2 esdras 14:35 - For after death shall the judgement come, when we shall live again: and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the works of the ungodly shall be declared.

Generated Verse: 2 esdras 14:35

What does "2 esdras 14:35" mean?


This verse from 2 Esdras 14:35 (also known as 4 Esdras in some traditions) speaks about the afterlife and the concept of judgment. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"For after death shall the judgment come, when we shall live again:" This establishes a sequence of events:

"After death shall the judgment come": Immediately following death, there will be a period of judgment. This emphasizes that death is not the end, but rather the transition to a phase where one's actions and life will be evaluated.
"When we shall live again": This implies a resurrection or a renewed existence after death. It suggests that individuals will be brought back to life in some form to face this judgment.

"and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the works of the ungodly shall be declared." This describes the consequences of the judgment:

"Then shall the names of the righteous be manifest": The righteous (those who have lived according to God's will and commandments) will be revealed and recognized. Their righteousness will be publicly acknowledged.
"And the works of the ungodly shall be declared": The actions and deeds of the ungodly (those who have lived contrary to God's will) will be exposed. Their wrongdoing will be made known, and they will face the consequences.

In summary, the verse conveys the following key ideas:

Post-Mortem Judgment: There is a judgment that occurs after death.
Resurrection: This judgment is associated with a form of resurrection or renewed life.
Accountability: Individuals are held accountable for their actions in life.
Divine Justice: The righteous will be recognized and rewarded, while the ungodly will be judged and punished.

Important Considerations for Interpreting 2 Esdras:

Apocalyptic Literature: 2 Esdras is an example of apocalyptic literature, a genre that often uses symbolic language, visions, and end-times scenarios to convey theological and moral messages. It's important to consider the literary genre when interpreting the text.
Non-Canonical Status: 2 Esdras is not part of the canonical Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) used by Jews or Protestants. It is considered apocryphal or deuterocanonical by some Christian traditions (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox). This means its authority and interpretation may vary among different religious groups.
Themes: Common themes in 2 Esdras include:

The problem of suffering and evil.
Theodicy (justifying God's ways in the face of suffering).
The hope of salvation and the coming of God's kingdom.
The importance of keeping God's law.

This verse is a stark reminder of the importance of living a righteous life and the consequences that will follow. It is a call to live according to God's will so that one's name may be counted among the righteous on the day of judgment.

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