2 esdras 2:47 - So he answered and said to me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend those who stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord.

Generated Verse: 2 esdras 2:47

What does "2 esdras 2:47" mean?


This verse from 2 Esdras 2:47 speaks to the recognition and praise of those who firmly uphold their faith in the Son of God amidst a world that may reject or deny Him. Let's break it down:

"So he answered and said to me...": This refers to an angelic or divine figure speaking to the author of 2 Esdras (also known as Ezra in some traditions) during a vision.

"...It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world.": The divine figure identifies "the Son of God" as the one being confessed (acknowledged and proclaimed) by believers throughout the world. This signifies that even in the face of challenges or opposition, there are those who openly declare their faith in Jesus Christ.

"Then began I greatly to commend those who stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord.": "Commend" means to praise or admire. The author, upon hearing this confirmation of the Son of God, starts to greatly admire and praise those who have remained steadfast and unwavering ("stood so stiffly") in their faith and devotion to God ("the name of the Lord"). Their firmness and resilience in professing their belief is recognized and appreciated.

In summary, the verse highlights the following:

Recognition of Jesus as the Son of God: The divine figure explicitly identifies the one being confessed as the "Son of God."
Praise for steadfast believers: The author praises those who have firmly maintained their faith and proclaimed the name of the Lord despite potential adversity.
Emphasis on public confession: The phrase "whom they have confessed in the world" emphasizes the importance of openly declaring one's faith rather than keeping it hidden.

Possible Interpretations and Significance:

Encouragement to persevere: The verse serves as an encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing opposition or ridicule. Knowing that their faithfulness is recognized and valued by God can provide strength and motivation.
Admiration for unwavering faith: It expresses admiration for those who openly and boldly confess their belief in the Son of God, setting an example for others.
Importance of confessing Jesus: The verse underscores the significance of publicly acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and proclaiming one's faith to the world.
Context of Suffering: 2 Esdras was written during a time of great suffering for the Jewish people. This verse could be seen as a reward and encouragement for those who remained faithful through those trials.

In essence, this verse is a testament to the importance of unwavering faith, the power of public confession, and the recognition and reward that come to those who stand firm for their beliefs in the face of adversity.