Old Testament
Ezra 9:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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."
Compare translations
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.
What Ezra 9:15 means
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.
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
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 9:15
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 9:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 9:15 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.