Ezra 6:10

Authorized King James Version

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דִּֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#2
לֶהֱוֹ֧ן
That they may offer
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#3
מְהַקְרְבִ֛ין
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#4
נִֽיחוֹחִ֖ין
sacrifices of sweet savours
pleasure
#5
לֶֽאֱלָ֣הּ
unto the God
god
#6
שְׁמַיָּ֑א
of heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#7
וּמְצַלַּ֕יִן
and pray
pray
#8
לְחַיֵּ֥י
for the life
alive; also (as noun in plural) life
#9
מַלְכָּ֖א
of the king
a king
#10
וּבְנֽוֹהִי׃
and of his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezra. The concept of life 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection