Ezra 4:22

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?

American Standard Version (1901)

And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Bible in Basic English

Be certain to do this with all care: do not let trouble be increased to the king's damage.

Douay-Rheims 1899

See that you be not negligent in executing this, lest by little and little the evil grow to the hurt of the kings.

Free Bible Version

See that you do not neglect this matter. Why should this problem be allowed to grow and damage royal interests?”

Geneva Bible 1599

Take heede nowe that ye fayle not to doe this: why should domage grow to hurt the King?

King James (Authorized) Version

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Translation for Translators

Do this immediately [LIT], because I do not want those people to do anything to harm the things/area about which I am concerned.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Be careful not to neglect this. Why allow this threat to grow and cause more loss for the royal interests?

Noah Webster Bible

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

World English Bible

Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Young's Literal Translation

And beware ye of negligence in doing this; why doth the hurt become great to the loss of the kings?'

Context

The Decree of Artaxerxes

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?

Summary

In this verse, King Artaxerxes issues a decree to halt the construction of the walls of Jerusalem. The king's command was a response to the letter of accusation sent by the adversaries of Judah and Jerusalem. This opposition to the rebuilding efforts of the Israelites reflects the ongoing challenges and conflicts faced by God's people as they sought to restore their land and worship. Despite the obstacles, the Israelites persevered in their mission, trusting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty over all circumstances.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions,.... By him or them to whom it was particularly directed: they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews; not only in obedience to the king's command, but from an eagerness of spirit to put a stop to the proceedings of the Jews, to whom they had an aversion, instigated by the Samaritans: and made them to cease by force and power; from going on with the building of the temple, which they reckoned a part of the city, and within their commission; this they did by showing the power and authority they had under the king's hand, and by the forces they brought with them to compel them to it, should they refuse to obey; or, however, they threatened them highly what they would do, if they did not desist.

Ezra 4:22

The Decree of Artaxerxes

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?

American Standard Version (1901)

And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Bible in Basic English

Be certain to do this with all care: do not let trouble be increased to the king's damage.

Douay-Rheims 1899

See that you be not negligent in executing this, lest by little and little the evil grow to the hurt of the kings.

Free Bible Version

See that you do not neglect this matter. Why should this problem be allowed to grow and damage royal interests?”

Geneva Bible 1599

Take heede nowe that ye fayle not to doe this: why should domage grow to hurt the King?

King James (Authorized) Version

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Translation for Translators

Do this immediately [LIT], because I do not want those people to do anything to harm the things/area about which I am concerned.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Be careful not to neglect this. Why allow this threat to grow and cause more loss for the royal interests?

Noah Webster Bible

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

World English Bible

Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Young's Literal Translation

And beware ye of negligence in doing this; why doth the hurt become great to the loss of the kings?'