Ezra 1:2
What does Ezra 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 1:2 means
Cyrus acknowledges “Jehovah, the God of heaven,” as the One who granted him dominion and commissioned him to build a house in Jerusalem. Though a Persian monarch with his own religious background, he recognizes the Lord’s authority over all kingdoms. The central purpose of the return is clear: rebuild the temple. Restoration begins at the altar and house of God, not political walls or personal estates. God can use even foreign rulers to advance His worship. By naming Jerusalem and Judah, the decree locates the task in Israel’s sacred history and geography, reaffirming that God has not abandoned His chosen place or people despite the long years of captivity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949These are the words of Cyrus, king of Persia: The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has made me responsible for building a house for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, All kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, God of the heavens, given to me, and He hath laid a charge on me to build to Him a house in Jerusalem, that <FI>is<Fi> in Judah;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord the God of heaven hath given to me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judea.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth has Jehovah theGod of the heavens given to me, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Context
Following the setup in verse 1, this verse records the heart of Cyrus’s proclamation. It frames the coming return as a divinely mandated temple project, not merely a change in imperial policy. The king’s words set the tone for the summons that follows to God’s people (verse 3) and the call for material support (verse 4). By attributing his power to “the God of heaven,” Cyrus’s statement underscores God’s global rule. The next verses will invite all among God’s people to participate in rebuilding and will provide for the necessary resources.
v.1Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, andput italso in writing, saying,
v.2This passage
v.3Whosoever there is among you of all his people, his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Jehovah, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 5:23
but hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou and thy lords, thy wives and thy concubines, have drunk wine from them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know; and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.
- Isaiah 45:12
I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens; and all their host have I commanded.
- Daniel 4:32
and thou shalt be driven from men; and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
- Jeremiah 10:11
Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens.
- Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that have understanding;
- Jeremiah 27:6
And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field also have I given him to serve him.