Ezra 6:11

Authorized King James Version

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִן

H4481

Also

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

שִׂ֣ים

H7761

I have made

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

טְעֵם֒

H2942

a decree

properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)

דִּ֣י

H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

כָל

H3606

that whosoever

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֱנָ֗שׁ

H606

a man

דִּ֤י

H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

יְהַשְׁנֵא֙

H8133

shall alter

to alter

פִּתְגָמָ֣א

H6600

word

a word, answer, letter or decree

#10

דְּנָֽה׃

H1836

this

#11

יִתְנְסַ֥ח

H5256

be pulled down

to tear away

#12

אָע֙

H636

let timber

a tree or wood

#13

מִן

H4481

Also

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

#14

וּבַיְתֵ֛הּ

H1005

and let his house

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

#15

וּזְקִ֖יף

H2211

and being set up

to hang, i.e., impale

#16

יִתְמְחֵ֣א

H4223

let him be hanged

to strike in pieces; also to arrest; specifically to impale

#17

עַל

H5922

for

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

#18

וּבַיְתֵ֛הּ

H1005

and let his house

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

#19

נְוָל֥וּ

H5122

a dunghill

a sink

#20

יִתְעֲבֵ֖ד

H5648

be made

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

#21

עַל

H5922

for

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

#22

דְּנָֽה׃

H1836

this

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?