Ezra 3:9

Authorized King James Version

Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד

H5975

Then stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

יֵשׁ֡וּעַ

H3442

Jeshua

jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine

בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם

H251

and his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

קַדְמִיאֵ֨ל

H6934

Kadmiel

kadmiel, the name of three israelites

בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהוּדָה֙

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

כְּאֶחָ֔ד

H259

together

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

#10

לְנַצֵּ֛חַ

H5329

to set forward

properly, to glitter from afar, i.e., to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the temple services and its music); to be permanent

#11

עַל

H5921

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

#12

עֹשֵׂ֥ה

H6213

the workmen

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

הַמְּלָאכָ֖ה

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#14

בְּבֵ֣ית

H1004

in the house

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

#15

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#16

בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#17

חֵֽנָדָ֔ד

H2582

of Henadad

chenadad, an israelite

#18

בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#19

וַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם

H251

and his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#20

הַלְוִיִּֽם׃

H3881

the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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 this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?