Ezra 2:68

Authorized King James Version

And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמֵֽרָאשֵׁי֙

H7218

And some of the chief

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאָב֔וֹת

of the fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּבוֹאָ֕ם

H935

when they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

for the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

which is at Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הִֽתְנַדְּבוּ֙

H5068

offered freely

to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

for the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

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

#11

לְהַֽעֲמִיד֖וֹ

H5975

to set it up

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#12

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

מְכוֹנֽוֹ׃

H4349

in his place

properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?