2 esdras 7:79 - And if it be one of those that have been scorners and have not kept the way of the Most High, and that have despised his law, and that hate those who fear God,

Generated Verse: 2 esdras 7:79

What does "2 esdras 7:79" mean?


This verse from 2 Esdras 7:79 describes the fate of a particular group of people in the afterlife, according to the author of the text. It outlines their characteristics and connects them to a negative outcome. Let's break it down:

"And if it be one of those that have been scorners..." This refers to people who have lived lives marked by derision, mockery, and contempt. They have actively ridiculed or dismissed things they deemed unimportant or foolish, likely including religious or spiritual matters.

"...and have not kept the way of the Most High..." This signifies that they have not followed the path or principles laid down by God. They haven't adhered to divine commandments or moral teachings.

"...and that have despised his law..." This reinforces the previous point, emphasizing a specific rejection of God's laws or rules. They haven't just ignored them but actively viewed them with contempt.

"...and that hate those who fear God..." This reveals a deeper level of antagonism. They don't just disregard God's law themselves, but harbor animosity towards those who are pious, religious, and dedicated to God.

In essence, the verse describes individuals who are:

Scoffers: Mocking and contemptuous towards faith and spirituality.
Disobedient: Ignoring or rejecting God's commandments and teachings.
Antagonistic: Actively hating and despising those who are devout.

Context within 2 Esdras:

2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra) is an apocalyptic text from the late 1st century CE, often found in appendices to the Vulgate and other versions of the Bible. It grapples with profound questions of justice, suffering, and the fate of humanity. Chapter 7, from which this verse is taken, deals specifically with the judgment of the righteous and the wicked in the afterlife. This verse, therefore, paints a picture of the type of person who is likely to face a negative judgment.

Meaning and Interpretation:

The verse suggests a stark division between those who follow God and those who reject Him. It implies that a life of scorn, disobedience, and hatred towards the faithful leads to a negative consequence in the afterlife, likely a form of punishment or exclusion from divine favor.

In simple terms, the verse means:

"If someone has lived a life of mocking religion, disobeying God's laws, and hating religious people, they are in for a very bad outcome after death."

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