2 Esdras 7:3 kjva — And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.

King James Version with Apocrypha

“And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.”

— 2 Esdras 7:3, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

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2 Esdras 7:3 in Other Translations

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2 Esdras 7 — Context

1

And when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights afore:

2

And he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am come to tell thee.

3

And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.

4

But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river;

5

Who then could go into the sea to look upon it, and to rule it? if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into the broad?

6

There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon a broad field, and is full of all good things:

2 Esdras 7:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Esdras 7:3 say?
2 Esdras 7:3 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.”
Where is 2 Esdras 7:3 in the Bible?
2 Esdras 7:3 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 2 Esdras, chapter 7, verse 3.
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 7:3.
What translation should I read 2 Esdras 7:3 in?
2 Esdras 7:3 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 7:3?
2 Esdras 7:3 reads (KJVA): “And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.” 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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