Ezra 7:23
What does Ezra 7:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:23 means
The king’s motive is plain: whatever the God of heaven commands for His house must be carried out exactly, “for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?” He seeks divine favor and fears judgment. Though his understanding may be political as well as pious, the result benefits God’s people. The verse affirms that careful obedience in worship matters, not just to Israel but, in God’s providence, to nations around them. The Persian monarch recognizes the seriousness of sacred duty and aligns his policy to facilitate it, showing how God can incline even powerful rulers to support faithfulness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Whatever is ordered by the God of heaven, let it be done completely for the house of the God of heaven; so that there may not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862all that <FI>is<Fi> by the decree of the God of heaven, let be done diligently for the house of the God of heaven; for why is there wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All that belongeth to the rites of the God of heaven, let it be given diligently in the house of the God of heaven: lest his wrath should be enkindled against the realm of the king, and of his sons.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Whatever is commanded by theGod of the heavens, let it be carefully done for the house of theGod of the heavens; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
Context
After listing provisions, the decree explains its urgency: to avoid divine displeasure on the empire. This theological rationale reinforces the exactness required in temple service. Next (verse 24), the king will relieve religious workers of taxes, further strengthening the capacity for continual worship. The sequence interweaves motive, means, and mandate to sustain the temple’s function.
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.
v.23This passage
v.24Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, upon them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 6:10
that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
- Ezra 7:18
And whatsoever shall seem good to thee and to thy brethren to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do ye after the will of your God.
- Psalms 119:4
Thou hast commandedus thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.
- Zechariah 12:3
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples; all that burden themselves with it shall be sore wounded; and all the nations of the earth shall be gathered together against it.
- Ezra 7:13
I 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.