Ezra 4:20
Ezra 4:20 in Multiple Translations
And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.
There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
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.
Further, there have been great kings in Jerusalem, ruling over all the country across the river, to whom they gave taxes and payments in goods and forced payments.
Powerful kings have ruled over Jerusalem and throughout the whole area west of the Euphrates, and they received tax, tribute, and fees.
There haue bene mightie kings also ouer Ierusalem, which haue ruled ouer all beyonde the Riuer, and tolle, tribute, and custome was giuen vnto them.
and mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, even rulers over all beyond the river, and toll, tribute, and custom is given to them.
There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll was paid to them.
There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid to them.
For there have been powerful kings in Jerusalem, who hare had dominion over all the country that is beyond the river: and have received tribute, and toll and revenues.
Powerful kings have ruled in Jerusalem, and they have also ruled over the whole province west of the Euphrates River. The people in that province were paying all kinds of taxes to those kings.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 4:20
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 4:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מַלְכִ֣ין
תַּקִּיפִ֗ין
הֲווֹ֙
עַל
יְר֣וּשְׁלֶ֔ם
וְ/שַׁ֨לִּיטִ֔ין
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
עֲבַ֣ר
נַהֲרָ֑/ה
וּ/מִדָּ֥ה
בְל֛וֹ
וַ/הֲלָ֖ךְ
מִתְיְהֵ֥ב
לְ/הֽוֹן
וּ/מַלְכִ֣ין
melek
H4430
king
Adj | N-mp
תַּקִּיפִ֗ין
taqqîyph
H8624
strong
Adj
הֲווֹ֙
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
יְר֣וּשְׁלֶ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
Jerusalem
Adj
וְ/שַׁ֨לִּיטִ֔ין
shallîyṭ
H7990
ruling
Adj | Adj
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3606
all
Adj | N-ms
עֲבַ֣ר
ʻăbar
H5675
beyond
Adj
נַהֲרָ֑/ה
nᵉhar
H5103
river
Adj | Art
וּ/מִדָּ֥ה
middâh
H4061
tribute
Adj | N-fs
בְל֛וֹ
bᵉlôw
H1093
tribute
Adj
וַ/הֲלָ֖ךְ
hălâk
H1983
toll
Adj | N-ms
מִתְיְהֵ֥ב
yᵉhab
H3052
to give
Adj
לְ/הֽוֹן
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 4:20
וּ/מַלְכִ֣ין
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | N-mp
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
תַּקִּיפִ֗ין
taqqîyph
H8624
"strong"
Adj
This Hebrew word means strong or powerful, used to describe something or someone with great might. It appears in the Bible to describe God's power and strength. In the KJV, it is translated as mighty or strong.
Definition: might, strong, mighty Aramaic of taq.qiph (תַּקִּיף "mighty" H8623)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: mighty, strong. See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 2:42; Daniel 7:7.
הֲווֹ֙
hâvâʼ
H1934
"to be"
Adj
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
יְר֣וּשְׁלֶ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
"Jerusalem"
Adj
Jerusalem means teaching of peace, the chief city of Palestine and Judah. It is mentioned in the Bible as the capital of the united kingdom. In the KJV, it is translated as Jerusalem.
Definition: Aramaic of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389) § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: {Jerusalem} See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:5; Daniel 6:11.
וְ/שַׁ֨לִּיטִ֔ין
shallîyṭ
H7990
"ruling"
Adj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means having authority or being a ruler. It describes someone with mastery or power, like a captain or leader. This concept appears in various books, including the historical accounts of Israel's kings.
Definition: 1) having mastery, having authority, ruling 1a) having or exercising mastery, ruling 1b) ruler (subst) 1c) having authority 1c1) it is authorised
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: captain, be lawful, rule(-r). See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:29.
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3606
"all"
Adj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.
עֲבַ֣ר
ʻăbar
H5675
"beyond"
Adj
This word means beyond or on the other side, often referring to a region across a river, like the Jordan, and is used to describe a location or direction.
Definition: region beyond or across Aramaic of e.ver (עֵ֫בֶר ": side" H5676)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: beyond, this side. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 5:6; Ezra 7:25.
נַהֲרָ֑/ה
nᵉhar
H5103
"river"
Adj | Art
The Hebrew word for a river, especially the Euphrates, describes a flowing body of water. In the Bible, it often symbolizes life and abundance.
Definition: river Aramaic of na.har (נָהָר "river" H5104H)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: river, stream. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 5:6; Daniel 7:10.
וּ/מִדָּ֥ה
middâh
H4061
"tribute"
Adj | N-fs
This word refers to a payment or tax, like a tribute in money. It is used in the Bible to describe the tolls and taxes paid by the Israelites. The word is also used in Aramaic as a synonym for tribute.
Definition: tribute Aramaic of mid.dah (מִדָּה "tribute" H4060B)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: toll, tribute. See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 6:8; Ezra 7:24.
בְל֛וֹ
bᵉlôw
H1093
"tribute"
Adj
Tribute refers to a tax or payment made to a ruler or government, often on consumed goods. This concept is seen in the Bible, particularly in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
Definition: tribute
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: tribute. See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 4:20; Ezra 7:24.
וַ/הֲלָ֖ךְ
hălâk
H1983
"toll"
Adj | N-ms
A toll is a tax on goods being transported, like the customs duties collected in 1 Kings 10:15. It was a common practice in ancient trade.
Definition: toll, custom duty, tribute Aramaic of ha.lakh (הָלַךְ ": walk" H1980)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: custom. See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 4:20; Ezra 7:24.
מִתְיְהֵ֥ב
yᵉhab
H3052
"to give"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give or provide something, like a gift or a foundation. It appears in various forms, such as giving, laying, or paying. For example, it is used in Genesis when God gives instructions to Noah.
Definition: 1) to give, provide 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to give 1a2) to place, lay (foundations) 1b) (Hithp'al) 1b1) to be given 1b2) to be paid
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: deliver, give, lay, [phrase] prolong, pay, yield. See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:13; Daniel 7:27.
לְ/הֽוֹן
""
Adj | Suff
Study Notes — Ezra 4:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 4:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:20
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 4:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:20
- Sermons on Ezra 4:20
Context — The Decree of Artaxerxes
18The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence.
19I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition.
20And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.
21Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. 22See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 15:18 | On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— |
| 2 | 1 Kings 4:21 | And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 18:3 | As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River. |
| 4 | Psalms 72:8 | May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 17:11 | Some Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 18:13 | He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 26:7–8 | God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs living in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites. The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, for he had become exceedingly powerful. |
| 8 | Ezra 4:16 | We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 19:19 | When Hadadezer’s subjects saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him. So the Arameans were unwilling to help the Ammonites anymore. |
| 10 | Joshua 1:3–4 | I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses. Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great River Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and west as far as the Great Sea. |
Ezra 4:20 Summary
This verse, Ezra 4:20, reminds us that Jerusalem has been under the control of powerful rulers throughout history, who demanded payments and taxes from the people, much like the tributes mentioned in 2 Kings 12:3. Just as God was sovereign over these events, He remains in control today, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Isaiah 46:10. As believers, we can trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with earthly authorities, and remember to submit to them as instructed in Romans 13:1-2. By understanding this historical context, we can better appreciate God's plan for His people and the city of Jerusalem, as discussed in Jeremiah 31:38-40.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by 'mighty kings'?
This refers to powerful rulers who have historically controlled Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra 4:20, and is reminiscent of the conquests described in 2 Kings 15:29 and 2 Kings 17:3-6.
Why is the Euphrates River mentioned in this verse?
The Euphrates River marked the eastern boundary of the empire, as noted in Ezra 4:20, and its mention here signifies the extensive reach of these mighty kings' authority, much like the boundaries described in Genesis 15:18.
What kind of 'tribute, duty, and toll' were paid to these kings?
These payments refer to the taxes and fees imposed by the ruling authorities on the subjugated people, similar to the tributes mentioned in 2 Kings 12:3 and 2 Chronicles 36:3, which were a common practice in ancient times.
How does this verse relate to the rebuilding of Jerusalem?
This verse provides historical context for the opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, as the rulers mentioned in Ezra 4:20 had previously exerted control over the city and region, which is also discussed in Nehemiah 1:3 and Nehemiah 2:3.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the history of Jerusalem's subjugation to 'mighty kings' about God's sovereignty and human authority?
- How does the payment of 'tribute, duty, and toll' in this verse relate to our own relationship with earthly authorities, as discussed in Romans 13:6-7?
- In what ways can we, as believers, balance our submission to human rulers with our loyalty to God, as seen in Acts 5:29 and Acts 4:19-20?
- What does this verse reveal about the spiritual and earthly struggles that have shaped the city of Jerusalem throughout history, as also seen in Zechariah 12:3 and Zechariah 12:9?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:20
There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river,.... As David and Solomon; and the account of these they had in their records, see 2 Samuel 8:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:20
The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:20
Ezra 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all [countries] beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.Ver. 20. Beyond the river] Euphrates, the boundary of Solomon’ s empire, 1 Kings 4:21; 1 Kings 4:24, as it was also promised, Genesis 15:18 Exodus 23:31 Deuteronomy 11:24 Joshua 1:4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:20
(20) Mighty kings.—David and Solomon, and some few kings down to Josiah, had extended their sway and made nations tributary (2 Samuel 8; 1 Kings 10). The earlier kings’ names would perhaps be referred to historically, though not immediately connected with Persian annals.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:20
Verse 20. Beyond the river] That is, the Euphrates. Both David and Solomon carried their conquests beyond this river. See 2 Samuel 8:3, c., and 1Kg 4:21, where it is said, Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river (Euphrates) unto the land of the Philistines and unto the borders of Egypt.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:20
20. over all countries] R.V. the country. Literally, ‘over all beyond the river’. The words refer to the warning of the Samaritan letter (Ezra 4:16) that the king might lose the W. bank of the Euphrates. toll, tribute, and custom] R.V. custom, tribute, and toll. See note on Ezra 4:13. ‘The mighty kings’, here referred to, have been identified with Menahem (2 Kings 15:16) and Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:6-7; 2 Chronicles 35:18). It is, however, needless to restrict the allusion of the present verse to those whose names appear in the Inscriptions or are involved in the ascertained history of Assyria and Babylon. Israelite traditions, oral or written, would probably have been accessible to those whom the king appointed to search into the past history of the race. The tradition of the golden age of David’s rule and Solomon’s empire would be rehearsed with pride by the captive Jew. The remoteness of the period mattered little. It was the boast of this people that their kings had once ruled over all the country W. of the Euphrates. This information coupled with the names of, perhaps, one or two of the other great kings, such as Omri, Jeroboam II., Menahem, Uzziah, Jotham and Josiah would be pretext enough for speaking of ‘the mighty kings’.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 4:20
Mighty kings ... - If this reference can scarcely have been to David or Solomon (see marginal reference), of whom neither the Babylonian nor the Assyrian archives would be likely to have had any
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:20
20. Mighty kings also over Jerusalem — Reference is especially to Solomon, who reigned over all kingdoms between Egypt and the Euphrates, and received tribute from them. 1 Kings 4:21.
Sermons on Ezra 4:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Genesis #13 Ch. 14-15 Contrast of Abraham and Lot by Chuck Missler | In this sermon on Genesis chapters 14 and 15, Chuck Misler explores the relationship between Abraham and Lot. He introduces the concept of the law of first mention, which suggests |
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Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:30-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights the concept of atonement, which was a way to cover up sin before |
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(Exodus) Exodus 2:25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's love and grace are the reasons for our salvation. He explains that God didn't save us because of our attractiveness or goodness, |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |
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I Can't Take It by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbol emphasizes the importance of shining as believers by doing everything without complaining or arguing. He acknowledges that this is not an easy task, b |
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Person of the Covenant by Bill Stafford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God as a covenant-keeping God. He explains that God's covenant with His people is unconditional and based on |