Ezra 10:38

KJV

And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Bani {H1137}, and Binnui {H1131}, Shimei {H8096},

Complete Jewish Bible

Bani, Binui, Shim'i,

Berean Standard Bible

From the descendants of Binnui:

American Standard Version

and Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 10:38, listing "Bani, and Binnui, Shimei," forms a crucial part of the meticulous record of Israelites who had taken foreign wives and subsequently covenanted to put them away. This verse, though seemingly a simple enumeration of names, underscores the profound commitment to spiritual purity and covenant fidelity that characterized the post-exilic community's radical reform. It highlights the thoroughness of the process initiated by Ezra and the personal accountability exacted from each individual in restoring the nation's distinct identity before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 10:38 is situated within the final section of the book of Ezra, specifically chapter 10, which details the solemn assembly and subsequent actions taken to address the widespread sin of intermarriage. Following Ezra's deep distress and prayer in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer and Confession"), the people, led by Shecaniah, propose a covenant to put away their foreign wives and children, acknowledging their transgression against God's law (see [Ezra 10:1-5](/ezra/10-1 "Ezra 10:1-5 - The Covenant to Put Away Foreign Wives")). The remainder of the chapter (verses 18-44) provides a detailed and exhaustive list of the men who were found guilty of this sin and who subsequently committed to the purification process. The inclusion of specific names, like those in [Ezra 10:38](/ezra/10-38 "Ezra 10:38 - Names of Those Who Intermarried"), emphasizes the personal nature of the repentance and the comprehensive scope of the reform, leaving no individual unaccounted for in the community's restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 10 unfold in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period, likely around 458 BC, following the return of a significant group of Jewish exiles from Babylon under Ezra's leadership. Having endured seventy years of Babylonian captivity, the returned community was acutely aware of the consequences of national disobedience. The intermarriage with the surrounding pagan peoples was not merely a social issue but a direct violation of the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")) and a grave threat to the spiritual and ethnic distinctiveness of Israel. This practice had historically led to idolatry and assimilation, undermining Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The drastic measures taken, including the dissolution of marriages, reflect the community's desperate attempt to prevent a relapse into the sins that led to their exile and to re-establish their identity as a holy people set apart for God in the land.

* **Key Themes:** The listing of names in [Ezra 10:38](/ezra/10-38 "Ezra 10:38 - Names of Those Who Intermarried") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra and the post-exilic narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Purity and Holiness**, emphasizing the imperative for Israel to remain distinct and undefiled by pagan influences to maintain their unique relationship with God. This is intrinsically linked to **Repentance and Obedience**, as the people's willingness to make painful personal sacrifices demonstrates a profound commitment to turn from sin and obey God's commands. The meticulous listing of names also highlights the theme of **Accountability**, showing that sin has personal consequences and that communal restoration requires individual reckoning. Finally, the entire reform speaks to the theme of **Restoration and Re-establishment of Identity**, as the returned exiles sought to solidify their spiritual foundation and rebuild their national identity upon the bedrock of God's law after the trauma of exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bani (Hebrew, _bānî'_):** This name, meaning "my builder" or "son of my building," appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with Levites or heads of families. In Ezra 10:38, its inclusion signifies an individual who, despite his lineage or standing, had succumbed to the sin of intermarriage. The very act of naming "Bani" (and others) in this public record underscores the principle of individual accountability within the community. It's not merely a general decree against intermarriage, but a specific, personal reckoning for each man involved, regardless of his background or tribal affiliation. The listing of proper names transforms an abstract command into a concrete act of obedience and purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Bani,"**: This phrase introduces the first individual named in this specific verse, serving as a distinct entry in the comprehensive list of those who had taken foreign wives. The conjunction "And" links this name to the preceding ones in the larger enumeration, emphasizing the continuity and thoroughness of the record. The inclusion of "Bani" signifies that no one was overlooked in the community's effort to purify itself and that each man was personally identified and held responsible for his actions.
* **"and Binnui,"**: Following "Bani," "Binnui" is presented as another distinct individual on the list. "Binnui" means "my building" or "built." The repetition of the conjunctive "and" reinforces the meticulous nature of the record-keeping, ensuring that each name is given its due prominence as a participant in the transgression and subsequent covenant. The presence of multiple names within a single verse, and across the chapter, highlights the widespread nature of the problem and the extensive scope of the required reform.
* **"Shimei,"**: The final name in this verse, "Shimei," meaning "renowned" or "he has heard," continues the pattern of individual identification. The listing of "Shimei" alongside "Bani" and "Binnui" further exemplifies the comprehensive nature of the reform. The very act of committing these names to written record served as both a historical testament to a pivotal moment of repentance and a public acknowledgment of personal sin and the subsequent commitment to covenant fidelity. Each name represents a personal journey of confession and a public act of obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 10:38, and indeed throughout [Ezra 10:18-44](/ezra/10-18 "Ezra 10:18-44 - List of Those Who Intermarried"), is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. This detailed cataloging of names serves several crucial functions. Firstly, it provides a powerful sense of **Verisimilitude** and historical authenticity, lending credibility to the narrative by presenting a precise record of events and individuals. Secondly, the act of naming each person underscores the principle of **Individual Accountability** within the community; sin is not treated as an abstract concept but as a personal transgression requiring specific, personal repentance. Thirdly, the sheer volume and meticulousness of the list convey the **Thoroughness** and uncompromising nature of the reform initiated by Ezra. It demonstrates that the problem of intermarriage was widespread and that the solution required comprehensive and painful action, leaving no one overlooked. This detailed **Record-Keeping** also serves as a permanent testament to a pivotal moment in Israel's post-exilic history, when the returned exiles recommitted themselves to God's covenant and sought to prevent future spiritual decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 10:38, as part of the extensive list of those who put away foreign wives, underscores a profound theological truth: God's demand for holiness and the integrity of His covenant people. The drastic measures taken reflect the seriousness with which God views actions that compromise spiritual integrity, dilute faith, or lead to assimilation with idolatrous practices. This commitment to purity was not merely an ethnic or social concern but a theological imperative for Israel to fulfill its role as a distinct, holy nation set apart to bear witness to Yahweh. The willingness of individuals to make such painful sacrifices highlights the transformative power of genuine repentance and the communal responsibility to uphold divine standards, even when it demands difficult and personally costly choices.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")
* [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Action Against Intermarriage")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality presented in Ezra 10:38 and its surrounding context offers profound lessons for believers today. While the specific command against intermarriage with foreign nations was unique to ancient Israel's covenant identity, the underlying principle of maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding unholy alliances remains critically relevant for the church. We are called to live distinct lives, set apart for God, guarding against influences that could corrupt our faith or compromise our devotion to Christ. This passage challenges us to consider the seriousness of sin, particularly those actions that subtly erode our spiritual integrity or pull us away from God's revealed will. It reminds us that genuine repentance often involves difficult choices and personal sacrifice, requiring us to put away anything that hinders our walk with God, even if it is deeply ingrained or personally costly. Furthermore, the communal accountability seen in Ezra's time highlights the church's role in confronting sin, fostering repentance, and guiding one another towards faithful obedience, ensuring that the body of Christ remains pure and effective in its mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "foreign wives" or unholy alliances (spiritual, relational, or ideological) might I be harboring in my life that compromise my devotion to God?**
* **What difficult sacrifices might God be calling me to make to maintain spiritual purity and covenant fidelity in my own life?**
* **How does my local church community encourage and uphold accountability in matters of spiritual integrity, and how can I contribute to that?**
* **In what ways can I guard against the subtle assimilation of worldly values that might dilute my faith or commitment to Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why is this seemingly mundane list of names, like "Bani, Binnui, Shimei," so important in the book of Ezra?**

Answer: The inclusion of specific names like "Bani, Binnui, Shimei" in [Ezra 10:38](/ezra/10-38 "Ezra 10:38 - Names of Those Who Intermarried") is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the meticulousness and thoroughness of the reform led by Ezra; no one was overlooked in the effort to purify the community. This was not a general decree but a specific, personal reckoning for each individual. Secondly, it highlights the principle of personal accountability. Each man listed had to personally acknowledge his sin of intermarriage and make the necessary restitution according to the covenant (see [Ezra 10:3](/ezra/10-3 "Ezra 10:3 - The Covenant to Put Away Foreign Wives")). Finally, the list serves as a historical record, documenting a pivotal moment when the returned exiles recommitted themselves to God's covenant and sought to prevent future spiritual decline, emphasizing the seriousness with which God's law was to be upheld within the community.

**Does the command to "put away foreign wives" in Ezra 10 apply to intermarriage for Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific command in Ezra 10 to "put away foreign wives" was a unique directive for ancient Israel, aimed at preserving their distinct covenant identity and preventing idolatry after the Babylonian exile, the underlying principle of spiritual purity and avoiding unholy alliances remains relevant for Christians today. The New Testament calls believers to be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (see [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")), particularly in marriage, to maintain spiritual integrity and avoid influences that could compromise their faith. However, the New Testament solution for existing marriages between believers and unbelievers is not divorce but for the believer to remain in the marriage, seeking to sanctify their spouse (see [1 Corinthians 7:12-16](/1_corinthians/7-12 "1 Corinthians 7:12-16 - Marriages to Unbelievers")). Therefore, while the historical context and specific actions differ, the overarching principle of guarding our spiritual purity and choosing partners who share our faith is a timeless biblical truth for the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The radical purification enacted in Ezra 10, epitomized by the listing of names like "Bani, Binnui, Shimei" in [Ezra 10:38](/ezra/10-38 "Ezra 10:38 - Names of Those Who Intermarried"), foreshadows the ultimate spiritual cleansing and new covenant established through Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel's purity was maintained through adherence to the Mosaic Law and physical separation, Christ achieves a deeper, internal purity for His people. The painful act of putting away foreign wives pointed to the necessity of radical separation from anything that defiles God's people. In the New Covenant, believers are called to a spiritual separation from the world's systems and values, not through legalistic divorce, but through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and identification with Christ's death and resurrection (see [Romans 6:1-11](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1-11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). Jesus is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate atonement that the Old Testament sacrifices and purifications could only anticipate. Through His blood, we are truly cleansed and made part of a new, holy people—the church—who are called to live in purity not by external regulations alone, but by a transformed heart and a new creation identity in Christ (see [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). This divine work of purification in Christ fulfills the longing for holiness evident in Ezra's desperate reform.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.