Ezra 10:9

Authorized King James Version

Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקָּֽבְצ֣וּ
gathered themselves together
to grasp, i.e., collect
#2
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
אַנְשֵֽׁי
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
יְהוּדָה֩
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#5
וּבִנְיָמִ֨ן׀
and Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#6
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם
unto Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#7
לִשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
within three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#8
הַיָּמִ֗ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
ה֛וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#10
בַּחֹ֑דֶשׁ
day of the month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#11
הַתְּשִׁיעִ֖י
It was the ninth
ninth
#12
בְּעֶשְׂרִ֣ים
on the twentieth
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#13
בַּחֹ֑דֶשׁ
day of the month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#14
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ
sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הָעָ֗ם
and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#17
בִּרְחוֹב֙
in the street
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#18
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#19
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
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
#20
מַרְעִידִ֥ים
trembling
to shudder (more or less violently)
#21
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#22
הַדָּבָ֖ר
because of this matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#23
וּמֵֽהַגְּשָׁמִֽים׃
and for the great rain
a shower

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezra. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation 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 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

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