Ezra 4:20
What does Ezra 4:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 4:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 4:20 means
The king notes that Jerusalem once had “mighty kings” who ruled over the region beyond the River and received tribute, custom, and toll. This acknowledges the city’s former reach under Israel’s monarchy. Ironically, the statement recognizes Jerusalem’s legitimate greatness while using it as a rationale for suppression. The implication is that a restored Jerusalem could again become a center of power—precisely the fear the petitioners stoked. The king’s focus remains political and fiscal: strong Jerusalem once collected revenue; therefore, renewed strength could threaten imperial income and control.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid unto them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid unto them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Further, there have been great kings in Jerusalem, ruling over all the country across the river, to whom they gave taxes and payments in goods and forced payments.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, even rulers over all beyond the river, and toll, tribute, and custom is given to them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For there have been powerful kings in Jerusalem, who have had dominion over all the country that is beyond the river: and have received tribute, and toll and revenues.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And there have been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all beyond the river; and tribute, tax, and toll were paid to them.
Context
Building on the archival findings in verse 19, verse 20 adds the detail of Jerusalem’s past dominance and tax collection. This amplifies the perceived risk and leads naturally to the cautionary order that follows. Verses 21–22 will instruct local officials to make the builders stop until further royal notice, stressing urgency. The sequence readies the reader for immediate enforcement (v. 23) and the summary result (v. 24).
v.19And 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.
v.20This passage
v.21Make ye now a decree to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until a decree shall be made by me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 9:23
And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
- 1 Chronicles 18:13
And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became servants to David. And Jehovah gave victory to David whithersoever he went.
- Psalms 72:8
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the River unto the ends of the earth.
- 2 Chronicles 17:11
And some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he-goats.
- 1 Kings 4:24
For he had dominion over all the region on this side the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza, over all the kings on this side the River: and he had peace on all sides round about him.
- 2 Chronicles 26:7
And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, and the Meunim.