Ezra 7:14
What does Ezra 7:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:14 means
Ezra is explicitly sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of God “in your hand.” This affirms Ezra’s expertise—he carries the Law as his guiding charter. The mission is investigative and reformative: to assess conditions and align the community with God’s standards. The reference to the seven counselors reflects high-level imperial backing. The king entrusts Ezra not merely with logistics but with the spiritual-legal task of bringing Judah’s life into conformity with divine instruction. Thus, the Persian state acknowledges that the prosperity of this province is tied to adherence to the Law revered by its people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king and his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thy hand,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king and his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thy hand,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because you are sent by the king and his seven wise men, to get knowledge about Judah and Jerusalem, as you are ordered by the law of your God which is in your hand;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because that from the king and his seven counsellors thou art sent, to inquire concerning Judah and concerning Jerusalem, with the law of God that <FI>is<Fi> in thy hand,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For thou art sent from before the king, and his seven counsellors, to visit Judea and Jerusalem according to the law of thy God, which is in thy hand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Because thou art sent by the king, and by his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thyGod which is in thy hand;
Context
Following the permission to return, the decree now articulates Ezra’s mandate. The investigation is not arbitrary; it is measured by God’s Law, which Ezra knows well. This sets up the subsequent sections that resource temple worship (verses 15–20) and empower Ezra to oversee finances and law courts (verses 21–26). The verse ties together spiritual authority and imperial authorization, preparing for practical steps that will support obedience in Jerusalem.
v.13I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and their priests and the Levites, in my realm, that are minded of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with thee.
v.14This passage
v.15and 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,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 5:8
Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls; and this work goeth on with diligence and prospereth in their hands.
- Daniel 6:20
And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
- Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.
- Ezra 7:25
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God that is in thy hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye him that knoweth them not.
- Daniel 2:47
The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou hast been able to reveal this secret.
- Daniel 6:26
I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, And his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even unto the end.