Back to Ezra 6

Ezra 6:7-12

Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place. Moreover I make a decree what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses must be given with all diligence to these men, that they not be hindered. That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail; that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened on it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree. Let it be done with all diligence.

World English Bible · Public Domain
Show the surrounding paragraph

Ezra 6:7-12 sits inside this longer paragraph.

Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there. Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place. Moreover I make a decree what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses must be given with all diligence to these men, that they not be hindered. That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail; that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened on it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree. Let it be done with all diligence.

Read all of Ezra 6 →

Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.

    Moreover I make a decree what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses must be given with all diligence to these men, that they not be hindered.

    That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail;

    that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

    I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened on it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

    May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree. Let it be done with all diligence.

  • KJV King James Version

    Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

    Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

    And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

    That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

    Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

    And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

Show all 3 translations
  • JPS JPS Tanakh (1917)

    let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.

    Moreover I make a decree concerning what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God; that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.

    And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for burnt-offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests that are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail;

    that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savour unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

    Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this;

    and may the God that hath caused His name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples, that shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence.'

View more translations →

Cross-references (54)

  • 1 Kings 9:3 (v12) Yahweh said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your supplication, that you have made before me. I have made this house holy, which you…
  • Daniel 3:29 (v11) Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and…
  • Deuteronomy 12:5 (v12) But to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, you shall seek his habitation, and you…
  • Ezra 7:26 (v11) Whoever will not do the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all diligence, whether it is to…
  • Acts 5:38-39 (vv7, 12) Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. But if it…
Show all 53 cross-references
  • Exodus 20:24 (v12) You shall make an altar of earth for me, and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your…
  • Deuteronomy 12:11 (v12) then it shall happen that to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there, there you shall bring all that…
  • Ezra 6:4 (v8) with three courses of great stones and a course of new timber. Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
  • Ezra 7:23 (v10) Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath…
  • Jeremiah 29:7 (v10) Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its peace you will have…
  • Daniel 2:5 (v11) The king answered the Chaldeans, “The thing has gone from me. If you don’t make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you will be…
  • 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (v10) I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: for kings and all who…
  • Genesis 8:21 (v10) Yahweh smelled the pleasant aroma. Yahweh said in his heart, “I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake because the…
  • Leviticus 1:10 (v9) “ ‘If his offering is from the flock, from the sheep or from the goats, for a burnt offering, he shall offer a male without defect.
  • Deuteronomy 16:2 (v12) You shall sacrifice the Passover to Yahweh your God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which Yahweh shall choose to cause his name to…
  • 2 Kings 9:37 (v11) and the body of Jezebel will be as dung on the face of the field on Jezreel’s land, so that they won’t say, “This is Jezebel.” ’ ”
  • 2 Kings 10:27 (v11) They broke down the pillar of Baal, and broke down the house of Baal, and made it a latrine, to this day.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:16 (v12) For now I have chosen and made this house holy, that my name may be there forever; and my eyes and my heart will be there perpetually.
  • Ezra 7:15-22 (v8) and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in…
  • Esther 3:14-15 (v12) A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that they should be ready…
  • Esther 5:4 (v11) Esther said, “If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
  • Esther 8:14 (v12) So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. The decree was given out in the…
  • Psalms 5:10 (v12) Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels. Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have…
  • Psalms 21:8-10 (v12) Your hand will find out all of your enemies. Your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them as a fiery furnace in the…
  • Psalms 50:9-13 (v9) I have no need for a bull from your stall, nor male goats from your pens. For every animal of the forest is mine, and the livestock on a…
  • Psalms 132:13-14 (v12) For Yahweh has chosen Zion. He has desired it for his habitation. “This is my resting place forever. I will live here, for I have desired…
  • Psalms 137:8-9 (v12) Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who repays you, as you have done to us. Happy shall he be, who takes and…
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10 (v12) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are…
  • Isaiah 60:12 (v12) For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted.
  • Obadiah 1:10 (v12) For the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be cut off forever.
  • Haggai 2:8 (v8) The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,’ says Yahweh of Armies.
  • Zechariah 12:2-4 (v12) “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the surrounding peoples, and it will also be on Judah in the siege against…
  • Acts 9:5 (v12) He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
  • Ephesians 5:2 (v10) Walk in love, even as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.
  • Exodus 29:38-42 (v9) “Now this is that which you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day continually. The one lamb you shall offer in the…
  • Leviticus 1:3-5 (v9) “ ‘If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without defect. He shall offer it at the door of the Tent of…
  • Leviticus 1:9 (v10) but he shall wash its innards and its legs with water. The priest shall burn all of it on the altar, for a burnt offering, an offering made…
  • Leviticus 1:13 (v10) but the innards and the legs he shall wash with water. The priest shall offer the whole, and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering,…
  • Leviticus 2:1-16 (v9) “ ‘When anyone offers an offering of a meal offering to Yahweh, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it, and put…
  • Leviticus 9:2 (v9) and he said to Aaron, “Take a calf from the herd for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without defect, and offer them before…
  • Numbers 15:4-31 (v9) then he who offers his offering shall offer to Yahweh a meal offering of one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one fourth of a hin…
  • Numbers 28:1-29 (v9) Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Command the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘See that you present my offering, my food for my offerings…
  • 1 Chronicles 9:29 (v9) Some of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the…
  • Ezra 4:16 (v8) We inform the king that, if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
  • Ezra 4:20-21 (v8) There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was…
  • Ezra 4:23 (v8) Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to…
  • Ezra 5:5 (v8) But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease, until the matter should come to Darius, and an…
  • Ezra 6:13 (v12) Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, because Darius the…
  • Psalms 68:29-31 (v8) Because of your temple at Jerusalem, kings shall bring presents to you. Rebuke the wild animal of the reeds, the multitude of the bulls,…
  • Isaiah 49:23 (v9) Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and…
  • Mark 9:49 (v9) For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.
  • Revelation 19:14-21 (v12) The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen. Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp,…
  • Esther 7:10 (v11) So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath was pacified.

53 distinct cross-references across this passage (54 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (17 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv8, 12 For lack of money.

For lack of money.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.

John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv7–12 Ezr 6:7 Let the work of this house of…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On v8 From proceeding in their work for want of money.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv7–12 Moreover, I make a decree, what ye shall do…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v12 Destroy - Tho' this temple was at length most…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv10–11 Verse 10. And pray for the life of the…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv8, 10, 12 Ezr 6:8-9. That of the king’s goods, forthwith expenses…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv11–12 Being set up, let him be hanged thereon -…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv8, 9, 11 Hindered. Thus Darius trod in the footsteps, or perhaps…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv8, 11 of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond…
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv10–12 10. Offer sacrifices of sweet savours — Or, offer…
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv8–12 8. The injunction; official support, (a) money for the…
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv8–11 (8) Moreover.—I also make my decree.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv8–12 Moreover, I make a decree. Literally, "By me too…
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv8–9 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do…
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv8, 11 General Information:
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv8, 10, 11 6:8 You must pay the full construction costs: This…
Share