Ezra 1:9

Authorized King James Version

And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#2
מִסְפָּרָ֑ם
And this is the number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#3
אֲגַרְטְלֵי
chargers
a basin
#4
זָהָ֜ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#5
שְׁלֹשִׁ֗ים
of them thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#6
אֲגַרְטְלֵי
chargers
a basin
#7
כֶ֙סֶף֙
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#8
אָ֔לֶף
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#9
מַֽחֲלָפִ֖ים
knives
a (sacrificial) knife (as gliding through the flesh)
#10
תִּשְׁעָ֥ה
nine
nine or (ordinal) ninth
#11
וְעֶשְׂרִֽים׃
and twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezra. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection