Ezra 8:12

And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

And of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַזְגָּ֔ד

H5803

of Azgad

azgad, an israelite

יֽוֹחָנָ֖ן

H3110

Johanan

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

בֶּן

H1121

And of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַקָּטָ֑ן

H6997

of Hakkatan

katan, an israelite

וְעִמּ֕וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מֵאָ֥ה

H3967

and with him an hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽעֲשָׂרָ֖ה

H6235

and ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הַזְּכָרִֽים׃

H2145

males

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?