This verse, "And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter," from 1 Esdras 2:20, essentially means:
Because the work of rebuilding the temple is underway, we believe it's important not to ignore or abandon this project.
Let's break it down:
"And forasmuch as...": This is an archaic way of saying "Because" or "Since." It's establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
"...the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand...": This means that the work related to the temple is actively being dealt with or is underway. The phrase "in hand" suggests that the rebuilding is already starting, the materials are being gathered, or there is other progress.
"...we think it meet...": "Meet" here means proper, suitable, or fitting. So, "we think it meet" translates to "we believe it is proper" or "we think it's right."
"...not to neglect such a matter": This is the core point. They shouldn't ignore, abandon, or take lightly the task of rebuilding the temple. The project is of significant importance.
Context is Crucial:
To fully understand the verse's significance, you need to consider the surrounding text in 1 Esdras (which is not considered canonical by most Christian denominations but is part of the Apocrypha). Generally, the context is about the Jewish people returning from exile in Babylon and beginning the work of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. The verse is likely part of a royal decree or official statement emphasizing the importance of continuing this vital undertaking.
In essence, the verse is a call to action and a statement of purpose. Because the rebuilding has started, they shouldn't lose momentum or get distracted but should see the project through to completion.
This verse, "And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter," from 1 Esdras 2:20, essentially means:
Because the work of rebuilding the temple is underway, we believe it's important not to ignore or abandon this project.
Let's break it down:
"And forasmuch as...": This is an archaic way of saying "Because" or "Since." It's establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
"...the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand...": This means that the work related to the temple is actively being dealt with or is underway. The phrase "in hand" suggests that the rebuilding is already starting, the materials are being gathered, or there is other progress.
"...we think it meet...": "Meet" here means proper, suitable, or fitting. So, "we think it meet" translates to "we believe it is proper" or "we think it's right."
"...not to neglect such a matter": This is the core point. They shouldn't ignore, abandon, or take lightly the task of rebuilding the temple. The project is of significant importance.
Context is Crucial:
To fully understand the verse's significance, you need to consider the surrounding text in 1 Esdras (which is not considered canonical by most Christian denominations but is part of the Apocrypha). Generally, the context is about the Jewish people returning from exile in Babylon and beginning the work of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. The verse is likely part of a royal decree or official statement emphasizing the importance of continuing this vital undertaking.
In essence, the verse is a call to action and a statement of purpose. Because the rebuilding has started, they shouldn't lose momentum or get distracted but should see the project through to completion.
