Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice. New Living Translation Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel came and sat with me because of this outrage committed by the returned exiles. And I sat there utterly appalled until the time of the evening sacrifice. English Standard Version Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around me while I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice. Berean Standard Bible Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering. Berean Literal Bible And they assembled to me—everyone trembling at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the exiles. And I sat appalled until the sacrifice of the evening. King James Bible Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice. New King James Version Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel assembled to me, because of the transgression of those who had been carried away captive, and I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice. New American Standard Bible Then everyone who was frightened by the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me, and I sat appalled until the evening offering. NASB 1995 Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me, and I sat appalled until the evening offering. NASB 1977 Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me, and I sat appalled until the evening offering. Legacy Standard Bible Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me, and I sat appalled until the evening offering. Amplified Bible Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me as I sat appalled until the evening offering. Berean Annotated Bible Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God {Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God) gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering. Christian Standard Bible Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me, because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat devastated until the evening offering. Holman Christian Standard Bible Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me, because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat devastated until the evening offering. American Standard Version Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of them of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening oblation. Contemporary English Version until the time for the evening sacrifice. Many of our people were greatly concerned and gathered around me, because the God of Israel had warned us to stay away from foreigners. English Revised Version Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of them of the captivity; and I sat astonied until the evening oblation. GOD'S WORD® Translation Since the former exiles had been unfaithful, everyone who gathered around me there trembled at the words of the God of Israel. I sat in shock until the evening sacrifice. Good News Translation I sat there grieving until the time for the evening sacrifice to be offered, and people began to gather around me--all those who were frightened because of what the God of Israel had said about the sins of those who had returned from exile. International Standard Version Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered together as a group because of the sin committed by those who had been led astray. As for me, I remained seated, in shock, until the evening sacrifice. NET Bible Everyone who held the words of the God of Israel in awe gathered around me because of the unfaithful acts of the people of the exile. Devastated, I continued to sit there until the evening offering. New Heart English Bible Then were assembled to me everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of their trespass of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening offering. Webster's Bible Translation Then were assembled to me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat confounded until the evening sacrifice. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering. World English Bible Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel were assembled to me because of the trespass of the exiles; and I sat confounded until the evening offering. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand to me are gathered everyone trembling at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the expulsion, and I am sitting astonished until the present of the evening. Berean Literal Bible And they assembled to me—everyone trembling at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the exiles. And I sat appalled until the sacrifice of the evening. Young's Literal Translation and unto me are gathered every one trembling at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the removal, and I am sitting astonished till the present of the evening. Smith's Literal Translation And to me all will assemble, trembling at the word of the God of Israel for the transgression of the exile; and I sat astonished till the sacrifice of the evening. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there were assembled to me all that feared the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that were come from the captivity, and I sat sorrowful, until the evening sacrifice. Catholic Public Domain Version Then all those who feared the word of the God of Israel gathered to me, because of the transgression of those who had arrived from the captivity. And I sat in sorrow, until the evening sacrifice. New American Bible Around me gathered all who were in dread of the sentence of the God of Israel on the apostasy of the exiles, while I remained devastated until the evening sacrifice. New Revised Standard Version Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around me while I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen all those who were diligent concerning the word of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of the exiles, assembled before me; and I sat speechless until the ninth hour. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all those who were concerning themselves about the word of the God of Israel assembled to me about the evil that the children of the captivity had done, and I was sitting and was speechless until the ninth hour. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of them of the captivity; and I sat appalled until the evening offering. Brenton Septuagint Translation Then there assembled to me all that followed the word of the God of Israel, on account of the transgression of the captivity; and I remained mourning until the evening sacrifice. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Intermarriage with Neighboring Peoples…3When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror. 4Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering. Cross References Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel Isaiah 66:5 You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the LORD: “Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!’ But they will be put to shame.” Isaiah 66:2 Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. Psalm 119:120 My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments. gathered around me Exodus 32:26 So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. 1 Samuel 22:2 And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. Nehemiah 8:1 At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, 2 Chronicles 36:14-16 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people multiplied their unfaithful deeds, following all the abominations of the nations, and they defiled the house of the LORD, which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. / Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. Nehemiah 9:33-37 You are just in all that has befallen us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly. / Our kings and leaders and priests and fathers did not obey Your law or listen to Your commandments and warnings that You gave them. / For even while they were in their kingdom, with the abundant goodness that You had given them, and in the spacious and fertile land that You had set before them, they would not serve You or turn from their wicked ways. … Daniel 9:5-7 we have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled. We have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances. / We have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, leaders, fathers, and all the people of the land. / To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You. while I sat there in horror Ezekiel 3:15 I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. Daniel 8:27 I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was confounded by the vision; it was beyond understanding. until the evening offering. 1 Kings 18:36 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. Daniel 9:21 while I was still praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. Ezra 3:3 They set up the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD—both the morning and evening burnt offerings—even though they feared the people of the land. Nehemiah 1:4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Daniel 9:3-4 So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. / And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed, “O, Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion to those who love Him and keep His commandments, Treasury of Scripture Then were assembled to me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice. trembled 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. 2 Chronicles 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. Psalm 119:136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. until Exodus 29:39 The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even: Daniel 9:21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. Jump to Previous Account Appalled Assembled Astonied Captivity Carried Confounded Evening Exiles Faithlessness Fear Gathered Grief Israel Kept Oblation Offering Overcome Overwhelmed Round Sacrifice Sat Together Transgression Trembled Trespass Unfaithfulness WordsJump to Next Account Appalled Assembled Astonied Captivity Carried Confounded Evening Exiles Faithlessness Fear Gathered Grief Israel Kept Oblation Offering Overcome Overwhelmed Round Sacrifice Sat Together Transgression Trembled Trespass Unfaithfulness WordsEzra 9 1. Ezra mourns for the affinity of the people with strangers5. He prays unto God, with confession of sins Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel This phrase highlights the reverence and fear of the Lord that characterized those who were faithful to God's covenant. The "words of the God of Israel" refer to the Law and commandments given through Moses, which were central to Jewish life and worship. This trembling indicates a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority. It echoes Isaiah 66:2, where God esteems those who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at His word. This reverence is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles while I sat there in horror until the evening offering Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was deeply concerned about the spiritual state of the returned exiles. 2. The Exiles The Israelites who had returned from Babylonian captivity. They were struggling with maintaining their covenantal faithfulness to God. 3. Those Who Trembled at the Words of God A group of Israelites who were deeply reverent and fearful of God's commands, indicating a sincere devotion and awareness of their spiritual condition. 4. The Evening Offering A regular sacrificial offering made in the temple, symbolizing a time of prayer and reflection. 5. Unfaithfulness of the Exiles Refers to the sin of intermarriage with pagan nations, which was against God's commands and threatened the purity of the Israelite community. Teaching Points Reverence for God's WordTrue reverence for God's word involves a deep respect and fear of disobeying His commands. This reverence should lead us to gather with others who share this commitment to holiness. Community Accountability The gathering of those who trembled at God's words around Ezra shows the importance of community in maintaining faithfulness. We should seek out and support one another in our spiritual journeys. Response to Sin Ezra's reaction to the unfaithfulness of the exiles—sitting appalled—demonstrates the seriousness with which we should view sin. It should grieve us and lead us to seek God's guidance and forgiveness. Importance of Regular Worship The mention of the evening offering reminds us of the importance of regular worship and reflection in our lives. It is a time to realign our hearts with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 9:4?2. How does Ezra 9:4 demonstrate the importance of reverence for God's commands? 3. What actions can we take when witnessing others' disobedience to God's laws? 4. How does Ezra's response in 9:4 relate to Nehemiah's reaction in Nehemiah 1:4? 5. In what ways can we show our commitment to God's word today? 6. How can we encourage others to tremble at God's words in our community? 7. What does Ezra 9:4 reveal about the consequences of intermarriage with foreign nations? 8. How does Ezra 9:4 reflect the importance of obedience to God's commandments? 9. Why were the people in Ezra 9:4 trembling at God's words? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 9? 11. Is the Corporate Confession of Sin biblically supported? 12. Should Ezra have ordered abandoning foreign wives and children? 13. Considering Ezra 9:3–4, why does the text portray intermarriage so severely, when similar unions elsewhere in the Bible are treated with less alarm? 14. Why should Zerubbabel's promise in Zechariah 4:9 be taken literally, given the lack of archaeological evidence for a miraculous reconstruction of the temple? What Does Ezra 9:4 Mean Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel– Ezra notes a remnant whose hearts are soft and responsive. • They “trembled,” not from superstition but deep reverence, the same spirit seen in Isaiah 66:2 – “trembles at My word.” • This trembling reflects genuine faith working through obedience (Philippians 2:12). • God consistently distinguishes between those who treat His word lightly and those who revere it (Jeremiah 26:2–3; Malachi 3:16). • The verse reminds us that true spiritual life is marked by a sensitive conscience before Scripture’s authority (Psalm 119:120). Gathered around me – Ezra becomes a focal point for like-minded believers. • The righteous naturally seek fellowship with those who share conviction (Psalm 119:63; 2 Kings 23:1–3). • Their gathering serves mutual encouragement and public witness, much like the early church assembling around the apostles (Acts 2:42–47). • God often raises a leader to rally His people toward repentance and reform (Judges 2:16; Nehemiah 8:1). Because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles – The immediate cause is covenant violation through intermarriage with pagan nations (Ezra 9:1–2; Deuteronomy 7:3–4). • “Unfaithfulness” points to spiritual adultery, turning from the Lord to idol-laden cultures (Hosea 1:2; James 4:4). • Judgment had already driven Israel into exile; repeating the same sin so soon after return was shocking (2 Chronicles 36:14–21; Psalm 85:8). • The gathered remnant recognizes sin corporately, not merely individually, echoing Daniel’s confession for his people (Daniel 9:4–11). While I sat there in horror until the evening offering – Ezra’s response is visceral silence and grief. • “Sat…in horror” pictures righteous anguish over sin (Psalm 119:53; Lamentations 3:28–29). • He waits “until the evening offering,” the regular sacrifice at twilight (Exodus 29:39; Daniel 9:21). • The timing shows that confession and intercession must align with God-appointed means of atonement; Ezra positions himself to plead on the basis of the sacrificial system pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11–14). • His posture teaches that genuine repentance is neither rushed nor superficial; it lingers until it can be brought before God in worship (Joel 2:12–17). summary Ezra 9:4 records a faithful minority who revere God’s word, rally to a godly leader, grieve over collective sin, and wait upon the Lord’s ordained sacrifice. The verse calls believers to tender hearts, corporate solidarity in holiness, honest lament over unfaithfulness, and hope rooted in God’s provision for atonement. Verse 4. - Then were assembled unto me. The open manifestation by Ezra of his grief and horror produced an immediate effect. A crowd assembled around him, attracted by the unusual sight - partly sympathizing, partly no doubt curious. Every one came that trembled at the words of the God of Israel; by which is meant not so much all God-fearing persons (see Isaiah 66:2) as all who were alarmed at the transgression of the commands of God (Ezra 10:3), and at the threats which the Law contained against transgressors (Deuteronomy 7:4). Because of the transgression of those that had been carried away. The transgression of "the children of the captivity" (Ezra 4:1) - of those who had been removed to Babylon and had returned under Zerubbabel. I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice. As morning is the time for business in the East, we may assume that the princes had waited upon Ezra tolerably early in the day - before noon, at any rate - to communicate their intelligence. The evening sacrifice took place at three in the afternoon. Ezra must, therefore, either from the intensity of his own feelings or with the view of impressing the people, have "sat astonied" - speechless and motionless - for several hours. EZRA'S CONFESSION AND PRAYER TO GOD (Ezra 9:5-15). The most remarkable feature of Ezra's confession is the thoroughness with which he identifies himself with his erring countrymen, blushes for their transgressions, and is ashamed for their misconduct. All their sins he appears to consider as his sins, all their disobedience as his disobedience, all their perils as his perils. Another striking feature is his sense of the exceeding sinfulness of the particular sin of the time (see vers. 6, 7, 10). He views it as a "great trespass" - one that "is grown up into the heavens" - which is equivalent to a complete forsaking of God's commandments, and on account of Which he and his people "cannot stand before" God. This feeling seems based partly on the nature of the sin itself (ver. 14), but also, and in an especial way, on a strong sense of the ingratitude shown by the people in turning from God so soon after he had forgiven their former sins against him, and allowed them to return from the captivity, rebuild the temple, and re-establish themselves as a nation. If after their deliverance they again fell away, the sin could not but be unpardonable; and the punishment to be expected was a final uprooting and destruction from which there could be no recovery (vers. 13, 14).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then everyoneכֹּ֤ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who trembled חָרֵד֙ (ḥā·rêḏ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2730: Fearful, reverential at the words בְּדִבְרֵ֣י (bə·ḏiḇ·rê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the God אֱלֹהֵֽי־ (’ĕ·lō·hê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc gathered יֵאָסְפ֗וּ (yê·’ā·sə·p̄ū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove around me וְאֵלַ֣י (wə·’ê·lay) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to because of עַ֖ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the unfaithfulness מַ֣עַל (ma·‘al) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4604: An unfaithful or treacherous act of the exiles, הַגּוֹלָ֑ה (hag·gō·w·lāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1473: Exile, exiles while I וַאֲנִי֙ (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I sat there יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in horror מְשׁוֹמֵ֔ם (mə·šō·w·mêm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8074: To stun, devastate, stupefy until עַ֖ד (‘aḏ) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while the evening הָעָֽרֶב׃ (hā·‘ā·reḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6153: Evening offering. לְמִנְחַ֥ת (lə·min·ḥaṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering Links Ezra 9:4 NIVEzra 9:4 NLT Ezra 9:4 ESV Ezra 9:4 NASB Ezra 9:4 KJV Ezra 9:4 BibleApps.com Ezra 9:4 Biblia Paralela Ezra 9:4 Chinese Bible Ezra 9:4 French Bible Ezra 9:4 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 9:4 Then were assembled to me everyone who (Ezr. 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