Ezra 9:12

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠עַתָּה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

וּבְנֹֽתֵיהֶם֙

H1323

not your daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּתְּנ֣וּ

H5414

Now therefore give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִבְנֵיכֶ֖ם

H1121

to your children

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

וּבְנֹֽתֵיהֶם֙

H1323

not your daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׂא֣וּ

H5375

neither take

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לִבְנֵיכֶ֖ם

H1121

to your children

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

#10

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

תִדְרְשׁ֧וּ

H1875

nor seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#12

שְׁלֹמָ֛ם

H7965

their peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#13

וְטֽוֹבָתָ֖ם

H2896

or their wealth

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

#14

עַד

H5704

for

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#15

עוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#16

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#17

תֶּֽחֶזְק֗וּ

H2388

that ye may be strong

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

#18

וַֽאֲכַלְתֶּם֙

H398

and eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#19

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

ט֣וּב

H2898

the good

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

#21

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#22

וְהֽוֹרַשְׁתֶּ֥ם

H3423

and leave it for an inheritance

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#23

לִבְנֵיכֶ֖ם

H1121

to your children

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

#24

עַד

H5704

for

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#25

עוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?