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1 Esdras 4:2 kjva — O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over sea and land and all things in them?

King James Version with Apocrypha

“O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over sea and land and all things in them?”

— 1 Esdras 4:2, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

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1 Esdras 4:2 in Other Translations

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1 Esdras 4 — Context

1

Then the second, that had spoken of the strength of the king, began to say,

2

O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over sea and land and all things in them?

3

But yet the king is more mighty: for he is lord of all these things, and hath dominion over them; and whatsoever he commandeth them they do.

4

If he bid them make war the one against the other, they do it: if he send them out against the enemies, they go, and break down mountains walls and towers.

5

They slay and are slain, and transgress not the king’s commandment: if they get the victory, they bring all to the king, as well the spoil, as all things else.

1 Esdras 4:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Esdras 4:2 say?
1 Esdras 4:2 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over sea and land and all things in them?”
Where is 1 Esdras 4:2 in the Bible?
1 Esdras 4:2 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 1 Esdras, chapter 4, verse 2.
Who wrote 1 Esdras?
1 Esdras is traditionally attributed to Anonymous Hellenistic Jewish author. Greek composition (or compilation) that retells material from 2 Chronicles 35–36, Ezra, and Nehemiah 7:38–8:12. Called "3 Esdras" in the Vulgate. It was written c. 200–100 BC.
What is the book of 1 Esdras about?
1 Esdras parallels the closing chapters of Chronicles, the book of Ezra, and the early chapters of Nehemiah, recounting Josiah's Passover, the fall of Jerusalem, and the return from exile to rebuild the Temple. Its most distinctive material is the "Contest of the Three Guardsmen" (3:1–5:6), where Zerubbabel wins a debate before King Darius by declaring that truth is mightier than wine, kings, or women — earning the king's favor and the right to return.
What are the major themes of 1 Esdras?
1 Esdras explores themes including Restoration, Temple, Truth, Exile and Return, Divine Sovereignty. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Esdras 4:2.
What translation should I read 1 Esdras 4:2 in?
1 Esdras 4:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Esdras 4:2?
1 Esdras 4:2 reads (KJVA): “O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over sea and land and all things in them?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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