Ezra 3:11

Authorized King James Version

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽ֠יַּעֲנוּ

H6030

And they sang together by course

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בְהַלֵּל֙

H1984

in praising

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

וּבְהוֹדֹ֤ת

H3034

and giving thanks

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֔וֹב

H2896

because he is good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְעוֹלָ֥ם

H5769

endureth for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

חַסְדּ֖וֹ

H2617

for his mercy

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

#10

עַל

H5921

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

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

toward Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

הָעָ֡ם

H5971

And all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#14

הֵרִיעוּ֩

H7321

shouted

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

#15

תְרוּעָ֨ה

H8643

shout

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

#16

גְדוֹלָ֤ה

H1419

with a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#17

בְהַלֵּל֙

H1984

in praising

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

#18

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

#19

עַ֖ל

H5921

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

#20

הוּסַ֥ד

H3245

because the foundation

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

#21

בֵּית

H1004

of the house

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

#22

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezra.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on mercy address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?