Ezra 5:4
What does Ezra 5:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 5:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 5:4 means
The builders respond by providing names of the men responsible for the construction. This is not defiance; it is transparent accountability. By identifying themselves, the leaders show they are prepared to stand behind the work and to have their actions examined. Openness under authority is consistent with trust in God: they have nothing deceptive to hide, because their commission is real and their purpose is lawful. Naming names also ensures the matter will be investigated fairly rather than treated as rumor. The people do not rely on secrecy or evasion; they rely on truth, and they are willing for that truth to be tested before higher authorities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the men were that were making this building.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the men were that were making this building.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then they said these words to them: What are the names of the men who are at work on this building?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then thus we have said to them, `What <FI>are<Fi> the names of the men who are building this building?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In answer to which we gave them the names of the men who were the promoters of that building.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they said to them after this manner: What are the names of the men that build this building?
Context
Following the officials’ question in verse 3, verse 4 notes the builders’ straightforward cooperation. This sets up verse 5’s key statement about God’s protective oversight and the decision not to force a stoppage. The flow moves from inquiry to identification to providential restraint, preparing for the full text of the letter that will be sent to Darius, recorded in verses 6–17.
v.3At 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?
v.4This passage
v.5But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, till the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it.