Ezra 9:4

Authorized King James Version

Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵלַ֣י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֵאָֽסְפ֗וּ

H622

Then were assembled

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

כֹּ֤ל

H3605

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

חָרֵד֙

H2730

unto me every one that trembled

fearful; also reverential

בְּדִבְרֵ֣י

H1697

at the words

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

אֱלֹהֵֽי

H430

of the 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַ֖ל

H5921

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

מַ֣עַל

H4604

because of the transgression

treachery, i.e., sin

#10

הַגּוֹלָ֑ה

H1473

of those that had been carried away

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

#11

וַֽאֲנִי֙

H589

#12

יֹשֵׁ֣ב

H3427

and I sat

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

#13

מְשׁוֹמֵ֔ם

H8074

astonied

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

#14

עַ֖ד

H5704

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

#15

לְמִנְחַ֥ת

H4503

sacrifice

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

#16

הָעָֽרֶב׃

H6153

until the evening

dusk

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 sovereignty 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

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?
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?
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?