Esther 9:10

Authorized King James Version

The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֲ֠שֶׂרֶת
The ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#2
בֶּֽן
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
הָמָ֧ן
of Haman
haman, a persian vizier
#4
בֶּֽן
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
הַמְּדָ֛תָא
of Hammedatha
medatha, the father of haman
#6
צֹרֵ֥ר
the enemy
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
#7
הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים
of the Jews
a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
#8
הָרָ֑גוּ
slew
to smite with deadly intent
#9
וּבַ֨בִּזָּ֔ה
they but on the spoil
booty
#10
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
שָֽׁלְח֖וּ
laid
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
יָדָֽם׃
they not their hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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