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2 Esdras 14:41

2 Esdras 14:40 kjva — And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for…

King James Version with Apocrypha

“And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit strengthened my memory:”

— 2 Esdras 14:40, King James Version with Apocrypha

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2 Esdras 14:40 in Other Translations

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2 Esdras 14 — Context

37

So I took the five men, as he commanded me, and we went into the field, and remained there.

38

And the next day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras, open thy mouth, and drink that I give thee to drink.

39

Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full cup, which was full as it were with water, but the colour of it was like fire.

40

And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit strengthened my memory:

41

And my mouth was opened, and shut no more.

42

The Highest gave understanding unto the five men, and they wrote the wonderful visions of the night that were told, which they knew not: and they sat forty days, and they wrote in the day, and at night they ate bread.

43

As for me. I spake in the day, and I held not my tongue by night.

2 Esdras 14:40 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Esdras 14:40 say?
2 Esdras 14:40 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit strengthened my memory:”
Where is 2 Esdras 14:40 in the Bible?
2 Esdras 14:40 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 2 Esdras, chapter 14, verse 40.
Who wrote 2 Esdras?
2 Esdras is traditionally attributed to Anonymous Jewish apocalyptist (with later Christian additions). The core (chs. 3–14, often called 4 Ezra) is a Jewish apocalypse. Chapters 1–2 and 15–16 are Christian additions preserved only in Latin and other versions. It was written Core c. AD 90–100; additions 2nd–3rd c. AD.
What is the book of 2 Esdras about?
2 Esdras is one of the great apocalypses of late Second-Temple Judaism. Through seven visions and dialogues with the angel Uriel, the seer "Ezra" wrestles with theodicy — Why has God allowed Israel to suffer? What of the wicked who prosper? — and receives apocalyptic visions of the Messiah, a final judgment, a resurrection, and the renewal of all things. Its imagery deeply influenced later Jewish and Christian apocalyptic.
What are the major themes of 2 Esdras?
2 Esdras explores themes including Apocalyptic, Theodicy, Messiah, Resurrection, Judgment. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Esdras 14:40.
What translation should I read 2 Esdras 14:40 in?
2 Esdras 14:40 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 2 Esdras 14:40?
2 Esdras 14:40 reads (KJVA): “And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit strengthened my memory:” 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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