Ezra 5:3
What does Ezra 5:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 5:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 5:3 means
Tattenai, the regional governor, arrives with Shethar-bozenai and others to ask for legal authorization: “Who gave you a decree?” In an empire where large building projects could signal rebellion, officials were obligated to verify permissions. The question also mentions finishing “this wall,” a term likely used broadly for the temple structure or its enclosing works. The inquiry is not yet hostile, but it is weighty. The builders must show they are not acting as rebels but as loyal subjects with valid permission. God’s work often invites scrutiny; here it calls the people to give a clear, truthful account of their mandate.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?
KJV
King James Version · 1611At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar–boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At the same time, Tattenai, ruler of the land across the river, and Shethar-bozenai, and their men, came to them and said, Who gave you orders to go on building this house and this wall?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862At that time come to them hath Tatnai, governor beyond the river, and Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, and thus they are saying to them, `Who hath made for you a decree this house to build, and this wall to finish?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And at the same time came to them Thathanai, who was governor beyond the river, and Stharbuzanai, and their counsellors: and said thus to them: Who hath given you counsel to build this house, and to repair the walls thereof?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890At that time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus to them: Who gave you orders to build this house and to complete this wall?
Context
As soon as the building resumes (verse 2), official attention follows. Verse 3 introduces the imperial authorities whose oversight could halt the project. Their question frames the debate for the rest of the chapter: on what authority is this temple being rebuilt? The next verses describe identification of the leaders and, crucially, the decision to elevate the matter to King Darius rather than impose an immediate stoppage.
v.2Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.
v.3This passage
v.4Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the men were that were making this building.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 4:7
And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?
- Ezra 7:21
And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers that are beyond the River, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence,
- Ezra 6:6
Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence:
- Ezra 4:12
Be it known unto the king, that the Jews that came up from thee are come to us unto Jerusalem; they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and have finished the walls, and repaired the foundations.
- Matthew 21:23
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
- Nehemiah 2:7
Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through till I come unto Judah;