Ezra 6:7
What does Ezra 6:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 6:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 6:7 means
Darius insists the work proceed unhindered: the governor of the Jews and their elders are to build the house of God “in its place.” This phrase affirms both location and legitimacy; the temple belongs on its ancient site. The king recognizes and authorizes the community’s own leadership to finish what God has called them to do. Civil authority is now aligned with sacred purpose. This is a decisive moment when God’s people are freed from bureaucratic entanglements to pursue faithful obedience, with their identity, worship, and hope centered again on the house of God in Jerusalem.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let the work of this house of God go on; let the ruler of the Jews and their responsible men put up this house of God in its place.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862let alone the work of this house of God, let the governor of the Jews, and the elders of the Jews, build this house of God on its place.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And let that temple of God be built by the governor of the Jews, and by their ancients, that they may build that house of God in its place.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890let the work of this house ofGod alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house ofGod in its place.
Context
Building on the command to keep away, verse 7 positively empowers Jewish leaders. The pattern becomes clear: non-interference (v. 6), authorization (v. 7), and then provision (v. 8). The next verses will spell out practical financial support and resources for sacrifices, culminating in solemn penalties and divine warnings against future tampering. This sequence sets the stage for rapid progress and, ultimately, the completion and dedication of the temple later in the chapter.
v.6Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence:
v.7This passage
v.8Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 5:38
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown: