Ezra 9:3

Authorized King James Version

And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּכְשָׁמְעִי֙

H8085

And when I heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

this thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

קָרַ֥עְתִּי

H7167

I rent

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֶת

H853

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

בִּגְדִ֖י

H899

my garment

a covering, i.e., clothing

וּמְעִילִ֑י

H4598

and my mantle

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וָֽאֶמְרְטָ֞ה

H4803

and plucked off

to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen

#10

מִשְּׂעַ֤ר

H8181

the hair

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

#11

רֹאשִׁי֙

H7218

of my head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#12

וּזְקָנִ֔י

H2206

and of my beard

the beard (as indicating age)

#13

וָאֵֽשְׁבָ֖ה

H3427

and sat down

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#14

מְשׁוֹמֵֽם׃

H8074

astonied

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?