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
About the Book of Ezra
Ezra describes the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon under Persian rule. In the first part, Zerubbabel leads a group back after Cyrus's decree, and they rebuild the altar and lay the temple foundation. Opposition from neighbors stalls the work until the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people, and the temple is finished. In the second part, Ezra the scribe arrives decades later with a copy of the law, discovers that many have married foreign wives, and leads a painful public confession.
- Testament: Old Testament
- Genre: History
- Chapters: 10
- Verses: 280
Who Wrote Ezra, and When?
Author: Traditionally Ezra the priest, with older source documents.
When it was written: Probably written around the 5th century BC, covering events from 538 to about 458 BC.
Main Themes in Ezra
- Restoration
- Opposition and perseverance
- Return to the law
A Key Verse: Ezra 7:10
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.
This verse describes Ezra's habit of studying, practicing and teaching the law, which explains why he was the right person for the job.
Reading Tip
Some sections are written in Aramaic, the diplomatic language of the Persian empire, because they quote official letters. Use the randomizer above to land on a verse in Ezra, then press Show context to read the verses around it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters and verses are in Ezra?
Ezra has 10 chapters and 280 verses in the King James Version.
Who wrote Ezra?
Author: Traditionally Ezra the priest, with older source documents. When it was written: Probably written around the 5th century BC, covering events from 538 to about 458 BC.
What is Ezra about?
Ezra describes the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon under Persian rule. In the first part, Zerubbabel leads a group back after Cyrus's decree, and they rebuild the altar and lay the temple foundation. Opposition from neighbors stalls the work until the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people, and the temple is finished. In the second part, Ezra the scribe arrives decades later with a copy of the law, discovers that many have married foreign wives, and leads a painful public confession.
Can I get a random verse from only Ezra?
Yes. This page picks a random verse from Ezra only. Every one of its 280 verses has an equal chance.