Ezra 9:14

Authorized King James Version

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Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?

Original Language Analysis

הֲנָשׁוּב֙ Should we again H7725
הֲנָשׁוּב֙ Should we again
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 1 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לְהָפֵ֣ר break H6565
לְהָפֵ֣ר break
Strong's: H6565
Word #: 2 of 15
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
מִצְוֹתֶ֔יךָ thy commandments H4687
מִצְוֹתֶ֔יךָ thy commandments
Strong's: H4687
Word #: 3 of 15
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וּ֨לְהִתְחַתֵּ֔ן and join in affinity H2859
וּ֨לְהִתְחַתֵּ֔ן and join in affinity
Strong's: H2859
Word #: 4 of 15
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
בְּעַמֵּ֥י with the people H5971
בְּעַמֵּ֥י with the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 5 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַתֹּֽעֵב֖וֹת of these abominations H8441
הַתֹּֽעֵב֖וֹת of these abominations
Strong's: H8441
Word #: 6 of 15
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
הָאֵ֑לֶּה H428
הָאֵ֑לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 7 of 15
these or those
הֲל֤וֹא H3808
הֲל֤וֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֶֽאֱנַף wouldest not thou be angry H599
תֶֽאֱנַף wouldest not thou be angry
Strong's: H599
Word #: 9 of 15
to breathe hard, i.e., be enraged
בָּ֙נוּ֙ H0
בָּ֙נוּ֙
Strong's: H0
Word #: 10 of 15
עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 11 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
כַּלֵּ֔ה with us till thou hadst consumed H3615
כַּלֵּ֔ה with us till thou hadst consumed
Strong's: H3615
Word #: 12 of 15
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לְאֵ֥ין H369
לְאֵ֥ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 13 of 15
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
שְׁאֵרִ֖ית us so that there should be no remnant H7611
שְׁאֵרִ֖ית us so that there should be no remnant
Strong's: H7611
Word #: 14 of 15
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
וּפְלֵיטָֽה׃ nor escaping H6413
וּפְלֵיטָֽה׃ nor escaping
Strong's: H6413
Word #: 15 of 15
deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

Analysis & Commentary

The climactic question: 'Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?' The word 'again' emphasizes repeating previously judged sins. The rhetorical question acknowledges that persistent covenant breaking invites complete destruction. The phrase 'till thou hadst consumed us' recognizes God's justice would warrant total annihilation. This isn't manipulation but sober recognition of what renewed sin deserves. The final phrase 'no remnant nor escaping' pictures complete destruction.

Historical Context

The question's logic: if exile was punishment for these sins, repeating them courts renewed and final judgment. The prophets warned that persistent covenant violation would bring complete destruction (Jeremiah 7:12-15). The acknowledgment shows Ezra understands that God's patience has limits. While God is merciful, presuming on mercy by deliberately sinning is folly. The community's survival depended on covenant faithfulness, not ethnic identity or past promises divorced from obedience. This theology challenged false security.

Questions for Reflection