Ezra 10:5

Authorized King James Version

Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֣קָם

H6965

Then arose

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עֶזְרָ֡א

H5830

Ezra

ezra, an israelite

וַיִּשָּׁבֵֽעוּ׃

H7650

And they sware

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׂרֵי֩

H8269

and made the chief

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֨ים

H3548

priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַלְוִיִּ֜ם

H3881

the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

וְכָל

H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

and all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

לַֽעֲשׂ֛וֹת

H6213

that they should do

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

#11

כַּדָּבָ֥ר

H1697

according to this word

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

#12

הַזֶּ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#13

וַיִּשָּׁבֵֽעוּ׃

H7650

And they sware

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?