Key Verse Spotlight
Ezra 9:3 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" When I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and pulled the hair out of my head and of my beard, and sat down confounded. "
Ezra 9:3
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
1 Now when these things were done, the princes came near to me, saying, “The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, following their abominations, even those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy offspring have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands. Yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.”
3 When I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and pulled the hair out of my head and of my beard, and sat down confounded.
4 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.
5 At the evening offering I rose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to the LORD my God;
Explore Guided Bible Studies
Structured sessions with notes, questions, and advisor insights
The Beatitudes (5-Day Micro)
A short study on Jesus' blessings and the kingdom way.
Session 1 Preview:
Blessed Are the Humble
6 min
Psalms of Comfort (5-Day Micro)
Short, calming sessions grounded in the Psalms.
Session 1 Preview:
The Shepherd's Care
5 min
Create a free account to save notes, track progress, and unlock all sessions
Create Free AccountFrom This Chapter
Ezra 9:1
"Now when these things were done, the princes came near to me, saying, “The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, following their abominations, even those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites."
Ezra 9:2
"For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy offspring have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands. Yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.”"
Ezra 9:4
"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."
Ezra 9:5
"At the evening offering I rose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to the LORD my God;"
Ezra 9:6
"and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have increased over our head, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens."
Ezra 9:7
"Since the days of our fathers we have been exceedingly guilty to this day; and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day."
Daily Prayer
Get a daily Scripture reflection by email
Start each morning with a verse, a prayer, and a simple next step.
Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.
Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.