Ezra 10:15 Commentary and Bible Study

But there were two people –Jonathan and Jahaziah – and they seem to be protesting, and they are supported by two others. The verse begins with the word ‘only’, but in the original the word means more, ‘however’. So ‘only’ is a good translation, provided it is understood in the old-fashioned usage of the word, almost as a synonym for, ‘however’. ‘However, Jonathan … and Jahaziah … were employed about the matter.’ The original text says ‘stood forth’, or ‘stood against’. Now the KJV takes it in a positive sense: they were prominent in the execution of the plan. Most of the modern translations go the other way, and ‘stood forth’ means they opposed the motion, as it were. That's more likely, although there are strong arguments either way. It's more likely because of the way verse 15 begins: ‘However’, it introduces you to a sour note, and so there’s some opposition. But no more is said about the opposition. It was obviously overwhelmed, and was taken no further. But there may have been some there – if that's a correct understanding – who even wanted this matter left alone.