Ezra 4:19

Authorized King James Version

And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִן
And I
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#2
שִׂ֣ים
commanded
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#3
טְעֵם֒
properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)
#4
וּבַקַּ֣רוּ
and search
properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider
#5
וְהַשְׁכַּ֔חוּ
hath been made and it is found
to discover (literally or figuratively)
#6
דִּ֚י
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#7
קִרְיְתָ֣א
city
building; a city
#8
דָ֔ךְ
that this
this
#9
מִן
And I
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#10
יוֹמָת֙
time
a day
#11
עָֽלְמָ֔א
old
remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever
#12
עַל
against
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
מַלְכִ֖ין
kings
a king
#14
מִֽתְנַשְּׂאָ֑ה
hath made insurrection
to carry away
#15
וּמְרַ֥ד
and that rebellion
rebellion
#16
וְאֶשְׁתַּדּ֖וּר
and sedition
rebellion
#17
מִתְעֲבֶד
have been made
to do, make, prepare, keep, etc
#18
בַּֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezra. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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