Ezra 3:6

Authorized King James Version

From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִיּ֤וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶחָד֙

H259

From the first

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ

H2320

month

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י

H7637

of the seventh

seventh

הֵחֵ֕לּוּ

H2490

began

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

לְהַֽעֲל֥וֹת

H5927

they to offer

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עֹל֖וֹת

H5930

burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

וְהֵיכַ֥ל

H1964

of the temple

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

#10

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#11

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

יֻסָּֽד׃

H3245

But the foundation

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

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezra Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?