Ezra 9:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, O my God {H430}, I am ashamed {H954} and blush {H3637} to lift up {H7311} my face {H6440} to thee, my God {H430}: for our iniquities {H5771} are increased {H7235} over {H4605} our head {H7218}, and our trespass {H819} is grown up {H1431} unto the heavens {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, "My God, I am ashamed. I blush to lift my face to you, my God! For our sins tower over our heads; our guilt reaches up to heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens.

American Standard Version

and I 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 guiltiness is grown up unto the heavens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 9:6 captures the profound anguish and heartfelt confession of Ezra, the priest and scribe, as he confronts the widespread spiritual compromise of the returned exiles in Jerusalem. Upon learning of their intermarriage with pagan peoples, a direct violation of God's covenant commands, Ezra is overwhelmed with corporate shame and contrition. His prayer vividly portrays the immense weight and pervasive nature of their sin, which he describes as having accumulated beyond their heads and reaching up to the heavens, signifying its profound offense against a holy God and the desperate need for divine mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 9:6 is the opening declaration of Ezra's passionate prayer of confession, which spans [Ezra 9:6-15](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession"). This prayer is a pivotal moment in the book of Ezra, immediately following the devastating news that the people, including priests and Levites, had intermarried with the surrounding pagan nations ([Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1-2 - The People's Sin of Intermarriage")). Ezra's reaction is one of deep distress, tearing his garment and pulling out his hair and beard, sitting appalled until the evening sacrifice ([Ezra 9:3-5](/ezra/9-3 "Ezra 9:3-5 - Ezra's Reaction to the Sin")). His prayer serves as a model of intercession, demonstrating profound identification with the sins of the community, despite his personal innocence in this specific transgression. It sets the stage for the subsequent corporate repentance and reform detailed in [Ezra 10](/ezra/10 "Ezra 10 - The Resolution to the Intermarriage Crisis").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 9 occur in the post-exilic period, approximately 80 years after the first wave of exiles returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. Ezra himself arrived in Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes (around 458 BC). The Babylonian exile had been a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Therefore, the command to remain separate from the surrounding nations, particularly regarding intermarriage, was not merely a cultural preference but a critical theological imperative to preserve their distinct identity as God's holy people and prevent a return to the very sins that led to their captivity. The Law explicitly forbade such alliances (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Prohibition of Intermarriage with Canaanites"), [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land")). The "peoples of the land" mentioned in [Ezra 9:1](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1 - The Peoples of the Land") were the remnants of the Canaanite tribes and other pagan groups, whose religious and social practices were antithetical to the Mosaic covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 9:6 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **covenant faithfulness and unfaithfulness**. The intermarriage represented a profound breach of the covenant God had established with Israel, jeopardizing their spiritual purity and their unique relationship with Him. This verse also highlights the theme of **corporate responsibility and solidarity**, as Ezra, though personally blameless in this specific sin, fully identifies with the guilt of his people, using "our" throughout his prayer. This reflects the biblical understanding that the sin of the community affects all its members, and leaders bear a special burden to intercede for the collective. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **holiness of God** and the **seriousness of sin**, portraying sin not as a minor transgression but as an overwhelming burden and a towering offense that reaches to God's very dwelling place, demanding divine attention and judgment. It also sets the stage for the theme of **genuine repentance**, demonstrating the deep contrition necessary for reconciliation with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bosh_):** This verb denotes a deep sense of humiliation, confusion, and disgrace. It implies a feeling of moral failure and unworthiness, often to the point of being unable to look someone in the eye. In Ezra's context, it signifies an overwhelming sense of unworthiness to stand before a holy God due to the nation's profound sin.
* **Blush (Hebrew, _kalam_):** Often paired with _bosh_, this word intensifies the feeling of shame and confusion. It describes a state of being confounded or put to utter disgrace. Together, "ashamed and blush" convey Ezra's complete and utter humiliation and despair over the grievous offense committed against God, rendering him incapable of lifting his face in God's presence.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _maʿal_):** More than a general term for sin, _maʿal_ specifically refers to an act of infidelity, a breach of trust, or a sacrilege, particularly against God or something holy. It signifies a deliberate act of unfaithfulness or betrayal of a covenant relationship. In this context, it underscores the severity of breaking God's specific commands regarding separation, implying a violation of the sacred vows of loyalty to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God":** This opening phrase reveals Ezra's profound personal anguish and deep humility. The repetition of "my God" emphasizes the intensely personal nature of his relationship with the Lord, highlighting the depth of the offense committed against the very God with whom he had a covenant. His inability to "lift up my face" signifies utter unworthiness, guilt, and a sense of being utterly disgraced before the divine presence.
* **"for our iniquities are increased over [our] head":** This clause employs vivid imagery, portraying sin not as a mere collection of individual acts, but as an overwhelming burden or a rising flood that has submerged the people. The phrase "over our head" suggests that they are drowning in their transgressions, unable to escape or even see above the immense weight of their guilt. It emphasizes the corporate nature of the sin, weighing down the entire community.
* **"and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens":** This powerful hyperbole further magnifies the scale and severity of the nation's sin. The imagery of their transgression "grown up unto the heavens" suggests that it has reached an astronomical proportion, visible and offensive to God in His very dwelling place. It implies that their unfaithfulness (the _maʿal_) has accumulated to such an extent that it demands divine attention and righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 9:6 is rich in **Imagery** and **Hyperbole**, effectively conveying the overwhelming nature of the nation's sin. The phrases "increased over our head" and "grown up unto the heavens" are powerful examples of hyperbole, exaggerating the vastness and pervasive impact of their iniquities and trespass. These are not literal descriptions but vivid metaphors that paint a picture of sin as an immense burden, like a flood submerging them, and a towering structure reaching to God's throne, making it impossible to ignore. Ezra's use of **Repetition** in "my God" underscores the personal and profound nature of his relationship with the Lord, intensifying the sense of offense against a holy and personal deity. Furthermore, the constant use of the first-person plural pronoun "our" demonstrates **Corporate Identification**, where Ezra, despite his personal blamelessness in this specific sin, fully aligns himself with the guilt of his people, embodying the concept of corporate solidarity within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra's prayer in [Ezra 9:6](/ezra/9-6 "Ezra 9:6 - Ezra's Confession of Sin") is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, particularly corporate sin, and the holiness of God. It highlights that sin is not merely a breaking of rules but a profound offense against a personal and holy God, leading to deep shame and separation. The imagery of sin "increased over our head" and "grown up unto the heavens" underscores the cumulative and pervasive nature of unfaithfulness, demonstrating that unchecked disobedience can reach monumental proportions, demanding divine intervention. This verse calls believers to a deep understanding of corporate responsibility, recognizing that the spiritual health and moral failures of a community impact all its members, necessitating shared lament and intercession. It also serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of spiritual compromise and the critical importance of maintaining purity and separation from worldly influences that contradict God's clear commands.

* [Daniel 9:5](/daniel/9-5 "Daniel 9:5 - Daniel's Prayer of Corporate Confession")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Iniquities Have Separated You from Your God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra's raw and deeply contrite prayer in Ezra 9:6 offers timeless lessons for believers today, challenging us to confront the gravity of sin with similar humility and brokenness. It reminds us that spiritual compromise, especially when it involves alliances or practices that contradict God's clear word, is not trivial but deeply offensive to His holiness. We are called to cultivate a heart that is genuinely ashamed and grieved by sin, not just for its consequences but for the offense it causes to our loving God. Furthermore, Ezra's example of corporate identification compels us to look beyond our individual piety and to lament the sins of our communities, our churches, and our nations. It invites us to intercede for the collective failures, recognizing that we are part of a larger body and bear a shared responsibility before God. This verse is a powerful call to radical separation from worldly influences that would corrupt our faith and devotion, echoing the biblical mandate to be set apart for God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community might we be guilty of spiritual compromise, similar to the exiles in Ezra's day?**
* **How does Ezra's deep shame and contrition challenge my own approach to confessing sin, moving beyond mere regret to genuine brokenness before God?**
* **What does it mean for me to bear corporate responsibility for the sins of my church or nation, and how should I respond in prayer and action?**

### FAQ
**Question?**
Why was intermarriage such a serious sin for the returned exiles, leading to such a profound reaction from Ezra?

Answer: Intermarriage with the surrounding pagan peoples was considered a grave sin for several critical reasons, directly violating God's covenant commands. First and foremost, it was a direct disobedience to explicit prohibitions given in the Law, such as [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage") and [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land"). The primary purpose of these commands was to preserve Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation, set apart for God. Intermarriage inevitably led to spiritual apostasy, as the foreign spouses would introduce their pagan deities and practices, corrupting the Israelites' devotion to Yahweh. This had been a recurring problem throughout Israel's history, as seen in [Judges 3:5-6](/judges/3-5 "Judges 3:5-6 - Israel's Disobedience Through Intermarriage") and the decline of Solomon's reign. For the returned exiles, this sin was particularly egregious because the Babylonian exile itself had been a consequence of their unfaithfulness and idolatry. To repeat the very sin that led to their captivity, so soon after their return and the rebuilding of the temple, threatened to unravel the spiritual restoration God had initiated and risked another divine judgment. Ezra understood that the spiritual purity of the remnant was paramount for their survival and their mission as God's covenant people.

**Question?**
How can one feel "corporate guilt" for sins they didn't personally commit, as Ezra does in this verse?

Answer: Corporate guilt, as exemplified by Ezra and other biblical figures like Daniel ([Daniel 9:5](/daniel/9-5 "Daniel 9:5 - Daniel's Corporate Confession")), is not about personal culpability for actions one did not participate in. Rather, it is a profound spiritual identification with the sins and failures of one's community, nation, or even the broader human race. It stems from a deep sense of solidarity and shared identity within a covenant relationship with God. Ezra, as a spiritual leader and a member of the covenant community, understood that the sin of a part affects the whole body. He felt the weight of their collective unfaithfulness because it jeopardized their relationship with God and their future as His people. This identification leads to genuine lament, confession, and intercession on behalf of the group, acknowledging that the consequences of sin impact everyone, and that true repentance requires a collective turning back to God. It's a compassionate and responsible recognition of shared spiritual heritage and destiny before a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra's profound confession in [Ezra 9:6](/ezra/9-6 "Ezra 9:6 - Ezra's Confession of Sin") vividly portrays the overwhelming weight of human sin and the utter inability of humanity to atone for its own transgressions. The imagery of "iniquities increased over our head" and "trespass grown up unto the heavens" underscores the insurmountable barrier that sin creates between a holy God and fallen humanity. This desperate human condition, so acutely felt by Ezra, points forward to the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the need for a sinless sacrifice, taking upon Himself the very "iniquities" and "trespass" that weighed humanity down. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus bore the full weight of humanity's sin, becoming sin for us ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) on the cross. His atoning sacrifice provides the propitiation and reconciliation that Ezra could only plead for ([romans/3-25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Through Christ, believers are no longer "ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God," but can now approach God with [boldness and confidence](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") because their sin has been fully dealt with and their standing before God is secured by His righteousness. He establishes a new covenant, creating a people who are truly set apart and called to be [holy and blameless before Him](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Holy and Blameless Before Him"), not by their own flawed efforts, but by His Spirit and the imputation of His perfect obedience.

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.

Cross-References

Revelation 18:5

For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Psalms 38:4

For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

2 Chronicles 28:9

But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name [was] Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage [that] reacheth up unto heaven.

Luke 15:21

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

Job 42:6

Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.

Ezra 9:15

O LORD God of Israel, thou [art] righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as [it is] this day: behold, we [are] before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

Jeremiah 3:24

For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.