Ezra 2:25

Authorized King James Version

The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּנֵ֨י
The children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
קִרְיַ֤ת
H0
#3
עָרִים֙
of Kirjatharim
kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine
#4
כְּפִירָ֣ה
Chephirah
kephirah, a place in palestine
#5
וּבְאֵר֔וֹת
and Beeroth
beeroth, a place in palestine
#6
שְׁבַ֥ע
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#7
מֵא֖וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים
and forty
forty
#9
וּשְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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