Ezra 6:13
What does Ezra 6:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 6:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 6:13 means
Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates carry out Darius’s orders diligently. Once suspicious overseers become careful executors of the king’s will. The point is not simply that they obeyed, but that they did so with zeal matching the king’s command. God has turned potential adversaries into instruments of help. Bureaucratic resistance yields to the momentum of a decree grounded in truth and bolstered by penalties and divine appeal. The builders can now work openly and confidently, knowing that imperial authority is on their side.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar–boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Tattenai, the ruler across the river, and Shethar-bozenai and their people, because of the order given by King Darius, did as he had said with all care.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king hath sent, so they have done speedily;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So then Thathanai, governor of the country beyond the river, and Stharbuzanai, and his counsellors diligently executed what Darius the king had commanded.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, because of that which king Darius had sent, did so diligently.
Context
Following the strong edict, the narrative confirms compliance by the very officials who had questioned the project. This marks a turning point from contention to cooperation. The next verse (14) will credit the prosperity of the work to prophetic encouragement and to the commands of God and the Persian kings, culminating in the temple’s completion. The flow moves from political validation to spiritual vitality, preparing for the climax of finishing and dedicating the house of God.
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.
v.13This passage
v.14And the elders of the Jews builded and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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 4:9
then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites,
- Esther 6:11
Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and caused him to ride through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor.
- Ezra 4:23
Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
- Ezra 5:6
The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent unto Darius the king;
- Proverbs 29:26
Many seek the ruler’s favor; But a man’s judgmentcomethfrom Jehovah.