Definition: We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that [were] the chief of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 5:10. It's a really interesting piece of history! Here’s what it means in plain terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about recording the leaders of a group of people – likely a community or tribe – after a period of upheaval and perhaps some conflict. Let’s unpack it step-by-step: “We asked their names also…” : This means the Jewish people were asking for the names of the important people within this group. “…to certify thee…” : "Certify" means to verify or confirm something. “Thee” is a formal way of saying "you." So, they were asking you – the storyteller – to officially and reliably name these leaders. “that we might write the names of the men that [were] the chief of them.” : This is the core of it. "The chief of them" means the most important or influential people in the group. The Hebrew word “men” refers to individuals, and "chief" means a leader. So, they were trying to get a list of the top leaders so that they could write down their names on a scroll (which was a common way to record things). In short: The Jewish people were asking you to make a list of the most important people in this group, so they could keep track of who was leading and making decisions. Historical Context - A Little Bit More Depth: This verse is part of a longer story that happened after the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The Jewish people were dealing with a period called “the Exile.” After the Babylonian exile, there was a need to rebuild the temple and re-establish their religious traditions. This verse is a record of how they started documenting the leaders to ensure things were properly organized during this time. Does that make sense? Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories?