2 esdras 7:138 - and one that forgives, for if he did not forgive of his goodness, that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the ten thousandth part of men would not remain living;
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 esdras 7:138" mean?
This verse from 2 Esdras 7:138 (which is also found in 2 Esdras 7:74 in some versions, depending on the numbering) speaks about the necessity of God's forgiveness for the survival of humanity. Let's break it down:
"and one that forgives..." This clearly refers to God's role as a forgiver of sins.
"...for if he did not forgive of his goodness..." This emphasizes that God's forgiveness stems from his inherent goodness and grace, not from any merit on humanity's part. It's an act of mercy.
"...that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them..." This suggests that forgiveness relieves the burden of sin and its consequences. "Eased of them" implies a release from guilt, punishment, and spiritual weight.
"...the ten thousandth part of men would not remain living." This is the core of the verse's meaning. It powerfully states that without God's forgiveness, virtually no one would survive. "Ten thousandth part" is a figure of speech to express a miniscule fraction. It suggests that only an incredibly small number of people, practically none, would be righteous enough to escape the consequences of their sins.
In essence, the verse is saying:
God is inherently forgiving.
Forgiveness is essential for humanity to survive the consequences of its sins.
If God didn't forgive, almost everyone would perish due to their own iniquities.
Significance and Context:
This verse reflects the broader themes in 2 Esdras:
Human Sinfulness: The book acknowledges the pervasive nature of sin and human weakness.
Divine Mercy: Despite human sinfulness, God's mercy is presented as the only hope for salvation.
Judgment and Salvation: The book wrestles with the problem of theodicy (justifying God's actions in the face of suffering) and explores the tension between divine judgment and the possibility of salvation.
The verse highlights the dire state of humanity and emphasizes our complete dependence on God's grace and forgiveness. Without it, according to the author, humanity would be essentially wiped out. It's a stark reminder of the importance of seeking and receiving divine forgiveness.
2 esdras 7:138 - and one that forgives, for if he did not forgive of his goodness, that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the ten thousandth part of men would not remain living;
What does "2 esdras 7:138" mean?
This verse from 2 Esdras 7:138 (which is also found in 2 Esdras 7:74 in some versions, depending on the numbering) speaks about the necessity of God's forgiveness for the survival of humanity. Let's break it down:
"and one that forgives..." This clearly refers to God's role as a forgiver of sins.
"...for if he did not forgive of his goodness..." This emphasizes that God's forgiveness stems from his inherent goodness and grace, not from any merit on humanity's part. It's an act of mercy.
"...that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them..." This suggests that forgiveness relieves the burden of sin and its consequences. "Eased of them" implies a release from guilt, punishment, and spiritual weight.
"...the ten thousandth part of men would not remain living." This is the core of the verse's meaning. It powerfully states that without God's forgiveness, virtually no one would survive. "Ten thousandth part" is a figure of speech to express a miniscule fraction. It suggests that only an incredibly small number of people, practically none, would be righteous enough to escape the consequences of their sins.
In essence, the verse is saying:
God is inherently forgiving.
Forgiveness is essential for humanity to survive the consequences of its sins.
If God didn't forgive, almost everyone would perish due to their own iniquities.
Significance and Context:
This verse reflects the broader themes in 2 Esdras:
Human Sinfulness: The book acknowledges the pervasive nature of sin and human weakness.
Divine Mercy: Despite human sinfulness, God's mercy is presented as the only hope for salvation.
Judgment and Salvation: The book wrestles with the problem of theodicy (justifying God's actions in the face of suffering) and explores the tension between divine judgment and the possibility of salvation.
The verse highlights the dire state of humanity and emphasizes our complete dependence on God's grace and forgiveness. Without it, according to the author, humanity would be essentially wiped out. It's a stark reminder of the importance of seeking and receiving divine forgiveness.