Ezra 1:4

Authorized King James Version

And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הַנִּשְׁאָ֗ר
H7604
And whosoever remaineth
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
#3
מִֽכָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
מְקֹמ֔וֹ
H4725
in any place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
ה֣וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
גָֽר
H1481
where he sojourneth
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#8
שָׁם֒
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
יְנַשְּׂא֙וּהוּ֙
H5375
help
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#10
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
H376
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)
#11
מְקֹמ֔וֹ
H4725
in any place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#12
בְּכֶ֥סֶף
H3701
him with silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#13
וּבְזָהָ֖ב
H2091
and with gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#14
וּבִרְכ֣וּשׁ
H7399
and with goods
property (as gathered)
#15
וּבִבְהֵמָ֑ה
H929
and with beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#16
עִם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#17
הַ֨נְּדָבָ֔ה
H5071
beside the freewill offering
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
#18
לְבֵ֥ית
H1004
for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#19
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#20
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
H3389
that is in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezra. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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