Ezra in the Bible — The Priest Who Rebuilt the Law

Ezra was a priest and scribe who led the second return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem in 458 BC. His purpose is described in three verbs (Ezra 7:10): 'to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.' When he discovered that the returned exiles had intermarried with pagan peoples, he tore his clothes and prostrated himself before God. His public reading of the Law in Nehemiah 8 — with the Levites helping the people understand it — is one of the greatest moments of national revival in Scripture. Below are 5 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about ezra?

Who is Ezra in the Bible? The priest and scribe who led a second wave of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, whose heart was set on studying, obeying, and teaching the Law of the LORD — and whose public reading of the Law brought a whole nation to tears of repentance.

5 Bible Verses About Ezra (KJV)

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”

Ezra 7:10 KJV — Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts Read Ezra chapter 7 →

“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.”

Ezra 9:6 KJV — Daniel's Prayer and the Seventy Weeks Read Ezra chapter 9 →

“And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.”

Nehemiah 8:3 KJV Read Nehemiah chapter 8 →

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”

Nehemiah 8:8 KJV Read Nehemiah chapter 8 →

“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10 KJV Read Nehemiah chapter 8 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra in the Bible

What does the Bible say about ezra?
Ezra was a priest and scribe who led the second return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem in 458 BC. His purpose is described in three verbs (Ezra 7:10): 'to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.' When he discovered that the returned exiles had intermarried with pagan peoples, he tore his clothes and prostrated himself before God. His public reading of the Law in Nehemiah 8 — with the Levites helping the people understand it — is one of the greatest moments of national revival in Scripture. Key KJV passages: Ezra 7:10, Ezra 9:6, Nehemiah 8:3, Nehemiah 8:8, Nehemiah 8:10.
What are the best Bible verses about ezra?
The most important KJV passages on ezra include: Ezra 7:10, Ezra 9:6, Nehemiah 8:3, Nehemiah 8:8, Nehemiah 8:10. Read all 5 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about ezra?
The Bible addresses ezra throughout both Testaments. Key references include Ezra 7:10, Ezra 9:6, Nehemiah 8:3, Nehemiah 8:8, Nehemiah 8:10. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the Old Testament say about ezra?
Old Testament scriptures on ezra: Ezra 7:10, Ezra 9:6, Nehemiah 8:3, Nehemiah 8:8. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
How do I study Bible verses about ezra?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 5 passages on ezra at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.