Ezra 4:22
Ezra 4:22 in Multiple Translations
See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?
Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Be certain to do this with all care: do not let trouble be increased to the king's damage.
See that you do not neglect this matter. Why should this problem be allowed to grow and damage royal interests?”
Take heede nowe that ye fayle not to doe this: why should domage grow to hurt the King?
And beware ye of negligence in doing this; why doth the hurt become great to the loss of the kings?'
Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
See that you be not negligent in executing this, lest by little and little the evil grow to the hurt of the kings.
Do this immediately [LIT], because I do not want those people to do anything to harm the things/area about which I am concerned.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 4:22
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 4:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/זְהִירִ֥ין
הֱו֛וֹ
שָׁל֖וּ
לְ/מֶעְבַּ֣ד
עַל
דְּנָ֑ה
לְ/מָה֙
יִשְׂגֵּ֣א
חֲבָלָ֔/א
לְ/הַנְזָקַ֖ת
מַלְכִֽין
וּ/זְהִירִ֥ין
zᵉhar
H2095
to take heed
Adj | Adj
הֱו֛וֹ
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj
שָׁל֖וּ
shâlûw
H7960
neglect
Adj
לְ/מֶעְבַּ֣ד
ʻăbad
H5648
to make
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
דְּנָ֑ה
dên
H1836
this
Adj
לְ/מָה֙
mâh
H4101
what?
Adj | Part
יִשְׂגֵּ֣א
sᵉgâʼ
H7680
to grow great
Adj
חֲבָלָ֔/א
chăbal
H2257
harm
Adj | Art
לְ/הַנְזָקַ֖ת
nᵉzaq
H5142
to suffer injury
Adj | N-fs
מַלְכִֽין
melek
H4430
king
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 4:22
וּ/זְהִירִ֥ין
zᵉhar
H2095
"to take heed"
Adj | Adj
This word means to take heed or be warned, as in Ezekiel 3:18 where God warns Ezekiel to take heed of the people's sins. It's about paying attention to a warning or advice.
Definition: 1) to take heed, care, warn 1a) (P'al) to be warned
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: take heed. See also: Ezra 4:22.
הֱו֛וֹ
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.
שָׁל֖וּ
shâlûw
H7960
"neglect"
Adj
This word refers to neglect or a fault, like making a mistake or failing to do something. It can also mean a thing that is amiss or not quite right.
Definition: neglect, remissness
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: error, [idiom] fail, thing amiss. See also: Ezra 4:22; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 6:5.
לְ/מֶעְבַּ֣ד
ʻăbad
H5648
"to make"
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to make or do something, and can also imply preparing or keeping something, as seen in the creation story in Genesis. It is a versatile verb that can be used in different ways, including creating, performing, or executing something. The word is found in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to make, do 1a)(P'al) 1a1) to make, create 1a2) to do, perform 1b) (Ithp'al) 1b1) to be made into 1b2) to be done, be wrought, be performed, be executed, be carried out
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] cut, do, execute, go on, make, move, work. See also: Ezra 4:15; Ezra 7:26; Jeremiah 10:11.
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.
דְּנָ֑ה
dên
H1836
"this"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.
לְ/מָה֙
mâh
H4101
"what?"
Adj | Part
Similar to H4100, this word also means what or how, but is used slightly differently, often to express a sense of wonder or awe, like in Psalm 8:1 when David asks how majestic is God's name. It can also mean why or wherefore, and is used in various contexts. It appears in many KJV translations, including what or how.
Definition: 1) what, whatever 1a) what? 1b) whatever, what, whatsoever 1c) how?, why?, wherefore? (with prefixes)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: how great (mighty), that which, what(-soever), why. See also: Ezra 4:22; Daniel 2:22; Daniel 4:32.
יִשְׂגֵּ֣א
sᵉgâʼ
H7680
"to grow great"
Adj
To grow great means to increase in size or amount, as seen in Psalm 71:21. It can also mean to be multiplied. This concept is found in the Bible, particularly in the Psalms.
Definition: (P'al) to grow great Aramaic of sa.ga (שָׂגָא "to grow great" H7679)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: grow, be multiplied. See also: Ezra 4:22; Daniel 3:31; Daniel 6:26.
חֲבָלָ֔/א
chăbal
H2257
"harm"
Adj | Art
To cause harm or damage to someone, either physically or financially. This word is used in books like Exodus and Proverbs. It means to hurt or injure someone.
Definition: hurt, damage, injury
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: damage, hurt. See also: Ezra 4:22; Daniel 3:25; Daniel 6:24.
לְ/הַנְזָקַ֖ת
nᵉzaq
H5142
"to suffer injury"
Adj | N-fs
To suffer injury or loss, this word describes the experience of being hurt or damaged. In Exodus 21:22, it is used to describe the punishment for causing harm to someone. The word is also used in Proverbs 22:23 to warn against oppressing the poor.
Definition: 1) to suffer injury 1a) (P'al) to suffer injury 1b) (Aphel) to injure
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: have (en-) damage, hurt(-ful). See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 4:22; Daniel 6:3.
מַלְכִֽין
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj
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.
Study Notes — Ezra 4:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Decree of Artaxerxes
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?
23When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them. 24Thus the construction of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 7:3–4 | Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” |
| 2 | Esther 3:8–9 | Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” |
| 3 | Ezra 4:13 | Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. |
Ezra 4:22 Summary
This verse is a warning from the king to his officials to make sure they do not ignore the problem of the Jews rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The king is concerned that if this rebuilding continues, it could lead to a threat against his authority and interests, as seen in Ezra 4:20. In simple terms, the king is saying, 'Do not neglect this matter, or it could lead to big problems,' similar to the warning in 2 Timothy 4:2 to be diligent in our responsibilities. We can apply this to our own lives by being diligent and responsible in the things that God has called us to do, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the writer in Ezra 4:22?
The writer is concerned that the Jewish people will continue to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, which could lead to a threat against the royal interests, as mentioned in Ezra 4:20, and potentially harm the king's authority, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:7.
Why does the king care about the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem?
The king cares about the rebuilding of the temple because it could lead to the Jews regaining their independence and potentially rebelling against his rule, as warned in Ezra 4:21, similar to the rebellion of the Israelites against the Philistines in 1 Samuel 7:3-4.
What is the consequence of neglecting this matter?
If this matter is neglected, the threat to the royal interests could increase, and the king's authority could be undermined, as seen in the example of King Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15:23, which led to his downfall.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Ezra?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, as described in Ezra 1-6, and it highlights the opposition and challenges faced by the Jewish people as they try to rebuild their temple and restore their worship, similar to the struggles of the Israelites in rebuilding the temple in Haggai 1:1-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can ensure that I do not neglect important matters in my own life, just like the king is warning his officials in this verse?
- How can I balance my own interests and desires with the need to obey authority and respect the rules and regulations that are in place, as seen in Romans 13:1-7?
- What are some potential consequences of neglecting or ignoring important matters, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life, as warned in Proverbs 27:12?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship and being faithful with the resources and responsibilities that God has given me, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:22
Take heed now that ye fail not to do this,.... To put his orders into execution, and at once, without any loss of time, oblige the Jews to desist from rebuilding the walls of their city, which he was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:22
The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:22
Ezra 4:22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?Ver. 22. Take heed now that ye fail not] This was to spur a free horse; like as letters were sent from King Philip and Queen Mary to Bishop Bonner, complaining that heretics were not so reformed as they should be, and exhorting him to more diligence. Why should damage grow] Take heed of that howsoever. Multi reges graviorem ducunt iacturam regionis, quam religionis, &c. (Bucholcer). Many kings consider it more serious to about to be thrown out of their kingdom than of their religion.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:22
22. Take heed now that ye fail not to do this] R.V. And take heed that ye be not slack herein. The king does not anticipate their disobedience, but warns against remissness or dilatoriness on the part of officials. The decrees of the Government were apparently not always executed with promptness in Syria even in the days of Artaxerxes. This fault is said to be not wholly eradicated yet. why should damage &c.] The king’s fears had been excited by the possibility of political complications and the weakening of his Western frontier. These apprehensions are intelligible in the light of the events of the great Persian War during the reign of Xerxes. Otherwise they seem exaggerated and insincere, as if the Samaritan letter had been accompanied by some substantial arguments which had won the king’s appreciation.
Sermons on Ezra 4:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Studies in Esther - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas explores the narrative of Esther, focusing on Haman's plot against the Jews and the significance of divine law versus human law. He emphasizes how Haman's rejectio |