Ezra 4:1
What does Ezra 4:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 4:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 4:1 means
This verse identifies the opposition at the very outset. Those called “adversaries of Judah and Benjamin” learn that the returned exiles are rebuilding a temple for Jehovah. The word adversaries signals that their posture is not friendly, despite any later offers. God’s people, freshly back from captivity, are engaged in a holy task, publicly known and easily observed. As soon as the work becomes visible, resistance arises. The verse reminds readers that obedience to God’s commands often draws notice and challenge. The focus is on the temple—the heart of Israel’s worship—so the opposition is ultimately spiritual as well as political, aimed at undermining devotion to the God of Israel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple unto Jehovah, the God of Israel;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple unto Jehovah, the God of Israel;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now news came to the haters of Judah and Benjamin that the people who had come back were building a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And adversaries of Judah and Benjamin hear that the sons of the captivity are building a temple to Jehovah, God of Israel,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now the enemies of Juda and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to the Lord the God of Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building the temple to Jehovah theGod of Israel;
Context
Ezra has already described the initial return under Zerubbabel and the beginning of temple work with Cyrus’s authorization. Verse 1 marks the shift from enthusiasm to resistance. It introduces the main actors on the other side, preparing readers for their approach in verse 2. The chapter will narrate how their opposition escalates from a seemingly helpful offer to sustained harassment and imperial intervention. Understanding that these people are called adversaries frames their later words and actions as a strategic effort to stop the rebuilding.
v.1This passage
v.2then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers’ houses, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as ye do; and we sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up hither.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 7:9
For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon; and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
- 1 Corinthians 16:9
for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
- 1 Chronicles 22:9
Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
- Daniel 5:13
Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, who art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?
- Ezra 6:19
And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
- Ezra 10:7
And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;