Ezra 7:20
What does Ezra 7:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:20 means
The king authorizes Ezra to draw on the royal treasure-house for whatever further needs arise for God’s house. This open-ended commitment shows unusual confidence and generosity. It ensures that temple service will not falter for lack of materials. The language recognizes that unforeseen requirements accompany restoration work and that steady provision is essential. Again, God uses imperial resources to sustain His worship. For the community, this means stability and continuity, allowing priests and Levites to serve without constant financial crisis, and ensuring the altar’s regular service and the temple’s upkeep in the years following Ezra’s arrival.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure-house.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure-house.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And whatever more is needed for the house of your God, and which you may have to give, take it from the king's store-house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the rest of the needful things of the house of thy God, that it falleth to thee to give, thou dost give from the treasure-house of the king.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And whatsoever more there shall be need of for the house of thy God, how much soever thou shalt have occasion to spend, it shall be given out of the treasury, and the king's exchequer, and by me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And whatever more shall be needful for the house of thyGod which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.
Context
This verse caps the immediate funding section by promising supplemental support. The decree will now address how local officials beyond the River must respond to Ezra’s requests (verses 21–22), including specific caps and an unlimited allowance for salt. This shifts from centralized royal provision to regional compliance, strengthening the logistical framework necessary for ongoing temple operations.
v.19And the vessels that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.
v.20This passage
v.21And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers that are beyond the River, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- Ezra 6:4
with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.