Esther 9:27

Authorized King James Version

The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קִיְּמ֣וּ
ordained
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
וְקִבְּלּ֣
and took
to admit, i.e., take (literally or figuratively)
#3
הַיְּהוּדִים֩׀
The Jews
a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
#4
עֲלֵיהֶ֨ם׀
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
זַרְעָ֜ם
upon them and upon their seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#7
וְעַ֨ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
הַנִּלְוִ֤ים
and upon all such as joined
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#10
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יַֽעֲב֔וֹר
themselves unto them so as it should not fail
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#13
לִֽהְי֣וֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
עֹשִׂ֗ים
that they would keep
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
שְׁנֵ֤י
these two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#17
הַיָּמִים֙
days
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
#18
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#19
כִּכְתָבָ֖ם
according to their writing
something written, i.e., a writing, record or book
#20
וְכִזְמַנָּ֑ם
and according to their appointed time
an appointed occasion
#21
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#22
וְשָׁנָֽה׃
every year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#23
וְשָׁנָֽה׃
every year
a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Esther, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Esther.

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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