Old Testament
Ezra 9:15
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, the speaker acknowledges the righteousness of God, recognizing that they are a small group who has survived despite their failures.
- Author
- Ezra the priest and scribe
- Written
- Around 440 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Returning Jewish exiles
LORD, God of Israel, you are righteous. We stand here today as a remnant that has survived — and look at us: we are before you, drenched in our guilt. No one can stand in your presence because of this."
O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the speaker acknowledges the righteousness of God, recognizing that they are a small group who has survived despite their failures. They stand before God, fully aware of their guilt and shortcomings. This admission highlights the weight of their mistakes, making it clear that no one can approach God without acknowledging their flaws. The speaker's honesty reflects a deep understanding of their relationship with God, emphasizing the need for humility and repentance. They realize that their sins create a barrier between them and God, making it impossible to stand confidently in His presence. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing our own faults and the need for grace. It invites us to reflect on our own lives and the ways we may fall short, encouraging a sincere approach to seeking forgiveness and restoration with God. Ultimately, it’s about understanding our need for divine mercy and the hope that comes from acknowledging our imperfections.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezra 9:15 to your life
We can learn from this passage the importance of being honest about our shortcomings. Acknowledging our mistakes allows us to seek forgiveness and grow. Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you need to ask for grace and make amends with others and yourself. This can lead to healing and deeper connections with God and those around you. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “This chapter highlights the importance of recognizing our guilt before God. It
Curated for this public verse page. Ezra Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezra 9:15 mean?
Ezra 9:15 expresses the speaker's acknowledgment of God's righteousness and their own guilt. It highlights the idea that they are a small remnant who has survived despite their failures, emphasizing the need for humility and repentance before God.
What is the significance of the remnant in Ezra 9:15?
The remnant in Ezra 9:15 refers to the small group of people who have survived and returned to God after facing judgment. This signifies hope and the possibility of restoration, even after experiencing failure and guilt.
How does Ezra 9:15 relate to humility and repentance?
Ezra 9:15 emphasizes the importance of humility and repentance by showing that recognizing one's guilt is essential for a genuine relationship with God. It teaches that acknowledging our flaws is the first step toward seeking forgiveness.
What themes are present in Ezra 9:15?
Key themes in Ezra 9:15 include righteousness, guilt, the concept of a remnant, humility, and the need for repentance. These themes highlight the relationship between human failure and divine mercy.

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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