Ezra 10:13

Authorized King James Version

But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲבָ֞ל

H61

But

nay, i.e., truly or yet

הָעָ֥ם

H5971

the people

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

רָב֙

H7227

are many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְהָעֵ֣ת

H6256

and it is a time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

גְּשָׁמִ֔ים

H1653

of much rain

a shower

וְאֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כֹּ֖חַ

H3581

and we are not able

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

לַֽעֲמ֣וֹד

H5975

to stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בַּח֑וּץ

H2351

without

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#10

וְהַמְּלָאכָ֗ה

H4399

neither is this a work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#11

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

לְי֤וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#13

אֶחָד֙

H259

of one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#14

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

לִשְׁנַ֔יִם

H8147

or two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#16

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#17

הִרְבִּ֥ינוּ

H7235

for we are many

to increase (in whatever respect)

#18

לִפְשֹׁ֖עַ

H6586

that have transgressed

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

#19

בַּדָּבָ֥ר

H1697

in this thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#20

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?