Ezra 7:11

Authorized King James Version

Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְזֶ֣ה׀
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#2
פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן
H6572
Now this is the copy
a transcript
#3
הַֽנִּשְׁתְּוָ֗ן
H5406
of the letter
an epistle
#4
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נָתַן֙
H5414
gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ
H4428
that the king
a king
#7
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא
H783
Artaxerxes
artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings
#8
לְעֶזְרָ֥א
H5830
unto Ezra
ezra, an israelite
#9
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
H3548
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#10
סֹפֵ֞ר
H5608
even a scribe
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#11
סֹפֵ֞ר
H5608
even a scribe
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#12
דִּבְרֵ֧י
H1697
of the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#13
מִצְוֹת
H4687
of the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#14
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
וְחֻקָּ֖יו
H2706
and of his statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#16
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
to 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

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