Ezra 10:3

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֣ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

נִֽכְרָת

H3772

Now therefore let us make

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

בְּרִ֣ית

H1285

a covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ

H430

of our 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

לְהוֹצִ֨יא

H3318

to put away

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

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נָשִׁ֜ים

H802

all the wives

a woman

וְהַנּוֹלָ֤ד

H3205

and such as are born

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

מֵהֶם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#10

בַּֽעֲצַ֣ת

H6098

of them according to the counsel

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

#11

אֲדֹנָ֔י

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#12

וְהַֽחֲרֵדִ֖ים

H2730

and of those that tremble

fearful; also reverential

#13

בְּמִצְוַ֣ת

H4687

at the commandment

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#14

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ

H430

of our 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

#15

וְכַתּוֹרָ֖ה

H8451

according to the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#16

יֵֽעָשֶֽׂה׃

H6213

and let it be done

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

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Ezra. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant 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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?