Ezra 8:27

Authorized King James Version

Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּכְפֹרֵ֤י
basons
properly, a cover, i.e., (by implication) a tankard (or covered goblet); also white frost (as covering the ground)
#2
כַּזָּהָֽב׃
as gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#3
עֶשְׂרִ֔ים
Also twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#4
לַֽאֲדַרְכֹנִ֖ים
drams
a daric or persian coin
#5
אָ֑לֶף
of a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#6
וּכְלֵ֨י
vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#7
נְחֹ֜שֶׁת
copper
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#8
מֻצְהָ֤ב
to glitter, i.e., be golden in color
#9
טוֹבָה֙
of fine
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#10
שְׁנַ֔יִם
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#11
חֲמוּדֹ֖ת
precious
delight
#12
כַּזָּהָֽב׃
as gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

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