2 esdras 7:49 - And he answered me, and said, Hearken to me, and I will instruct you; and I will admonish you yet again:

Generated Verse: 2 esdras 7:49

What does "2 esdras 7:49" mean?


This verse from 2 Esdras 7:49 is part of a dialogue between the prophet Esdras and the angel Uriel. Esdras is grappling with profound questions about justice, suffering, and the fate of humanity, particularly concerning those who are righteous and those who are wicked.

Let's break down the meaning:

"And he answered me, and said...": This establishes that the angel (Uriel, though not explicitly named until later) is responding to Esdras's concerns. Esdras has been voicing his doubts and questions in the preceding verses.
"Hearken to me, and I will instruct you...": This is a direct command and promise. "Hearken" means to listen attentively and obediently. The angel is urging Esdras to pay close attention because he is about to impart important knowledge. The promise to "instruct" implies the angel will provide explanations and insights to answer Esdras's questions.
"and I will admonish you yet again:": This phrase emphasizes the continued nature of the instruction. "Admonish" means to advise, warn, or correct. The angel isn't just going to give one answer and be done with it. He will continue to guide and correct Esdras's understanding, implying that the issues are complex and require ongoing reflection and correction of perspective. The "yet again" suggests that the angel has already been trying to teach Esdras, and the process isn't over.

In essence, the verse means:

The angel is telling Esdras to listen carefully because he will provide further guidance and wisdom. He will not only answer Esdras's questions but also continue to offer correction and perspective on the challenging topics Esdras is struggling with. The angel is emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the divine instruction, as it will be a continuous process of learning and understanding.

Context is Key:

To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, you need to understand the context of the entire book of 2 Esdras and the specific questions Esdras is posing in the preceding verses. He's wrestling with the apparent injustice of the world, the vast number of people who seem destined for destruction, and the difficulty of living a righteous life in a corrupt world. The angel's response is meant to offer a heavenly perspective on these difficult issues, even if the answers are not always easy to accept or understand.

What categories does "2 esdras 7:49" have?