Ezra 8:24

Authorized King James Version

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאַבְדִּ֛ילָה
Then I separated
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#2
מִשָּׂרֵ֥י
of the chief
a head person (of any rank or class)
#3
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
שְׁנֵ֣ים
twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
עָשָׂ֑ר
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#6
לְשֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֣ה
Sherebiah
sherebjah, the name of two israelites
#7
חֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה
Hashabiah
chashabjah, the name of nine israelites
#8
וְעִמָּהֶ֥ם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#9
מֵֽאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם
of their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#10
עֲשָׂרָֽה׃
and ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezra. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection