Ezra 3:12

Authorized King James Version

But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרַבִּ֛ים
H7227
But many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#2
מֵהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים
H3548
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
וְהַלְוִיִּם֩
H3881
and Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#4
וְרָאשֵׁ֨י
H7218
and chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
הָֽאָב֜וֹת
H1
of the fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים
H2205
who were ancient men
old
#7
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
רָא֜וּ
H7200
that had seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַבַּ֙יִת֙
H1004
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
הָֽרִאשׁוֹן֙
H7223
the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#12
בְּיָסְד֔וֹ
H3245
was laid
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
#13
זֶ֤ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#14
הַבַּ֙יִת֙
H1004
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
בְּעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם
H5869
before their eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#16
בֹּכִ֖ים
H1058
wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#17
קֽוֹל׃
H6963
voice
a voice or sound
#18
גָּד֑וֹל
H1419
with a loud
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#19
וְרַבִּ֛ים
H7227
But many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#20
בִּתְרוּעָ֥ה
H8643
shouted
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
#21
בְשִׂמְחָ֖ה
H8057
for joy
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
#22
לְהָרִ֥ים
H7311
aloud
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#23
קֽוֹל׃
H6963
voice
a voice or sound

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

Questions for Reflection