The correct spelling of the word is "Ezra" /ˈɛzrə/. The first sound is the short "e" vowel sound, followed by the "z" consonant sound, then the "r" consonant sound, and finally the short "a" vowel sound. The "s" in "I Esdra" is a common mistaken rendition of the Hebrew letter "zayin," which is transliterated as "z" in English. "Ezra" is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "help" or "helper."
I Esdra is a term used to refer to the first book of Esdras in the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible. The Latin Vulgate is a late fourth-century Latin translation of the Christian Bible that was widely adopted and influential in Western Christianity. The book of I Esdra is not included in the Hebrew Bible but is found in some versions of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament.
I Esdra is categorized as part of the apocryphal writings, which means it is not considered canonical by all religious traditions. It primarily contains historical and narrative material, detailing events that took place during the Babylonian exile and the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem in the sixth century BCE.
This book provides an account of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and the reforms carried out by the prophet Ezra. It also includes several additional stories and prayers that are not found in other biblical books. I Esdra is considered significant for its historical insights and its discussion of themes such as colonialism, divine justice, and the preservation of tradition.
As an apocryphal book, I Esdra holds different levels of importance and acceptance among various Christian denominations. While some consider it valuable for its historical and theological insights, others view it as non-canonical and of lesser significance compared to the books of the Hebrew Bible.
The term "I Esdra" is derived from two parts: "I" and "Esdra".
The "I" in "I Esdra" is an abbreviation of the Roman numeral I, which represents the number one. In this context, it signifies the first book of Esdras.
"Esdra" refers to the biblical figure Esdras (also known as Ezra), who was a scribe and priest in the 5th century BCE. He was a significant figure in Jewish history and played a crucial role in the restoration and reformation of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile.
In the context of the term "I Esdra", it refers to the first book of Esdras, which is also known as 1 Esdras.