Ezra 7:15
What does Ezra 7:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:15 means
The king and his counselors freely offer silver and gold for the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem. This remarkable statement recognizes Jerusalem as the unique site of God’s house. The generosity is voluntary, not extracted, indicating goodwill toward Israel’s worship. Funds are entrusted to Ezra to transport and apply properly. The verse highlights a pattern seen in Scripture: God can move rulers to support His work for reasons both pious and political. For the community, this provision legitimizes and enables the resumption of full temple service that had suffered in the years since the exile.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And to take with you the silver and gold freely offered by the king and his wise men to the God of Israel, whose Temple is in Jerusalem,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and to carry silver and gold that the king and his counsellors willingly offered to the God of Israel, whose tabernacle <FI>is<Fi> in Jerusalem,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose tabernacle is in Jerusalem.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and to carry the silver and gold which the king and his counsellors have freely offered to theGod of Israel, whose habitation is at Jerusalem,
Context
This begins the funding section. Having commissioned Ezra to inquire by God’s Law, the king now supplies resources to honor that same God in His house. The next verse will widen the funding sources to include offerings from the province of Babylon and freewill gifts from the people and priests. Together, these verses ensure that the temple will have what it needs for sacrifices and maintenance upon Ezra’s arrival.
v.14Forasmuch 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,
v.15This passage
v.16and all the silver and gold that thou shalt find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill-offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 6:12
and 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.
- Ezra 6:8
Moreover 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.
- Psalms 9:11
Sing praises to Jehovah, who dwelleth in Zion: Declare among the people his doings.
- Isaiah 60:6
The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praises of Jehovah.
- Psalms 26:8
Jehovah, I love the habitation of thy house, And the place where thy glory dwelleth.
- Psalms 135:21
Blessed be Jehovah out of Zion, Who dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye Jehovah.