Ezra 4:19
What does Ezra 4:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 4:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 4:19 means
Artaxerxes reports that he ordered a search, and the findings confirm that Jerusalem has a history of insurrection, rebellion, and sedition. The archives bear witness to past upheavals associated with the city and its kings. This does not prove the current builders are rebels; it simply shows that Jerusalem has been powerful and occasionally resistant. Yet the king interprets history as a warning for present policy. The verse exemplifies how partial truths can be used to justify restrictions on legitimate endeavors. The state reads the past in a way that leads to curbing Jerusalem’s revival.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I decreed, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I decreed, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I gave orders for a search to be made, and it is certain that in the past this town has made trouble for kings, and that outbursts against authority have taken place there.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and by me a decree hath been made, and they sought, and have found that this city from the days of old against kings is lifting up itself, and rebellion and sedition is made in it,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I commanded: and search hath been made, and it is found, that this city of old time hath rebelled against kings, and seditions and wars have been raised therein.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I gave orders, and search has been made, and it has been found that this city of old time has made insurrection against the kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been raised therein.
Context
Following verse 18’s assurance that the complaint was considered, verse 19 summarizes the archival discovery, validating the petitioners’ historical point. Verse 20 will add that Jerusalem once had mighty kings receiving tribute, increasing anxiety about renewed strength. These elements set up the decree in verses 21–22 to halt the building, which the local officials will swiftly enforce in verse 23.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Kings 24:20
For through the anger of Jehovah did it come to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence. And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
- Deuteronomy 13:14
then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in the midst of thee,
- Ezra 5:17
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure-house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
- Ezra 4:15
that search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste.
- Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
- 2 Kings 18:7
And Jehovah was with him; whithersoever he went forth he prospered: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.