Ezra 1:11

Authorized King James Version

All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלִים֙

H3627

All the vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

לַזָּהָ֣ב

H2091

of gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְלַכֶּ֔סֶף

H3701

and of silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

חֲמֵ֥שֶׁת

H2568

were five

five

אֲלָפִ֖ים

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְאַרְבַּ֣ע

H702

and four

four

מֵא֑וֹת

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הַכֹּ֞ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

הֵֽעָל֣וֹת

H5927

bring up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#11

שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּ֗ר

H8339

All these did Sheshbazzar

sheshbatstsar, zerubbabel's persian name

#12

עִ֚ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#13

הֵֽעָל֣וֹת

H5927

bring up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#14

הַגּוֹלָ֔ה

H1473

with them of the captivity

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

#15

מִבָּבֶ֖ל

H894

from Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

#16

לִירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

unto Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 establishing foundational concepts crucial to Ezra's theological argument.

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 Ezra 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?