2 Esdras 7:21 kjva — For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they sh…

King James Version with Apocrypha

"For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment."

— 2 Esdras 7:21, King James Version with Apocrypha

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2 Esdras 7:21 in Other Translations

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2 Esdras 7 — Context

18

Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.

19

And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest.

20

For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.

21

For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.

22

Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, and imagined vain things;

23

And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:

24

But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in his statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed his works.

2 Esdras 7:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Esdras 7:21 say?
2 Esdras 7:21 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.”
Where is 2 Esdras 7:21 in the Bible?
2 Esdras 7:21 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 2 Esdras, chapter 7, verse 21.
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 7:21.
What translation should I read 2 Esdras 7:21 in?
2 Esdras 7:21 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 7:21?
2 Esdras 7:21 reads (KJVA): “For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.” 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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