Ezra 3:6
Ezra 3:6 in Multiple Translations
On the first day of the seventh month, the Israelites began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, although the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid.
From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid.
From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah: but the foundation of the temple of Jehovah was not yet laid.
From the first day of the seventh month they made a start with the burned offerings, but the base of the Temple of the Lord had still not been put in its place.
So from the first day of the seventh month, the Israelites began to present burnt offerings to the Lord, even though the foundation of the Lord's Temple had not been laid.
From the first day of the seuenth moneth began they to offer burnt offrings vnto the Lord: but the foundation of the Temple of the Lord was not layed.
From the first day of the seventh month they have begun to cause burnt-offerings to ascend to Jehovah, and the temple of Jehovah hath not been founded,
From the first day of the seventh month, they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD; but the foundation of the LORD’s temple was not yet laid.
From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt-offerings to the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid.
From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer holocausts to the Lord: but the temple of God was not yet founded.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 3:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/יּ֤וֹם
אֶחָד֙
לַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֔י
הֵחֵ֕לּוּ
לְ/הַעֲל֥וֹת
עֹל֖וֹת
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
וְ/הֵיכַ֥ל
יְהוָ֖ה
לֹ֥א
יֻסָּֽד
מִ/יּ֤וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
לַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֔י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
seventh
Art | Adj
הֵחֵ֕לּוּ
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
לְ/הַעֲל֥וֹת
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
עֹל֖וֹת
ʻôlâh
H5930
burnt offering
N-fp
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הֵיכַ֥ל
hêykâl
H1964
temple
Conj | N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֻסָּֽד
yâçad
H3245
to found
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 3:6
מִ/יּ֤וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֔י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
"seventh"
Art | Adj
The Hebrew word for seventh, this term is an ordinal number used to describe something in the seventh position. It appears in the Bible as seventh time.
Definition: 1) seventh 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: seventh (time). See also: Genesis 2:2; Numbers 29:12; Jeremiah 28:17.
הֵחֵ֕לּוּ
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
לְ/הַעֲל֥וֹת
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עֹל֖וֹת
ʻôlâh
H5930
"burnt offering"
N-fp
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/הֵיכַ֥ל
hêykâl
H1964
"temple"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a large public building like a palace or temple, used to describe God's temple in Jerusalem. It appears in the Bible to talk about the temple as God's palace. In the Bible, it is translated as 'palace' or 'temple'.
Definition: : temple 1) palace, temple, nave, sanctuary 1a) palace 1b) temple (palace of God as king) 1c) hall, nave (of Ezekiel's temple) 1d) temple (of heavenly temple)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: palace, temple. See also: 1 Samuel 1:9; Psalms 138:2; Psalms 5:8.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֻסָּֽד
yâçad
H3245
"to found"
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
To found or establish something is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It also means to sit down together and consult, as in a meeting or council.
Definition: 1) to found, fix, establish, lay foundation 1a) (Qal) to found, establish, begin 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to fix or seat themselves close together, sit in conclave 1b2) to be founded 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to found 1c2) to establish, appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) to be founded, be laid 1e) (Hophal) to be founded
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appoint, take counsel, establish, (lay the, lay for a) found(-ation), instruct, lay, ordain, set, [idiom] sure. See also: Exodus 9:18; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 2:2.
Study Notes — Ezra 3:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Sacrifices Restored
4They also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in accordance with what is written, and they offered burnt offerings daily based on the number prescribed for each day.
5After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings and those for New Moons and for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as all the freewill offerings brought to the LORD.
6On the first day of the seventh month, the Israelites began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, although the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid.
7They gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia. 8In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD.Ezra 3:6 Summary
This verse shows us that the Israelites were eager to worship God, even before they had a physical temple to do so. They started offering burnt offerings to the Lord on the first day of the seventh month, which is a special time in the biblical calendar (as seen in Leviticus 23:34). This teaches us that our relationship with God is more important than any physical structure or circumstance, and we should prioritize worship and obedience to Him (as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-38). By doing so, we can establish a strong spiritual foundation, just like the Israelites were trying to do, and experience God's presence and provision in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the seventh month in the Bible?
The seventh month is a special time in the biblical calendar, often associated with the Feast of Tabernacles, as seen in Leviticus 23:34 and Deuteronomy 16:13, which commemorates God's provision and protection for His people.
Why did the Israelites start offering burnt offerings before the temple foundation was laid?
The Israelites began offering burnt offerings to the Lord as an act of worship and obedience, even before the temple was rebuilt, demonstrating their eagerness to restore their relationship with God, similar to the example in Exodus 25:2 where the people gave willingly for the construction of the tabernacle.
What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse about prioritizing worship?
This verse teaches us that worship and obedience to God should be our top priority, even when other important tasks, like rebuilding the temple, are still pending, as also emphasized in Matthew 22:37-38 where Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual foundation?
The fact that the Israelites started offering burnt offerings before the physical foundation of the temple was laid suggests that spiritual foundation, such as a personal relationship with God, is more important than physical structures, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:11 where it is written that no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prioritize worship and obedience to God in my own life, even when other tasks seem more pressing?
- How can I, like the Israelites, demonstrate my eagerness to restore my relationship with God through acts of worship and service?
- What are some spiritual foundations that I need to establish or rebuild in my own life, and how can I start working on them?
- In what ways can I offer 'burnt offerings' to the Lord, symbolizing my surrender and dedication to Him, as seen in Romans 12:1 where we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 3:6
From the first of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,.... And which day was not only a new moon, but a grand festival, the feast of blowing of trumpets, Leviticus
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 3:6
From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. From the first day of the seventh month.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 3:6
To offer burnt-offerings, and the other sacrifices which were to be offered with them upon that day, being the feast of trumpets, , &c. Burnt-offerings are oft put for all sacrifices, as hath been observed once and again. The foundation of the temple was not yet laid; though it is probable they had done something towards the removing of the rubbish, and preparing the way for it.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 3:6
Ezra 3:6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not [yet] laid.Ver. 6. From the first day of the seventh month] Which was the feast of blowing of trumpets, signifying the just man’ s joyfulness, and serving to put life and spirit into them. Began they to offer] And so held on: for this month had as many feasts in it as were celebrated in all the year besides: so, as the Sabbath was the queen of days ( Regina dierum), so was this of months. But the foundation of the temple] Heb. of the kingly palace, aula basilica, used here and elsewhere for the place where God’ s honour dwelleth. God is a great King, Malachi 1:14, and requires to be served like himself. Was not yet laid] Heb. Was not yet founded. Nevertheless they would be worshipping God as they could at an altar till they had a temple. All the power of Persia could not keep God and Daniel asunder, Daniel 6:10; the trade of godliness never standeth still.
Demosthenes (Contra Arist.) could say that a heart beautified with piety, justice, and modesty is the best temple, and to God most acceptable.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 3:6
(6) From the first day.—The notes of time demand notice. The altar was raised before the month came; from the first until the fifteenth, when the Feast of Tabernacles began, the daily sacrifice was offered. The whole verse recapitulates, and its latter part is the transition to what follows.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 3:6
6. From the first day of the seventh month &c.] This statement taken in conjunction with Ezra 3:5 (‘and afterward’ &c.) can only mean, that the Jews began to offer burnt offerings on their altar on ‘the first day of the month’, when the altar was set up, but that the regular offering of the daily sacrifice was not begun till after the Feast of Tabernacles (15th to 22nd). But the foundation &c.] R.V. ‘but’ &c.: no full-stop. The explanatory clause is added. The burnt offerings were regularly made on the altar, although there was no Temple building, nor Temple worship. Such a thing would have been almost incredible to the Jew of later centuries.