Ezra 6:7

Authorized King James Version

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁבֻ֕קוּ
alone
to quit, i.e., allow to remain
#2
לַֽעֲבִידַ֖ת
Let the work
labor or business
#3
בֵּית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
אֱלָהָ֥א
of God
god
#5
דֵ֖ךְ
of this
this
#6
פַּחַ֤ת
let the governor
a prefect (of a city or small district)
#7
יְהֽוּדָיֵ֔א
of the Jews
a jehudaite (or judaite), i.e., jew
#8
וּלְשָׂבֵ֣י
and the elders
properly, to become aged, i.e., (by implication) to grow gray
#9
יְהֽוּדָיֵ֔א
of the Jews
a jehudaite (or judaite), i.e., jew
#10
בֵּית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
אֱלָהָ֥א
of God
god
#12
דֵ֖ךְ
of this
this
#13
יִבְנ֥וֹן
build
to build
#14
עַל
in
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
אַתְרֵֽהּ׃
his place
a place; (adverb) after

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection