Ezra 6:8
What does Ezra 6:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 6:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 6:8 means
Darius goes further, decreeing that the elders are to receive expenses from the king’s goods, specifically from the tribute of the region beyond the River. He orders that this be done with diligence so the work is not hindered. The same revenue once used to control provinces now becomes the channel of God’s provision. It is a remarkable reversal: local authorities must finance what they had questioned. God often turns potential obstacles into means of help, ensuring that His purposes advance and His people are not wearied by lack of resources.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Moreover 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Moreover 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Further, I give orders as to what you are to do for the responsible men of the Jews in connection with the building of this house of God: that from the king's wealth, that is, from the taxes got together in the land over the river, the money needed is to be given to these men readily, so that their work may not be stopped.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And by me is made a decree concerning that which ye do with the elders of these Jews to build this house of God, that of the riches of the king, that <FI>are<Fi> of the tribute beyond the river, speedily let the outlay be given to these men, that they cease not;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I also have commanded what must be done by those ancients of the Jews, that the house of God may be built, to wit, that of the king's chest, that is, of the tribute that is paid out of the country beyond the river, the charges be diligently given to those men, lest the work be hindered.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Moreover, I give orders what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews, for the building of this house ofGod: that of the king's goods, of the tribute beyond the river, expenses be diligently given to these men, that they be not hindered.
Context
The royal directive now mandates funding from provincial tribute, removing practical barriers. Following this, verse 9 will add day-by-day provision for sacrificial needs at the priests’ direction, and verse 10 will state the purpose—prayers and offerings to the God of heaven on behalf of the king and his sons. The structure moves from construction costs to ongoing worship, integrating the building project with the life of sacrifice that the temple was meant to sustain.
v.7let 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.
v.8This passage
v.9And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for burnt-offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests that are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 4:20
There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid unto them.
- Haggai 2:8
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts.
- Ezra 7:15
and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
- Ezra 4:16
We certify the king that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, by this means thou shalt have no portion beyond the River.
- 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 5:5
But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, till the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it.