Ezra 3:1

Authorized King James Version

And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגַּע֙
H5060
was come
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#2
הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ
H2320
month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#3
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י
H7637
And when the seventh
seventh
#4
וּבְנֵ֥י
H1121
and 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
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
בֶּֽעָרִ֑ים
H5892
were in the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
וַיֵּאָֽסְפ֥וּ
H622
gathered themselves together
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#8
הָעָ֛ם
H5971
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
כְּאִ֥ישׁ
H376
man
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)
#10
אֶחָ֖ד
H259
as one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#11
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
H3389
to Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Ezra.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection