Ezra 10:19

Authorized King James Version

And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּתְּנ֥וּ

H5414

And they gave

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

יָדָ֖ם

H3027

their hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לְהוֹצִ֣יא

H3318

that they would put away

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

נְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם

H802

their wives

a woman

וַֽאֲשֵׁמִ֥ים

H818

and being guilty

guilty; hence, presenting a sin-offering

אֵֽיל

H352

they offered a ram

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

צֹ֖אן

H6629

of the flock

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַשְׁמָתָֽם׃

H819

for their trespass

guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of 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?
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?