Ezra 3:13

Authorized King James Version

So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#2
הָעָ֗ם
H5971
So that the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
מַכִּירִים֙
H5234
could not discern
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#4
וְהַקּ֥וֹל
H6963
and the noise
a voice or sound
#5
תְּרוּעָ֣ה
H8643
of the shout
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
#6
הַשִּׂמְחָ֔ה
H8057
of joy
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
#7
וְהַקּ֥וֹל
H6963
and the noise
a voice or sound
#8
בְּכִ֣י
H1065
of the weeping
a weeping; by analogy, a dripping
#9
הָעָ֗ם
H5971
So that the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
הָעָ֗ם
H5971
So that the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
מְרִיעִים֙
H7321
shouted
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
#13
תְּרוּעָ֣ה
H8643
of the shout
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
#14
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
H1419
with a loud
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#15
וְהַקּ֥וֹל
H6963
and the noise
a voice or sound
#16
נִשְׁמַ֖ע
H8085
was heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#17
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
לְמֵֽרָחֽוֹק׃
H7350
afar off
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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