Ezra 7:24
What does Ezra 7:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:24 means
Artaxerxes exempts priests, Levites, singers, porters, Nethinim, and all servants of God’s house from tribute, custom, and toll. This tax relief ensures that those serving in the temple can devote themselves fully without economic burdens undermining their work. By shielding them from levies, the decree safeguards the continuity of praise, instruction, and gatekeeping vital to orderly worship. The policy also prevents local officials from using taxation to harass or hinder temple service. This practical kindness translates into sustained spiritual vitality for the community, as those called to minister are freed to do so without constant financial strain.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Also 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Also 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In addition, we make it clear to you, that it will be against the law to put any tax or payment in goods or forced payment on any of the priests or Levites, the music-makers, door-keepers, Nethinim, or any servants of this house of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And to you we are making known, that upon any of the priests and Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, and servants of the house of God, tribute and custom there is no authority to lift up.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752We give you also to understand concerning all the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nathinites, and ministers of the house of this God, that you have no authority to impose toll or tribute, or custom upon them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Also we inform you, as regards all the priests and Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim, and ministers of this house ofGod, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, tax, and toll upon them.
Context
Following the rationale to avoid divine wrath, the decree takes a concrete step to protect temple personnel. With funding and supplies established, tax exemption preserves the workforce’s capacity. The next verses (25–26) will extend Ezra’s authority into the judicial sphere, authorizing him to appoint judges, teach the Law, and enforce both God’s and the king’s laws—completing the framework for religious and civil order.
v.23Whatsoever 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?
v.24This passage
v.25And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 2:36
The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
- Ezra 4:13
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful unto the kings.
- 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 7:7
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.