Ezra 2:29

Authorized King James Version

The children of Nebo, fifty and two.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּנֵ֥י
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
נְב֖וֹ
of Nebo
nebo, the name of a babylonian deity
#3
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
fifty
fifty
#4
וּשְׁנָֽיִם׃
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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