Esther 2:5

Authorized King James Version

Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִ֣ישׁ
there was a certain
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#2
יְהוּדִ֔י
Jew
a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
#3
הָיָ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
בְּשׁוּשַׁ֣ן
Now in Shushan
shushan, a place in persia
#5
הַבִּירָ֑ה
the palace
a castle or palace
#6
וּשְׁמ֣וֹ
whose name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
מָרְדֳּכַ֗י
was Mordecai
mordecai, an israelite
#8
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
יָאִ֧יר
of Jair
jair, the name of four israelites
#10
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
שִׁמְעִ֛י
of Shimei
shimi, the name of twenty israelites
#12
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
קִ֖ישׁ
of Kish
kish, the name of five israelites
#14
אִ֥ישׁ
H0
#15
יְמִינִֽי׃
a Benjamite
a benjaminite, or descendent of benjamin

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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