2 esdras 14:25 - and come here, and I shall light a lamp of understanding in your heart, which shall not be put out, till the things be ended which you shall write.

Generated Verse: 2 esdras 14:25

What does "2 esdras 14:25" mean?


This verse, from 2 Esdras 14:25, is a powerful promise of divine inspiration and perseverance in the task of writing scripture. Let's break down its meaning:

"And come here...": This is an invitation from God to Esdras (also known as Ezra in some traditions) to draw near, emphasizing a close and intimate connection between the divine and the human author. It signifies a special calling and privilege.

"...and I shall light a lamp of understanding in your heart...": This is the core promise. The "lamp of understanding" represents divine illumination and insight. God will grant Esdras the knowledge, wisdom, and clarity necessary to understand the divine truths he is meant to record. The heart, in biblical terms, is not just the seat of emotion but the center of intellect and will.

"...which shall not be put out...": This emphasizes the permanence of the inspiration. The divine illumination will not fade or be extinguished by challenges, doubts, or difficulties. It's a guarantee of continuous guidance.

"...till the things be ended which you shall write.": This provides a limit to the duration of the inspiration. The "lamp of understanding" will remain lit until Esdras has completed the specific task of writing the scriptures he has been commanded to produce. This highlights the specific and limited nature of the prophetic task assigned to Esdras.

In essence, the verse promises:

Divine Inspiration: God will personally grant Esdras the understanding needed to write.
Unwavering Guidance: The inspiration will be constant and reliable.
Enduring Illumination: The insight will last until the assigned writing task is completed.
Specific Purpose: The inspiration is specifically for completing the designated writing.

Contextual Understanding:

It's crucial to understand this verse within the larger context of 2 Esdras. In this chapter, Esdras is tasked with restoring the scriptures that were lost during the Babylonian exile. God instructs him to write down 94 books: 24 books to be made public (likely corresponding to the Hebrew Bible) and 70 books to be kept secret and shared only with the wise. This verse is directly related to that specific mission. The verse signifies that God is giving Esdras the necessary inspiration to accomplish this important task of restoring and preserving divine knowledge.

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