Ezra 7:21
What does Ezra 7:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:21 means
Artaxerxes orders all treasurers “beyond the River” to fulfill Ezra’s requests with diligence. This extends support across the province west of the Euphrates, where Jerusalem lies. The instruction emphasizes promptness and thoroughness, minimizing bureaucratic resistance. The command recognizes Ezra as “the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven,” reinforcing his dual authority. By binding regional officials to cooperate, the king removes potential obstacles and ensures that the temple and legal reforms will not be thwarted by local opposition or negligence. It is administrative muscle aligned with religious purpose, promoting peace and order under God’s Law.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which 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 speedily,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, now give orders to all keepers of the king's money across the river, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, may have need of from you, is to be done with all care,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And by me--I Artaxerxes the king--is made a decree to all treasurers who <FI>are<Fi> beyond the river, that all that Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, doth ask of you, be done speedily:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I Artaxerxes the king have ordered and decreed to all the keepers of the public chest, that are beyond the river, that whatsoever Esdras the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, you give it without delay,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I, I Artaxerxes the king, do give orders to all the treasurers that are beyond the river, that whatever Ezra the priest and scribe of the law of theGod of the heavens shall require of you, it be done diligently,
Context
With central funding promised, the decree secures regional compliance. Verse 21 establishes the principle: treasurers must act quickly to meet Ezra’s needs. The next verse (22) will specify quantity limits for key commodities, balancing generosity and control. Following that, the king will state his motive (verse 23) and grant tax exemptions to religious workers (verse 24), building a holistic support structure.
v.20And 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.
v.21This passage
v.22unto a hundred talents of silver, and to a hundred measures of wheat, and to a hundred baths of wine, and to a hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 6:6
Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence:
- Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Jehovah, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.
- 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.
- 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 7:6
this Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Jehovah, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Jehovah his God upon him.