Ezra 8:17

Authorized King James Version

And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֲוּצַאֶ֤ה
H6680
And I sent
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#2
אוֹתָם֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
אִדּ֨וֹ
H112
unto Iddo
iddo, an israelite
#5
הָרֹ֔אשׁ
H7218
the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
בְּכָֽסִפְיָ֣א
H3703
Casiphia
casiphja, a place in babylon
#7
הַמָּק֔וֹם
H4725
at the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#8
וָֽאָשִׂימָה֩
H7760
and I told
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#9
בְּפִיהֶ֨ם
H6310
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#10
דְּבָרִ֜ים
H1697
them what
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
לְ֠דַבֵּר
H1696
they should say
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#12
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
אִדּ֨וֹ
H112
unto Iddo
iddo, an israelite
#14
אָחִ֤יו
H251
and to his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#15
הַנְּתִונִים֙
H5411
the Nethinims
the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)
#16
בְּכָֽסִפְיָ֣א
H3703
Casiphia
casiphja, a place in babylon
#17
הַמָּק֔וֹם
H4725
at the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#18
לְהָֽבִיא
H935
that they should bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#19
לָ֥נוּ
H0
#20
מְשָֽׁרְתִ֖ים
H8334
unto us ministers
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#21
לְבֵ֥ית
H1004
for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#22
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
H430
of our God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezra.

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