Ezra 7:14

Authorized King James Version

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
as
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
קֳבֵ֗ל
(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence
#3
דִּ֥י
Forasmuch
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#4
מִן
of
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#5
קֳדָ֨ם
before
#6
מַלְכָּ֜א
the king
a king
#7
וְשִׁבְעַ֤ת
and of his seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#8
יָֽעֲטֹ֙הִי֙
counsellors
to counsel; reflexively, to consult
#9
שְׁלִ֔יחַ
thou art sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#10
לְבַקָּרָ֥א
to enquire
properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider
#11
עַל
concerning
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
יְה֖וּד
Judah
properly, judah, hence, judaea
#13
וְלִֽירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
and Jerusalem
jerusalem
#14
בְּדָ֥ת
according to the law
a royal edict or statute
#15
אֱלָהָ֖ךְ
of thy God
god
#16
דִּ֥י
Forasmuch
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#17
בִידָֽךְ׃
which is in thine hand
hand (indicating power)

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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection