Ezra 6:1
What does Ezra 6:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 6:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 6:1 means
Darius responds to the inquiry about the Jews’ rebuilding by ordering an official search of the imperial records. Rather than acting rashly or by rumor, he seeks documented precedent. This shows God’s providence working through ordinary governmental procedures. The “house of the archives” in Babylon held treasures and decrees; if a valid order existed, the king intended to honor it. The verse underscores that the fate of the temple rests not in the whims of local opponents but in verifiable royal authority, and above that, in the sovereign hand of God who can move kings to recognize truth and uphold justice for His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Darius the king gave an order and a search was made in the house of the records, where the things of value were stored up in Babylon.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then Darius the king made a decree, and they sought in the house of the books of the treasuries placed there in Babylon,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then king Darius gave orders, and they searched in the library of the books that were laid up in Babylon,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then king Darius gave orders, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
Context
In chapter 5, Tattenai had questioned the legality of the temple project and sent a report to Darius. Verse 1 opens with the king’s measured response: he demands evidence. The narrative now shifts from local opposition in Judah to the Persian court. What follows will reveal whether Cyrus had truly authorized the rebuilding. This sets the stage for decisive confirmation that will remove obstacles and move the work forward toward completion, dedication, and renewed worship described later in the chapter.
v.1This passage
v.2And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a roll, and therein was thus written for a record:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- Ezekiel 3:1
And he said unto me, Son of man, eat that which thou findest; eat this roll, and go, speak unto the house of Israel.
- Revelation 5:1
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, close sealed with seven seals.
- Jeremiah 36:20
And they went in to the king into the court; but they had laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe; and they told all the words in the ears of the king.
- 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.
- Psalms 40:7
Then said I, Lo, I am come; In the roll of the book it is written of me: