Ezra 10:11

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

תְּנ֥וּ

H5414

Now therefore make

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

תוֹדָ֛ה

H8426

confession

properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers

לַֽיהוָ֥ה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵֽי

H430

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

אֲבֹתֵיכֶ֖ם

of your fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

רְצוֹנ֑וֹ

H7522

his pleasure

delight (especially as shown)

וְהִבָּֽדְלוּ֙

H914

and separate

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

#10

מֵֽעַמֵּ֣י

H5971

yourselves from the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#11

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

וּמִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#13

הַנָּשִׁ֖ים

H802

wives

a woman

#14

הַנָּכְרִיּֽוֹת׃

H5237

and from the strange

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty 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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?