Ezra 7:25

Authorized King James Version

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַ֣נְתְּ

H607

And thou

thou

עֶזְרָ֗א

H5831

Ezra

ezra, an israelite

כְּחָכְמַ֨ת

H2452

after the wisdom

wisdom

אֱלָהָ֑ךְ

H426

of thy God

god

דִּֽי

H1768

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

בִידָךְ֙

H3028

that is in thine hand

hand (indicating power)

מֶ֣נִּי

H4483

set

to count, appoint

שָֽׁפְטִ֞ין

H8200

magistrates

to judge

וְדַיָּנִ֗ין

H1782

and judges

a judge or advocate

#10

דִּי

H1768

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

#11

לֶהֱוֺ֤ן

H1934

which may judge

to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)

#12

דָּאְנִין֙

H1778

to judge

#13

לְכָל

H3606

all

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

#14

עַמָּה֙

H5972

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#15

דִּ֚י

H1768

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

#16

בַּֽעֲבַ֣ר

H5675

that are beyond

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

#17

נַֽהֲרָ֔ה

H5103

the river

a river, especially the euphrates

#18

לְכָל

H3606

all

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

#19

תְּהֽוֹדְעֽוּן׃

H3046

and teach

to inform

#20

דָּתֵ֣י

H1882

the laws

a royal edict or statute

#21

אֱלָהָ֑ךְ

H426

of thy God

god

#22

וְדִ֧י

H1768

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

#23

לָ֦א

H3809

them not

no, not

#24

תְּהֽוֹדְעֽוּן׃

H3046

and teach

to inform

#25

תְּהֽוֹדְעֽוּן׃

H3046

and teach

to inform

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?