Ezra 10:15

Authorized King James Version

Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֣ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
יֽוֹנָתָ֧ן
Only Jonathan
jonathan, the name of ten israelites
#3
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
עֲשָׂהאֵ֛ל
of Asahel
asahel, the name of four israelites
#5
וְיַחְזְיָ֥ה
and Jahaziah
jachzejah, an israelite
#6
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
תִּקְוָ֖ה
of Tikvah
tikvah, the name of two israelites
#8
עָֽמְד֣וּ
were employed
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
זֹ֑את
this (often used adverb)
#11
וּמְשֻׁלָּ֛ם
about this matter and Meshullam
meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites
#12
וְשַׁבְּתַ֥י
and Shabbethai
shabbethai, the name of three israelites
#13
הַלֵּוִ֖י
the Levite
a levite or descendant of levi
#14
עֲזָרֻֽם׃
helped
to surround, i.e., protect or aid

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