations. Choose wisely and intentionally in your relationships and commitments to ensure a positive legacy for your children and community.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezra Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezra 9:12 say about intermarriage?

Ezra 9:12 advises against intermarriage with people outside the community. It emphasizes that such unions can dilute cultural and religious values, leading to a weakened identity. The verse encourages maintaining strong community ties and values to ensure a prosperous future.

Why is community emphasized in Ezra 9:12?

Community is emphasized in Ezra 9:12 because the strength and identity of the people depend on their unity and shared values. By avoiding alliances that could compromise their beliefs, they can enjoy the blessings of their land and pass on a strong legacy to future generations.

How can Ezra 9:12 be applied today?

Today, Ezra 9:12 can be applied by evaluating the relationships we form. It's important to build connections that align with our values and support our community. Being intentional about our relationships can help ensure that we create a positive legacy for future generations.

What is the main message of Ezra 9:12?

The main message of Ezra 9:12 is to prioritize community and values over external alliances. It stresses the importance of maintaining integrity and strength as a people, which ultimately benefits future generations. The verse serves as a reminder to be mindful of influences that can shape our identity.

The Book of Ezra
Book Summary

The Book of Ezra

Ezra 1

In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, the Lord stirs his spirit to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah. Cyrus makes a proclamation throughout his kingdom and puts it in writing, stating that the Lord God of heaven has given him all the kingdoms of the earth and has charged him to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. He grants permission for any of God’s people to return to Jerusalem to build the house of the Lord God of Israel, and he encourages those who remain behind to support the returning exiles with silver, gold, goods, and beasts, in addition to a freewill offering for the house of God.

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