Ezra 10:6

Authorized King James Version

Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֣קָם
H6965
rose up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
עֶזְרָ֗א
H5830
Then Ezra
ezra, an israelite
#3
מִלִּפְנֵי֙
H6440
from before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
בֵּ֣ית
H1004
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
H430
of 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
#6
וַיֵּ֕לֶךְ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
לִשְׁכַּ֖ת
H3957
into the chamber
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
#9
יְהֽוֹחָנָ֣ן
H3076
of Johanan
jehochanan, the name of eight israelites
#10
בֶּן
H1121
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
#11
אֶלְיָשִׁ֑יב
H475
of Eliashib
eljashib, the name of six israelites
#12
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
שָׁ֗ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#14
לֶ֤חֶם
H3899
no bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#15
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
אָכַל֙
H398
thither he did eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#17
וּמַ֣יִם
H4325
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#18
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
שָׁתָ֔ה
H8354
nor drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#20
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#21
מִתְאַבֵּ֖ל
H56
for he mourned
to bewail
#22
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
מַ֥עַל
H4604
because of the transgression
treachery, i.e., sin
#24
הַגּוֹלָֽה׃
H1473
of them that had been carried away
exile; concretely and collectively exiles

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 sovereignty 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection