What Does Ezra 8:21 Mean in the King James?

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Ezra 8:21 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

THE KEY

The word translated “right” is rooted in straightness, and this straight way is sought for the whole household, children and possessions included.

THE MEANING

The fast and self-affliction stand alongside a search for direction from God. The requested way extends to the little ones and all the household’s substance, placing its people and material life within the search.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

This undoes the belief that guidance concerns only a private spiritual life: the requested way includes children and everything the household possesses.

THE ROOT

יְשָׁרָה

yĕsharah

GROWS FROM

ישר

To be straight, level, or upright.

The word translated “right” comes from ⁨ישר⁩ (yashar, to be straight or upright). Its branches include ⁨מִישׁוֹר⁩ (mishor, level ground) and ⁨יֹשֶׁר⁩ (yosher, uprightness), so the requested way carries the sense of directness made walkable.

ALSO GROWS

mishor: Level ground; a plain.

מִישׁוֹר

This branch shares the root’s consonants and pictures a way made level enough to travel.

yosher: Uprightness; rectitude.

יֹשֶׁר

This branch shares the root’s consonants and connects a straight path with uprightness.

THE PATTERN

When the way is uncertain, scripture pictures direction as a path made straight before God and kept walkable for others.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 · KJVIt places the direction of the path in God’s hands, as Ezra’s fast seeks a way from him.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Isaiah 40:3 · KJVThe same ⁨ישר⁩ (yashar, to be straight) root describes making the way straight before God.

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Hebrews 12:13 · KJVA straightened path serves those who walk it, keeping the vulnerable from turning aside and opening toward healing.

THE THREAD

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Isaiah 40:3 · KJV

Ezra’s “right” and Isaiah’s “make straight” share ⁨ישר⁩ (yashar, to be straight or upright). Ezra seeks that straight way for the household; Isaiah pictures the same straightening as preparation for God’s way.

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