Ezra 9:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ezra marvels that for a brief moment God has shown grace, leaving a remnant, granting a secure foothold in His holy place, and giving fresh life in their servitude.
What Does Ezra 9:8 Mean?
The prayer turns from guilt to grace. 'For a little space' marks how recent and precious God's kindness is. He has spared a remnant, granted them a 'nail' (a firm peg or stake) in His holy place as a secure foothold, brightened their eyes with hope, and given a measure of revival even while they remain under foreign rule.
Grace shines brightest against the dark backdrop of deserved judgment. Ezra does not take the return and the rebuilt temple for granted; he sees them as undeserved mercy. The 'little reviving' is a quiet preview of the fuller life God gives His people, a reminder that the Lord delights to leave a remnant and to give light to eyes that look to Him.
Ezra 9:8 in the Original Language
yathed (יָתֵד), 'nail' -- a fixed peg or stake, a secure place to hold fast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 9:8
What does Ezra 9:8 mean?
Ezra marvels that for a brief moment God has shown grace, leaving a remnant, granting a secure foothold in His holy place, and giving fresh life in their servitude.