Ezra 6:11
What does Ezra 6:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 6:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 6:11 means
Darius adds a stern penalty: anyone who alters the decree will have a beam pulled from his house, be lifted up and fastened upon it, and his house made a heap of ruins. This gruesome sanction reflects ancient Near Eastern justice and aims to deter sabotage. The punishment fits the crime: seeking to tear down God’s house results in the tearing down of one’s own. The decree’s seriousness underscores God’s concern for the sanctity and continuity of His worship, even mediated through a pagan king’s law, which now shields the rebuilding from interference.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I have given orders that if anyone makes any change in this word, one of the supports is to be pulled out of his house, and he is to be lifted up and fixed to it; and his house is to be made waste for this;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And by me is made a decree, that any one who changeth this thing, let wood be pulled down from his house, and being raised up, let him be smitten on it, and his house let be made a dunghill for this.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I have made a decree: That if any whosoever, shall alter this commandment, a beam be taken from his house, and set up, and he be nailed upon it, and his house be confiscated.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Also I have given order that whosoever shall alter this rescript, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon, and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
Context
With provisions in place, the king fortifies the decree by threat of harsh judgment. Verse 12 will go further, appealing to divine retribution against any king or people who would harm the temple. Together, these verses form a legal and spiritual fence around the project. Immediately afterward (v. 13), the local officials obey with diligence, recognizing the decree’s weight. This clears the way for uninterrupted building, prophetic encouragement, and, ultimately, the temple’s completion and dedication.
v.10that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
v.11This passage
v.12and the God that hath caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples that shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
- 2 Kings 9:37
and the body of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel, so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.
- Ezra 7:26
And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him with all diligence, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
- Daniel 2:5
The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye make not known unto me the dream and the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.
- 2 Kings 10:27
And they brake down the pillar of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught-house, unto this day.
- Esther 5:4
And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.