Ezra 4:1

Authorized King James Version

Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ
H8085
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
צָרֵ֥י
H6862
Now when the adversaries
a pebble (as in h6864)
#3
יְהוּדָ֖ה
H3063
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#4
וּבִנְיָמִ֑ן
H1144
and Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#5
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
בְנֵ֤י
H1121
that the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
הַגּוֹלָה֙
H1473
of the captivity
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
#8
בּוֹנִ֣ים
H1129
builded
to build (literally and figuratively)
#9
הֵיכָ֔ל
H1964
the temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#10
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
H3068
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
H430
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
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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