Ezra 6:12
What does Ezra 6:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 6:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 6:12 means
Darius calls on the God whose name dwells in the temple to overthrow any king or people who attempt to alter the decree or destroy the house in Jerusalem. He seals his edict with personal authority and urgency: “let it be done with all diligence.” The king recognizes that more than his own power is at stake; he invokes divine guardianship. This marriage of earthly decree and heavenly appeal frames the temple as under God’s special protection. The work now proceeds not only with imperial backing but with a solemn warning against future hostility.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And may the God who has made it a resting-place for his name send destruction on all kings and peoples whose hands are outstretched to make any change in this or to do damage to this house of God at Jerusalem. I, Darius, have given this order, let it be done with all care.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And God, who caused His name to dwell there, doth cast down any king and people that putteth forth his hand to change, to destroy this house of God that <FI>is<Fi> in Jerusalem; I Darius have made a decree; speedily let it be done.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And may the God, that hath caused his name to dwell there, destroy all kingdoms, and the people that shall put out their hand to resist, and to destroy the house of God, that is in Jerusalem. I Darius have made the decree, which I will have diligently complied with.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And theGod that has caused his name to dwell there overthrow every king and people that shall put forth their hand to alter [or] to destroy this house ofGod which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have given [this] order; let it be done diligently.
Context
Having established civil penalties, Darius appeals to the God of Israel as the ultimate enforcer of the decree. The legal and spiritual sanctions are complete. The narrative will now shift from edict to execution (v. 13), reporting the prompt compliance of the regional officials. From there, the story moves to the thriving progress aided by prophetic ministry (v. 14), the completion date (v. 15), and the joyful dedication and renewed feasts (vv. 16–22).
v.11Also 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:
v.12This passage
v.13Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 9:3
And Jehovah said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.
- Psalms 21:8
Thy hand will find out all thine enemies; Thy right hand will find out those that hate thee.
- Ezra 6:13
Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence.
- Obadiah 1:10
For the violence done to thy brother Jacob, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.
- Psalms 137:8
O daughter of Babylon, that art to be destroyed, Happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee As thou hast served us.
- Exodus 20:24
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt-offerings, and thy peace-offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in every place where I record my name I will come unto thee and I will bless thee.