Ezra 9:13

Authorized King James Version

And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַֽחֲרֵי֙

H310

And after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַבָּ֣א

H935

all that is come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עָלֵ֔ינוּ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֙ינוּ֙

H4639

deeds

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

הָֽרָעִ֔ים

H7451

upon us for our evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וּבְאַשְׁמָתֵ֖נוּ

H819

trespass

guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering

הַגְּדֹלָ֑ה

H1419

and for our great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#11

אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ

H430

seeing that thou 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

#12

חָשַׂ֤כְתָּֽ

H2820

hast punished

to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

#13

לְמַ֙טָּה֙

H4295

us less

downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

#14

מֵֽעֲוֹנֵ֔נוּ

H5771

than our iniquities

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#15

וְנָתַ֥תָּה

H5414

deserve and hast given

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

#16

לָּ֛נוּ

#17

פְּלֵיטָ֖ה

H6413

us such deliverance

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

#18

כָּזֹֽאת׃

H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?