2 esdras 4:3 - Then said I, Yes my Lord. And he answered me, and said, I am sent to show you three ways, and to set forth three similitudes before you:

Generated Verse: 2 esdras 4:3

What does "2 esdras 4:3" mean?


The verse you quoted, 2 Esdras 4:3, is part of a larger dialogue between the prophet Ezra and the angel Uriel (often referred to as "the Lord" in these contexts, though it's an angelic messenger). Let's break it down:

"Then said I, Yes my Lord." This shows Ezra's acceptance of Uriel's authority and his willingness to listen. He acknowledges the angel's divine source of wisdom.
"And he answered me, and said, I am sent to show you three ways, and to set forth three similitudes before you:" This is the key part of the verse. Uriel states his purpose:
"to show you three ways": This implies Uriel is going to reveal three different approaches, methods, or paths related to the complex questions Ezra is wrestling with (usually regarding God's justice in the face of suffering and the fate of humanity).
"and to set forth three similitudes before you": Similitudes are comparisons, analogies, or parables. Uriel is going to use these stories or examples to illustrate those "three ways" and help Ezra understand them more deeply.

In essence, this verse is a promise of revelation. Uriel is preparing to provide Ezra with wisdom and understanding in the form of three distinct perspectives or approaches, explained through illustrative examples. This sets the stage for the subsequent verses where Uriel presents these analogies and challenges Ezra to comprehend them.