Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I said to them, “You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your ancestors. New Living Translation And I said to these priests, “You and these treasures have been set apart as holy to the LORD. This silver and gold is a voluntary offering to the LORD, the God of our ancestors. English Standard Version And I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. Berean Standard Bible Then I told them, “You are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. King James Bible And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers. New King James Version And I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD; the articles are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD God of your fathers. New American Standard Bible Then I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, and the utensils are holy; and the silver and the gold are a voluntary offering to the LORD God of your fathers. NASB 1995 Then I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, and the utensils are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD God of your fathers. NASB 1977 Then I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, and the utensils are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD God of your fathers. Legacy Standard Bible Then I said to them, “You are holy to Yahweh, and the utensils are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to Yahweh, the God of your fathers. Amplified Bible Then I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, the utensils are holy, and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD God of your fathers. Christian Standard Bible Then I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, and the articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD God of your ancestors. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, and the articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD God of your fathers. American Standard Version And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto Jehovah, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill-offering unto Jehovah, the God of your fathers. Contemporary English Version I said to the priests: You belong to the LORD, the God of your ancestors, and these things also belong to him. The silver and gold were willingly given as gifts to the LORD. English Revised Version And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD, the God of your fathers. GOD'S WORD® Translation I told them, "You and the utensils are holy to the LORD. The silver and gold are freewill offerings to the LORD God of your ancestors. Good News Translation I said to them, "You are sacred to the LORD, the God of your ancestors, and so are all the silver and gold utensils brought to him as freewill offerings. International Standard Version I told them, "You are consecrated to the LORD, and the vessels are also consecrated. The silver and the gold are a freely given offering to the LORD God of your ancestors. NET Bible Then I said to them, "You are holy to the LORD, just as these vessels are holy. The silver and the gold are a voluntary offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. New Heart English Bible I said to them, "You are holy to the LORD, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. Webster's Bible Translation And I said to them, Ye are holy to the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a free-will-offering to the LORD God of your fathers. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen I told them, “You are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. World English Bible I said to them, “You are holy to Yahweh, and the vessels are holy. The silver and the gold are a free will offering to Yahweh, the God of your fathers. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I say to them, “You [are] holy to YHWH, and the vessels [are] holy, and the silver and the gold [are] a willing-offering to YHWH, God of your fathers; Young's Literal Translation And I say unto them, 'Ye are holy to Jehovah, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and the gold are a willing-offering to Jehovah, God of your fathers; Smith's Literal Translation And saying to them, Ye are holy to Jehovah, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold a voluntary gift to Jehovah the God of your fathers. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I said to them: You are the holy ones of the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and gold, that is freely offered to the Lord the God of our fathers. Catholic Public Domain Version And I said to them: “You are the holy ones of the Lord, and the vessels are holy, with the silver and the gold, which has been offered freely to the Lord, the God of our fathers. New American Bible I addressed them in these words: “You are consecrated to the LORD, and the vessels are also consecrated; the silver and the gold are a voluntary offering to the LORD, the God of your ancestors. New Revised Standard Version And I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your ancestors. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd I said to them, You are holy to the LORD, and the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD God of your fathers. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I said to them: “You are holy ones and the vessels are holy, and the silver and gold is a gift to LORD JEHOVAH, God of your fathers. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And I said unto them: 'Ye are holy unto the LORD, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill-offering unto the LORD, the God of your fathers. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I said to them, Ye are holy to the Lord; and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are freewill-offerings to the Lord God of our fathers. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Priests to Guard the Offerings…2720 gold bowls valued at 1,000 darics, and two articles of fine polished bronze, as precious as gold. 28Then I told them, “You are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. 29Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before the leading priests, Levites, and heads of the Israelite families.”… Cross References 1 Peter 1:15-16 But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” Leviticus 19:2 “Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. Isaiah 52:11 Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 2 Timothy 2:21 So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. Numbers 18:7 But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Exodus 19:6 And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. Malachi 3:3 And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Treasury of Scripture And I said to them, You are holy to the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD God of your fathers. Ye are holy Leviticus 21:6-8 They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy… Deuteronomy 33:8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; Isaiah 52:11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. the vessels Ezra 1:7-11 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods; … Leviticus 22:2,3 Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD… Numbers 4:4-15,19,20 This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: … Jump to Previous Articles Consecrated Fathers Freely Freewill Freewill-Offering Free-Will-Offering Gold Holy Offering Silver Utensils Vessels Voluntary Willing-OfferingJump to Next Articles Consecrated Fathers Freely Freewill Freewill-Offering Free-Will-Offering Gold Holy Offering Silver Utensils Vessels Voluntary Willing-OfferingEzra 8 1. The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon15. He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple 21. He keeps a fast 24. He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests 31. From Ahava they come to Jerusalem 33. The treasure is weighed in the temple 36. The commission is delivered Then I told them, “You are holy to the LORD This phrase emphasizes the consecration of the individuals involved in the journey. In the context of Ezra, the returning exiles were set apart for a divine purpose, similar to the priests and Levites who were consecrated for service in the temple (Exodus 28:41). Holiness in the Old Testament often denotes being set apart for God's service, reflecting God's own holiness (Leviticus 19:2). This consecration underscores the importance of purity and dedication in fulfilling God's commands. and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who led a group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and religious reform of the Jewish people. 2. Levites and Priests The individuals Ezra addresses in this verse, responsible for the care and transport of the holy articles and offerings. 3. Jerusalem The destination of Ezra and the exiles, where the temple of the LORD was located, and the place where the offerings were to be presented. 4. Babylon The place of exile from which Ezra and the Jewish exiles were returning to Jerusalem. 5. The Articles Sacred items used in the worship and service of the temple, which were to be transported with care and reverence. Teaching Points Holiness and ResponsibilityAs believers, we are called to be holy and set apart for God's purposes, just as the priests and Levites were in Ezra's time. Stewardship of God's Gifts The silver and gold were freewill offerings, reminding us of the importance of being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Worship and Reverence The sacred articles were to be handled with care, teaching us to approach worship and service with reverence and respect. Generational Faithfulness Ezra refers to "the God of your fathers," encouraging us to maintain faithfulness to God across generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 8:28?2. How does Ezra 8:28 emphasize the importance of holiness in our lives today? 3. What responsibilities do we have as "holy to the LORD" in our daily actions? 4. How can we ensure our offerings are "willingly given" like in Ezra 8:28? 5. In what ways does Ezra 8:28 connect to New Testament teachings on holiness? 6. How can we apply the principle of stewardship from Ezra 8:28 in our community? 7. What does Ezra 8:28 reveal about the holiness of the people and objects involved? 8. How does Ezra 8:28 emphasize the responsibility of the priests and Levites? 9. Why is the concept of holiness significant in the context of Ezra 8:28? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8? 11. What are the Urim and Thummim? 12. In Ezra 8:25-27, do the large amounts of silver and gold conflict with known trade or economic data from that era? 13. In Leviticus 12:8, how does the prescribed offering for atonement reconcile with the idea that childbirth is not a moral wrongdoing? 14. What are the key events in Ezra's life? What Does Ezra 8:28 Mean Then I told themEzra pauses beside the Ahava Canal, gathers the priests and Levites, and speaks plainly before the long trek to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:15–17). His words serve several purposes: • Clarifying responsibility—no one could later claim ignorance (Nehemiah 2:17). • Infusing courage—leadership speaks faith into fearful hearts (1 Chronicles 28:20). • Establishing accountability—public charge means public trust (2 Timothy 4:2). By opening with “Then I told them,” Scripture underscores that holy service begins with clear, authoritative instruction. You are holy to the LORD Ezra reminds the ministers of their identity before he mentions their task. “You are holy” echoes God’s earlier declaration over Aaron’s line: “You shall be holy to Me, for I, the LORD, am holy” (Leviticus 20:26). Set-apart people must live set-apart lives: • Consecration is positional—God chose them (Exodus 19:6). • Consecration is practical—daily conduct must reflect that choice (1 Peter 2:9). • Consecration is personal—each man bears individual responsibility (Romans 12:1). The journey will be dangerous, but holiness keeps them conscious that God Himself travels with them (Psalm 4:3). And these articles are holy The bowls, basins, and utensils entrusted to the priests were not mere cargo; they had been sanctified for temple worship (Exodus 30:29). By declaring the objects holy, Ezra: • Elevates their purpose—only sacred use is acceptable (2 Chronicles 5:1). • Warns against casual handling—treating holy things as common invites judgment (Daniel 5:2–4). • Links object and operator—holy people steward holy items (2 Timothy 2:21). Their careful guardianship mirrors God’s meticulous concern for worship that honors Him. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD These treasures, contributed by those exiled in Babylon (Ezra 7:15–16), illustrate voluntary generosity: • Freewill giving springs from gratitude, not coercion (Exodus 35:29). • The value lies in obedience, not merely in ounces and shekels (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Stewardship means delivering every piece intact to its rightful Owner (2 Corinthians 9:7). Ezra’s declaration frames the journey as a trust exercise; God supplied the wealth, and His servants must convey it safely for His glory. the God of your fathers This final phrase roots present duty in historic covenant. The God who called Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still directs His people (Exodus 3:15). • Continuity—He is unchanged across generations (Malachi 3:6). • Credibility—past faithfulness guarantees future security (Deuteronomy 7:9). • Community—each traveler stands within a larger family story (Hebrews 11:39–40). Remembering “the God of your fathers” turns a risky caravan into another chapter in a long, unbroken narrative of divine fidelity. summary Ezra 8:28 weaves together identity, stewardship, and legacy. Holy people (“You are holy to the LORD”) carry holy objects (“these articles are holy”) and voluntary gifts (“silver and gold…a freewill offering”) for the worship of the unchanging covenant God (“the God of your fathers”). The verse calls every believer to treat both themselves and their resources as sacred trusts, joyfully advancing God’s purposes with reverent diligence. (28) And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the Lord.--A unique verse in every respect. The treasures were consecrated, and they were committed to consecrated hands: a good account was to be given of them to the treasurers of the Temple.Verse 28. - Ye are holy. Consecrated to God by their office, the priests and Levites were the fitting custodians of consecrated things.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then I toldוָאֹמְרָ֣ה (wā·’ō·mə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say them, אֲלֵהֶ֗ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to “You אַתֶּ֥ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you are holy קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ (qō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity to the LORD, לַיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and these articles [are] וְהַכֵּלִ֖ים (wə·hak·kê·lîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus holy. קֹ֑דֶשׁ (qō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity The silver וְהַכֶּ֤סֶף (wə·hak·ke·sep̄) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3701: Silver, money and gold וְהַזָּהָב֙ (wə·haz·zā·hāḇ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky are a freewill offering נְדָבָ֔ה (nə·ḏā·ḇāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5071: Spontaneity, spontaneous, a spontaneous, abundant gift to the LORD, לַיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the God אֱלֹהֵ֥י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of your fathers. אֲבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃ (’ă·ḇō·ṯê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father Links Ezra 8:28 NIVEzra 8:28 NLT Ezra 8:28 ESV Ezra 8:28 NASB Ezra 8:28 KJV Ezra 8:28 BibleApps.com Ezra 8:28 Biblia Paralela Ezra 8:28 Chinese Bible Ezra 8:28 French Bible Ezra 8:28 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 8:28 I said to them You are holy (Ezr. 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