Ezra 2:41

Authorized King James Version

The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַֽמְשֹׁרְרִ֑ים
The singers
to sing
#2
בְּנֵ֣י
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
#3
אָסָ֔ף
of Asaph
asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first
#4
מֵאָ֖ה
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#5
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#6
וּשְׁמֹנָֽה׃
and eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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