Ezra 10:5
New International Version
So Ezra rose up and put the leading priests and Levites and all Israel under oath to do what had been suggested. And they took the oath.

New Living Translation
So Ezra stood up and demanded that the leaders of the priests and the Levites and all the people of Israel swear that they would do as Shecaniah had said. And they all swore a solemn oath.

English Standard Version
Then Ezra arose and made the leading priests and Levites and all Israel take an oath that they would do as had been said. So they took the oath.

Berean Standard Bible
So Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said. And they took the oath.

Berean Literal Bible
And Ezra arose, and he made swear an oath the leaders of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, that they would do this according to the word. And they swore an oath.

King James Bible
Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.

New King James Version
Then Ezra arose, and made the leaders of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel swear an oath that they would do according to this word. So they swore an oath.

New American Standard Bible
Then Ezra stood and made the leading priests, the Levites, and all Israel take an oath that they would do according to this proposal; so they took the oath.

NASB 1995
Then Ezra rose and made the leading priests, the Levites and all Israel, take oath that they would do according to this proposal; so they took the oath.

NASB 1977
Then Ezra rose and made the leading priests, the Levites, and all Israel, take oath that they would do according to this proposal; so they took the oath.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Ezra arose and made the leading priests, the Levites and all Israel, swear an oath that they would do according to this word; so they swore an oath.

Amplified Bible
Then Ezra stood and made the leaders of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, take an oath that they would act in accordance with this proposal; so they took the oath.

Berean Annotated Bible
So Ezra (help) got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel (he wrestles with God) take an oath to do what had been said. And they took the oath.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said; so they took the oath.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said; so they took the oath.

American Standard Version
Then arose Ezra, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they sware.

Contemporary English Version
Ezra stood up and made the chief priests, the Levites, and everyone else in Israel swear that they would follow the advice of Shecaniah.

English Revised Version
Then arose Ezra, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they sware.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Ezra got up and made the leaders, priests, Levites, and all the rest of Israel swear to do what they had said. So they took an oath.

Good News Translation
So Ezra began by making the leaders of the priests, of the Levites, and of the rest of the people take an oath that they would do what Shecaniah had proposed.

International Standard Version
So Ezra got up and made the chief priests, the descendants of Levi, and all of Israel vow to carry out everything they promised. And so they agreed.

NET Bible
So Ezra got up and made the leading priests and Levites and all Israel take an oath to carry out this plan. And they all took a solemn oath.

New Heart English Bible
Then Ezra arose, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they swore.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. And they swore.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said. And they took the oath.

World English Bible
Then Ezra arose, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel to swear that they would do according to this word. So they swore.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Ezra rises, and causes the heads of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear to do according to this word—and they swear.

Berean Literal Bible
And Ezra arose, and he made swear an oath the leaders of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, that they would do this according to the word. And they swore an oath.

Young's Literal Translation
And Ezra riseth, and causeth the heads of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear to do according to this word -- and they swear.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Ezra will rise and cause the chiefs to swear, the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to do according to this word. And they will swear.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So Esdras arose, and made the chiefs of the priests and of the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word, and they swore.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, Ezra rose up, and he caused the leaders of the priests and the Levites, and all of Israel, to swear that they would act in accord with this word. And they swore it.

New American Bible
Ezra stood and demanded an oath from the leaders of the priests, from the Levites and from all Israel that they would do as had been proposed; and they swore it.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Ezra stood up and made the leading priests, the Levites, and all Israel swear that they would do as had been said. So they swore.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Ezra the scribe arose and made the elders of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel to swear that they would do according to this command. And they swore.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Azra the Scribe stood and made the Elders, the Priests and the Levites and all Israel swear to do according to this commandment, and they swore.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then arose Ezra, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they swore.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then Esdras arose, and caused the rulers, the priests, and Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word: and they swore.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Shecaniah's Encouragement
4Get up, for this matter is your responsibility, and we will support you. Be strong and take action!” 5So Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said. And they took the oath.

Cross References
So Ezra got up

Ezra 9:5
At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation with my tunic and cloak torn, and I fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God,

Nehemiah 8:4-6
Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for this occasion. At his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and at his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. / Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all, and as he opened it, all the people stood up. / Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

Daniel 10:11
He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man who is highly precious. Consider carefully the words that I am about to say to you. Stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had said this to me, I stood up trembling.
and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel

2 Chronicles 30:25
Then the whole assembly of Judah rejoiced along with the priests and Levites and the whole assembly that had come from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and those who lived in Judah.

Nehemiah 10:28
“The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand,

Joshua 24:1-2
Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. / And Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your fathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates and worshiped other gods.
take an oath to do what had been said.

Nehemiah 10:29
hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.

Numbers 30:2
If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23
If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
And they took the oath.

Judges 21:1-2
Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, “Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite.” / So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly.

Joshua 9:15
And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.

2 Chronicles 15:14-15
They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. / And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
Nehemiah 5:12-13
“We will restore it,” they replied, “and will require nothing more from them. We will do as you say.” So I summoned the priests and required of the nobles and officials an oath that they would do what they had promised. / I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, “May God likewise shake out of his house and possessions every man who does not keep this promise. May such a man be shaken out and have nothing!” The whole assembly said, “Amen,” and they praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised.

2 Kings 23:3
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.

2 Chronicles 34:31-32
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. / Then he had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand in agreement to it. So all the people of Jerusalem carried out the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.

Joshua 24:25
On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance.


Treasury of Scripture

Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they swore.

arose

Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 9:9
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

made

Ezra 10:3
Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

Nehemiah 5:12
Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

Nehemiah 10:29
They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

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Causeth Chief Chiefs Ezra Heads Israel Levites Oath Priests Proposal Riseth Rose Sware Swear Swore Word
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Causeth Chief Chiefs Ezra Heads Israel Levites Oath Priests Proposal Riseth Rose Sware Swear Swore Word
Ezra 10
1. Ezra encouraged to reform the strange marriages
6. Ezra assembles the people
9. The people repent, and promise amendment
15. The care to perform it
18. The names of them which had married strange wives












So Ezra got up
Ezra, a scribe and priest, plays a pivotal role in the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. His leadership is crucial in guiding the people back to the Law of Moses. This phrase indicates his proactive stance in addressing the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which was against the covenantal laws given to Israel.

and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel
The inclusion of leading priests and Levites highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in Israel. These groups were responsible for teaching and upholding the Law. By involving "all Israel," it underscores the communal responsibility and collective action required to rectify the situation. This reflects the covenant community's need for unity in obedience to God's commands.

take an oath to do what had been said
Oaths were serious commitments in ancient Israel, often invoking God's name as a witness. This oath was a solemn promise to adhere to the decision to separate from foreign wives, as outlined in the previous verses. The act of taking an oath signifies a binding agreement, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for repentance and reform.

And they took the oath.
The people's compliance indicates their acknowledgment of the sin and their willingness to correct it. This act of obedience is a step towards spiritual renewal and aligns with the broader biblical theme of repentance and restoration. It also foreshadows the New Testament call to live in accordance with God's will, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in restoring the law and religious practices among the Israelites.

2. Leading Priests
These were the chief religious leaders responsible for maintaining the spiritual integrity of the people and the temple services.

3. Levites
Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and assisting the priests in temple services.

4. All Israel
Refers to the community of Israelites who had returned from exile and were living in Jerusalem and surrounding areas.

5. The Oath
A solemn promise made by the leaders and the people to adhere to the reforms suggested by Ezra, particularly concerning the issue of intermarriage with foreign women.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Ezra's role as a leader was crucial in guiding the people back to God's commandments. Spiritual leaders today must also be committed to upholding and teaching biblical truths.

The Power of Community Commitment
The collective oath taken by the Israelites underscores the strength found in communal dedication to God's will. Believers are encouraged to support one another in their spiritual journeys.

The Seriousness of Oaths and Promises
Making an oath before God is a serious matter that requires sincerity and follow-through. Christians should be mindful of their commitments and strive to live with integrity.

Addressing Sin in the Community
Ezra's actions demonstrate the need to confront and correct sin within the community. Believers are called to lovingly address sin while seeking restoration and reconciliation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezra 10:5?

2. How does Ezra 10:5 demonstrate the importance of leadership in spiritual reform?

3. What role does taking an oath play in ensuring accountability among believers?

4. How can Ezra's actions in Ezra 10:5 inspire modern church leaders today?

5. What scriptural connections exist between Ezra 10:5 and covenant renewal in the Old Testament?

6. How can we apply the principle of communal commitment to our church community?

7. Why did Ezra make the leaders take an oath in Ezra 10:5?

8. How does Ezra 10:5 reflect on leadership and accountability?

9. What historical context led to the events in Ezra 10:5?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 10?

11. If the numbers in Nehemiah 7 differ from parallel lists in Ezra, which set of figures is historically accurate, and why do they conflict?

12. How can Nehemiah 10:31's strict Sabbath regulations be feasible, given the economic and agricultural demands of that era?

13. Why do Nehemiah 8:9-12 command people to rejoice instead of mourning if they had just realized their past failures?

14. Is the extensive list of names in Nehemiah 10:1-27 historically consistent with known genealogical records, or are there discrepancies?
What Does Ezra 10:5 Mean
So Ezra got up

• Ezra’s immediate action shows godly leadership. He doesn’t stay prostrate in grief (Ezra 10:1–4) but rises to steer the people toward obedience, echoing Joshua 7:10, where God tells Joshua to “Stand up!” after intercession.

• Spiritual responsiveness matters: prayer leads to practical obedience (James 2:17). Ezra moves from confession (chapter 9) to correction (chapter 10), modeling 1 John 3:18—“let us love not in word…but in deed.”


and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath

• Ezra starts with leaders; accountability begins at the top (Leviticus 4:3; 1 Timothy 4:16).

• Involving “all Israel” shows corporate responsibility (Nehemiah 8:2–3). Sin in the community affects everyone (Joshua 7:1).

• An oath before God is serious: Numbers 30:2 warns that a vow must be kept. Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 stresses fulfilling vows quickly.

• By binding themselves, the people publicly affirm alignment with God’s covenant (Deuteronomy 29:10–13).


to do what had been said

• “What had been said” refers to the proposed repentance plan: separating from pagan marriages (Ezra 10:2–4).

• Obedience to Scripture outweighs cultural pressures; Israel must remain a distinct people for Messiah’s lineage (Deuteronomy 7:3–4; Malachi 2:11).

• Genuine repentance includes concrete steps, not mere emotion (Luke 3:8).


And they took the oath

• The people respond positively, fulfilling Proverbs 29:18—without vision people perish, but here the vision is clear repentance.

• Their unified commitment anticipates later covenant renewals (Nehemiah 9–10).

• Taking the oath marks a turning point: from compromise to covenant faithfulness, illustrating 2 Chronicles 7:14’s promise of restoration when God’s people humble themselves and turn.


summary

Ezra rises from prayer into decisive leadership, beginning with those most accountable, and calls the entire community to bind themselves before God. The oath signals wholehearted repentance and a resolve to obey Scripture, safeguarding Israel’s purity and future. The verse reminds us that genuine revival moves from heartfelt confession to tangible, covenant-keeping action.

Verse 5. - Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests... to swear. Rather, "made the princes, the priests, etc. to swear" LXX.). That they would do according to this word. That they would act in the matter as Shechaniah had recommended, and put away the idolatrous wives. EZRA'S FAST (ver. 6). Matters having reached this point, the covenant having been made, and the only question remaining for consideration being how the decision come to should be carried out, Ezra "rose up," and withdrew himself for a time from the people, entering into one of the side chambers of the temple, and secluding himself there. The guilt of his brethren still pressed heavily on his spirit, and he continued the mourning which he had commenced as soon as it came to his ears. To this mourning he now joined a fast of the strictest kind, an entire abstinence both from eating and drinking, like that of Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). Natural piety seems to have taught men generally (Jonah 3:5-7), and the Jews among them, that such abstinence was a fitting accompaniment of penitential prayer, and might be counted on to lend it additional force with Almighty God. Compare the private and personal fasts of David (2 Samuel 12:16), Ahab (1 Kings 21:27), Daniel (Daniel 9:3), and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Ezra
עֶזְרָ֡א (‘ez·rā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5830: Ezra -- 'help', three Israelites

got up
וַיָּ֣קָם (way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

and made the leading
שָׂרֵי֩ (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

priests,
הַכֹּהֲנִ֨ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

Levites,
הַלְוִיִּ֜ם (hal·wî·yim)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

take an oath
וַיַּשְׁבַּ֣ע (way·yaš·ba‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

to do what had been said.
לַעֲשׂ֛וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

And they took the oath.
וַיִּשָּׁבֵֽעוּ׃ (way·yiš·šā·ḇê·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear


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OT History: Ezra 10:5 Then arose Ezra and made the chiefs (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 10:4
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