Ezra 10:10

Authorized King James Version

And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֨קָם
stood up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
עֶזְרָ֤א
And Ezra
ezra, an israelite
#3
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
אַתֶּ֣ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
מְעַלְתֶּ֔ם
unto them Ye have transgressed
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
#8
וַתֹּשִׁ֖יבוּ
and have taken
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#9
נָשִׁ֣ים
wives
a woman
#10
נָכְרִיּ֑וֹת
strange
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
#11
לְהוֹסִ֖יף
to increase
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
אַשְׁמַ֥ת
the trespass
guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering
#14
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, 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 Ezra.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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