2 esdras 7:29 - After these years shall my son Christ die of those who, and all that have the breath of life.
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What does "2 esdras 7:29" mean?
The verse "After these years shall my son Christ die of those who, and all that have the breath of life" from 2 Esdras 7:29 is a complex and debated passage within a broader apocalyptic vision. To understand it, we need to break it down and consider the context:
"After these years...": This refers to the 400 years mentioned in the previous verse (2 Esdras 7:28) where the Messiah and the blessed ones will enjoy a period of rejoicing. So, after this Messianic kingdom of 400 years is over.
"...shall my son Christ die...": This is the crux of the verse and where interpretations diverge. "Christ" here refers to the Messiah. The idea that the Messiah dies after a period of reigning is unusual compared to traditional Christian theology where Jesus Christ's death is a singular, redemptive event.
"...of those who, and all that have the breath of life.": This phrase implies that the Messiah's death will be caused or influenced by all living beings. This again is unusual. Traditionally, responsibility for Jesus' death is attributed to specific individuals or groups, not "all that have the breath of life."
Possible interpretations of this verse:
1. Literal Death and a Second Coming: Some interpret this verse literally to mean that the Messiah, after reigning for 400 years, will die. This interpretation creates some theological challenges. Some proponents of this interpretation suggest that the Messiah's death here is distinct from Jesus Christ's death in the New Testament and that this is a different event related to a second coming.
2. Symbolic Death/End of the Messianic Era: Another way to interpret it is that the "death" of the Messiah is not a literal death, but rather the end of the Messianic era or kingdom. The Messiah's influence might wane, or the conditions that made the Messianic kingdom possible might cease to exist. This interpretation can be supported by verses that talk about the end times and judgement. In this understanding, "those who, and all that have the breath of life" might symbolize humanity in general, whose sins or failings lead to the end of the Messianic age.
3. Apocalyptic Imagery: It's essential to remember that 2 Esdras is an apocalyptic text. Apocalyptic literature often uses symbolic language, dramatic imagery, and hyperbole to convey spiritual truths. The death of the Messiah might be a symbolic representation of the corruption and decay that will ultimately plague the world. In this view, the death might not be a specific event but a figurative representation of the world descending into chaos.
Why this verse is difficult to interpret:
Apocalyptic Genre: The nature of apocalyptic writing lends itself to multiple interpretations.
Textual Variants: There are some variations in different versions of 2 Esdras, which can affect the precise wording of the verse.
Pseudepigraphal Status: 2 Esdras is considered pseudepigraphal, meaning it was written under a false name (attributed to Ezra, but likely written much later). This means it doesn't have the same level of authority as canonical biblical texts, and its theological claims are open to more scrutiny.
Jewish and Christian Influences: 2 Esdras was written in a period of transition between Judaism and Christianity, and it shows influences from both traditions, sometimes in ways that are hard to reconcile.
Conclusion:
The verse 2 Esdras 7:29 is a challenging and enigmatic passage. The most common interpretations center on the literal death of the Messiah after a 400-year reign, or the symbolic end of the Messianic era. The phrase "of those who, and all that have the breath of life" further complicates the matter, suggesting a collective responsibility for this event. The best approach is to consider the verse within the broader context of 2 Esdras as an apocalyptic text that employs symbolism and exaggeration to convey its message. The meaning might not be a straightforward factual statement but rather a complex allegorical representation of the end times and the challenges humanity will face.
It is important to consult various commentaries and scholarly works on 2 Esdras to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the different interpretations and the historical and theological context of this fascinating book.
2 esdras 7:29 - After these years shall my son Christ die of those who, and all that have the breath of life.
What does "2 esdras 7:29" mean?
The verse "After these years shall my son Christ die of those who, and all that have the breath of life" from 2 Esdras 7:29 is a complex and debated passage within a broader apocalyptic vision. To understand it, we need to break it down and consider the context:
"After these years...": This refers to the 400 years mentioned in the previous verse (2 Esdras 7:28) where the Messiah and the blessed ones will enjoy a period of rejoicing. So, after this Messianic kingdom of 400 years is over.
"...shall my son Christ die...": This is the crux of the verse and where interpretations diverge. "Christ" here refers to the Messiah. The idea that the Messiah dies after a period of reigning is unusual compared to traditional Christian theology where Jesus Christ's death is a singular, redemptive event.
"...of those who, and all that have the breath of life.": This phrase implies that the Messiah's death will be caused or influenced by all living beings. This again is unusual. Traditionally, responsibility for Jesus' death is attributed to specific individuals or groups, not "all that have the breath of life."
Possible interpretations of this verse:
1. Literal Death and a Second Coming: Some interpret this verse literally to mean that the Messiah, after reigning for 400 years, will die. This interpretation creates some theological challenges. Some proponents of this interpretation suggest that the Messiah's death here is distinct from Jesus Christ's death in the New Testament and that this is a different event related to a second coming.
2. Symbolic Death/End of the Messianic Era: Another way to interpret it is that the "death" of the Messiah is not a literal death, but rather the end of the Messianic era or kingdom. The Messiah's influence might wane, or the conditions that made the Messianic kingdom possible might cease to exist. This interpretation can be supported by verses that talk about the end times and judgement. In this understanding, "those who, and all that have the breath of life" might symbolize humanity in general, whose sins or failings lead to the end of the Messianic age.
3. Apocalyptic Imagery: It's essential to remember that 2 Esdras is an apocalyptic text. Apocalyptic literature often uses symbolic language, dramatic imagery, and hyperbole to convey spiritual truths. The death of the Messiah might be a symbolic representation of the corruption and decay that will ultimately plague the world. In this view, the death might not be a specific event but a figurative representation of the world descending into chaos.
Why this verse is difficult to interpret:
Apocalyptic Genre: The nature of apocalyptic writing lends itself to multiple interpretations.
Textual Variants: There are some variations in different versions of 2 Esdras, which can affect the precise wording of the verse.
Pseudepigraphal Status: 2 Esdras is considered pseudepigraphal, meaning it was written under a false name (attributed to Ezra, but likely written much later). This means it doesn't have the same level of authority as canonical biblical texts, and its theological claims are open to more scrutiny.
Jewish and Christian Influences: 2 Esdras was written in a period of transition between Judaism and Christianity, and it shows influences from both traditions, sometimes in ways that are hard to reconcile.
Conclusion:
The verse 2 Esdras 7:29 is a challenging and enigmatic passage. The most common interpretations center on the literal death of the Messiah after a 400-year reign, or the symbolic end of the Messianic era. The phrase "of those who, and all that have the breath of life" further complicates the matter, suggesting a collective responsibility for this event. The best approach is to consider the verse within the broader context of 2 Esdras as an apocalyptic text that employs symbolism and exaggeration to convey its message. The meaning might not be a straightforward factual statement but rather a complex allegorical representation of the end times and the challenges humanity will face.
It is important to consult various commentaries and scholarly works on 2 Esdras to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the different interpretations and the historical and theological context of this fascinating book.