Esther 2:23

Authorized King James Version

And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְבֻקַּ֤שׁ
And when inquisition
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#2
דִּבְרֵ֥י
of the chronicles
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
וַיִּמָּצֵ֔א
it was found out
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#4
וַיִּתָּל֥וּ
hanged
to suspend (especially to gibbet)
#5
שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם
therefore they were both
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
עֵ֑ץ
on a tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#8
וַיִּכָּתֵ֗ב
and it was written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#9
בְּסֵ֛פֶר
in the book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#10
דִּבְרֵ֥י
of the chronicles
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
הַיָּמִ֖ים
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#12
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#13
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Esther. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Esther Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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