Old Testament
Ezra 9:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I prayed, "O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have increased over our heads, and our trespass has grown up to the heavens."
Compare translations
And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.
What Ezra 9:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this heartfelt prayer, Ezra expresses deep shame and embarrassment before God. He acknowledges the weight of their wrongdoings, which have become overwhelming, almost as if they are towering over them. Ezra feels unworthy to even look up to God because of the seriousness of their sins. He recognizes that their actions have not only affected them but have also created a rift between them and God. This moment highlights the importance of humility and the need for repentance. Ezra's honesty in admitting their failures serves as a powerful reminder of the need to confront our mistakes. It’s a call to recognize the impact of our choices and to seek forgiveness. This prayer reflects a deep understanding of the consequences of turning away from what is right and the need for restoration. It’s a moment of vulnerability that invites us to reflect on our own lives and the areas where we may need to seek reconciliation with God and others. Ezra’s words resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of their own shortcomings.
How to apply Ezra 9:6 to your life
When we recognize our mistakes, it’s important to approach them with humility. Like Ezra, we can express our feelings to God honestly. This can lead to healing and a fresh start. Take time to reflect on your actions and seek to make amends where necessary. Remember, it’s never too late to turn back to what is right and seek forgiveness from others and God. In doing so, we can find peace and restoration in our
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 9:6
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 9:6
Related Bible verses
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 9:6 mean?
Ezra 9:6 expresses Ezra's deep shame and embarrassment before God due to the sins of the people. He acknowledges that their wrongdoings have become overwhelming, creating a barrier between them and God.
What is the significance of shame in Ezra 9:6?
Shame in Ezra 9:6 highlights the importance of humility and recognition of one's faults. Ezra's feelings of shame reflect a sincere acknowledgment of the consequences of their actions and the need for repentance.
What does Ezra mean by 'our iniquities have increased over our heads'?
This phrase indicates that the people's sins have become too great to bear, symbolizing the overwhelming nature of their wrongdoings. It suggests that their actions have reached a point where they can no longer ignore the seriousness of their situation.
How does Ezra 9:6 relate to the theme of repentance?
Ezra 9:6 is a powerful example of repentance, as it shows Ezra admitting their failures and seeking God's forgiveness. His honest prayer serves as a reminder of the need to confront our mistakes and seek restoration.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.