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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezra 5  › Ezra 5:16

Ezra 5:16

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Ezra 5:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.”

King James Version KJV

Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

American Standard Version ASV

Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not completed.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then this same Sheshbazzar came and put the house of God in Jerusalem on its bases: and from that time till now the building has been going on, but it is still not complete.

Free Bible Version FBV

So Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of God's Temple in Jerusalem. It has been under construction since then, but hasn't yet been completed.’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then came the same Sheshbazzar and layde the foundation of the house of God, which is in Ierusalem, and since that time euen vntill nowe, hath it bene in buylding, yet is it not finished.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Then hath this Sheshbazzar come — he hath laid the foundations of the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem, and from thence even till now it hath been building, and is not finished.

World English Bible WEB

Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been being built, and yet it is not completed.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then came this same Sassabasar, and laid the foundations of the temple of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it is in building, and is not yet finished.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Sheshbazzar did that. He came here to Jerusalem, and supervised the men who laid the foundation of the temple. And since that time, the people have been working on the temple, but it is not finished yet.’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 5:16

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 5:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֱדַ֨יִן֙ שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּ֣ר דֵּ֔ךְ אֲתָ֗א יְהַ֧ב אֻשַּׁיָּ֛/א דִּי בֵ֥ית אֱלָהָ֖/א דִּ֣י בִ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם וּ/מִן אֱדַ֧יִן וְ/עַד כְּעַ֛ן מִתְבְּנֵ֖א וְ/לָ֥א שְׁלִֽם
אֱדַ֨יִן֙ ʼĕdayin H116 then Adj
שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּ֣ר Shêshᵉbatstsar H8340 Sheshbazzar Adj
דֵּ֔ךְ dêk H1791 this Adj
אֲתָ֗א ʼâthâh H858 to come Adj
יְהַ֧ב yᵉhab H3052 to give Adj
אֻשַּׁיָּ֛/א ʼôsh H787 foundation Adj | Art
דִּי dîy H1768 that Adj
בֵ֥ית bayith H1005 house Adj
אֱלָהָ֖/א ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj | Art
דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj
בִ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlêm H3390 Jerusalem Adj | N-proper
וּ/מִן min H4481 from Adj | Prep
אֱדַ֧יִן ʼĕdayin H116 then Adj
וְ/עַד ʻad H5705 till Adj | Prep
כְּעַ֛ן kᵉʻan H3705 now Adj
מִתְבְּנֵ֖א bᵉnâʼ H1124 to build Adj
וְ/לָ֥א lâʼ H3809 not Adj | Part
שְׁלִֽם shᵉlam H8000 be complete Adj
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 5:16

אֱדַ֨יִן֙ ʼĕdayin H116 "then" Adj
Then or at that time, referring to a specific point in the past or future, like in the story of creation when God said 'then' the earth was formed. It is used to show a sequence of events. The KJV translates it as 'then' or 'now'.
Definition: then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: now, that time, then. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 7:19.
שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּ֣ר Shêshᵉbatstsar H8340 "Sheshbazzar" Adj
Sheshbazzar was a Jewish leader who helped his people return from exile in Babylon, as told in Ezra 1:8 and 5:14. He was also known as Zerubbabel and was a descendant of King David. His story is part of the history of the Israelites' return to Jerusalem.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.3.19; son of: Pedaiah (H6305H); brother of: Shimei (H8096J); father of: Meshullam (H4918H), Hananiah (H2608L), Shelomith (H8019I), Hashubah (H2807), Ohel (H0169), Berechiah (H1296), Hasadiah (H2619), Jushab-hesed (H3142) and Abiud (G0010); also called Sheshbazzar at Ezr.1.8,11; 5.14,16; KJV: Zorobabel at Mat.1.12,13; Aramaic of ze.rub.ba.vel (זְרֻבָּבֶ֫ל "Zerubbabel" H2216) § Sheshbazzar = "worshipper of fire" the prince of Judah at the first return from exile in Babylon; usually identified as the Babylonian name for Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Sheshbazzar. See also: Ezra 5:14; Ezra 5:16.
דֵּ֔ךְ dêk H1791 "this" Adj
This Hebrew word simply means 'this', used to point out a specific thing or person, similar to the Aramaic word 'zeh'.
Definition: this Aramaic of zeh (זֶה "this" H2088)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: the same, this. See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:12.
אֲתָ֗א ʼâthâh H858 "to come" Adj
This Hebrew word means to arrive or come, and is used in phrases like 'maranatha', which means 'Lord, come'. It appears in the New Testament and is translated as 'come' or 'bring'.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (P'al) to come 1b) (Aphel) to bring 1c) (Hophal) to be brought 2) used in the NT in the phrase "maranatha" -"Lord come" Aramaic of a.tah (אָתָה "to come" H0857)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (be-) come, bring. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 5:3; Daniel 7:22.
יְהַ֧ב 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.
אֻשַּׁיָּ֛/א ʼôsh H787 "foundation" Adj | Art
This word refers to a foundation, the base of something. It is used in the Bible to describe a starting point or a base for building. The KJV translates it as foundation.
Definition: foundation Aramaic of a.shu.yah (אָשְׁיָה "foundation" H0803)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: foundation. See also: Ezra 4:12; Ezra 5:16; Ezra 6:3.
דִּי dîy H1768 "that" Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
בֵ֥ית bayith H1005 "house" Adj
This Hebrew word for house is similar to H1004, but it primarily refers to a physical building, either a home or a temple. It is used in many passages, including those describing the construction of the temple in 1 Kings. The word emphasizes the idea of a physical structure.
Definition: 1) house (of men) 2) house (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: house. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:11.
אֱלָהָ֖/א ʼĕlâhh H426 "god" Adj | Art
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
דִּ֣י dîy H1768 "that" Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
בִ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlêm H3390 "Jerusalem" Adj | N-proper
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.
וּ/מִן min H4481 "from" Adj | Prep
This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.
Definition: 1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than 1a) from, out of (of place) 1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source) 1c) from (of time) 1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: according, after, [phrase] because, [phrase] before, by, for, from, [idiom] him, [idiom] more than, (out) of, part, since, [idiom] these, to, upon, [phrase] when. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 3:22; Jeremiah 10:11.
אֱדַ֧יִן ʼĕdayin H116 "then" Adj
Then or at that time, referring to a specific point in the past or future, like in the story of creation when God said 'then' the earth was formed. It is used to show a sequence of events. The KJV translates it as 'then' or 'now'.
Definition: then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: now, that time, then. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 7:19.
וְ/עַד ʻad H5705 "till" Adj | Prep
This Hebrew word is similar to H5704, meaning until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Numbers when describing the Israelites' travels.
Definition: prep 1) even to, until, up to, during conj 2) until, up to the time that, ere that
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] and, at, for, (hither-) to, on till, (un-) to, until, within. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:28.
כְּעַ֛ן kᵉʻan H3705 "now" Adj
In the Bible, this word means 'now' or 'at this time', often used to indicate a current moment or situation, like in Genesis. It's about what's happening currently. It's used to show when something is happening.
Definition: now, at this time, until now Aramaic equivalent: ke.e.net (כְּעֶ֫נֶת "now" H3706)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: now. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 2:23; Daniel 6:9.
מִתְבְּנֵ֖א bᵉnâʼ H1124 "to build" Adj
This word means to build or construct something, and is used in the Bible to describe physical construction. It appears in various forms, including 'build' and 'make', and is an important concept in biblical descriptions of creation and architecture.
Definition: 1) to build 1a) (P'al) to build 1b) (Ithp'il) to be built
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: build, make. See also: Ezra 4:12; Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:27.
וְ/לָ֥א lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj | Part
Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.
Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.
שְׁלִֽם shᵉlam H8000 "be complete" Adj
This verb means to finish or complete something, like a task or a project. In the Bible, it's used to describe bringing something to an end or paying a debt in full.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be sound 1a) (P'al) finished (participle) 1b) (Aphel) to finish, bring to an end, render in full
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: deliver, finish. See also: Ezra 5:16; Ezra 7:19; Daniel 5:26.

Study Notes — Ezra 5:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezra 3:10 When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed.
2 Ezra 6:15 And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
3 Ezra 3:8 In 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.
4 Haggai 2:18 Consider carefully from this day forward—from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid—consider carefully:
5 Ezra 5:2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
6 Haggai 1:12–14 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the words of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. So the people feared the LORD. Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people: “I am with you,” declares the LORD. So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God,
7 Zechariah 4:10 For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”

Ezra 5:16 Summary

[This verse tells us that Sheshbazzar, a governor appointed by King Cyrus, laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and even though it had been under construction for a long time, it was not yet completed. This reminds us that God's work is often a process that takes time, and we need to be patient and trust in his plan, just like the Israelites did when they were waiting for the fulfillment of God's promise to restore them, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. We can learn from this verse to be faithful and persevere in our own lives, even when things seem to be taking a long time, and to trust in God's love and sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sheshbazzar and what role did he play in rebuilding the temple?

Sheshbazzar was a governor appointed by King Cyrus, and he was responsible for laying the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra 5:16, and also for returning the gold and silver articles belonging to the house of God, as mentioned in Ezra 5:14.

Why was the temple not completed after so many years?

The verse does not provide a direct reason, but it may be inferred that the process was hindered by various challenges and opposition, similar to what is described in Ezra 4:1-5, where the people of the land tried to discourage the Israelites from rebuilding the temple.

What can we learn from the fact that the temple was under construction for a long time?

This teaches us about perseverance and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 138:8, where David says, 'The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O God, endures forever.'

How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites' return from exile?

This verse is a key part of the narrative of the Israelites' return from exile, as it shows the beginning of the rebuilding process, which is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore his people, as stated in Deuteronomy 30:3 and Jeremiah 29:14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I have been trying to build or rebuild something, but it seems like it's taking a long time to complete?
  2. How can I, like Sheshbazzar, be faithful in laying the foundation for God's work in my life, even if I don't see the completion of it?
  3. What are some challenges or opposition that I may be facing in my own life, and how can I persevere through them, trusting in God's sovereignty and love?
  4. In what ways can I be a part of God's work of rebuilding and restoring his people, just like the Israelites were called to do in Ezra 5:16?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 5:16

Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem,.... Which makes it clear, that by Sheshbazzar is meant Zerubbabel; for he it was that laid the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 5:16

Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 5:16

Even until now; allowing for some interruptions.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 5:16

Ezra 5:16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, [and] laid the foundation of the house of God which [is] in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and [yet] it is not finished.Ver. 16. Then came the same Sheshbazzar] All this is truly and fairly related (as was likewise that of Doeg to Saul, against Ahimelech), but with no good intent. Now to speak the truth not for any love to the truth, nor for respect to justice, nor for the bettering of the hearer or of the offender, but only to incense the one and prejudice the other, this is plain slandering. And yet it is not finished] And all by reason of such ill conditioned persons as yourselves, who retarded it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 5:16

(16) Since that time.—No account is taken of the long interruption. Whether these words are part of the answer given to Tatnai by the Jewish leaders, or his own statement to Darius, it is evident that the unfinished building of a house decreed to be built by Cyrus is regarded as demanding investigation as to the nature and validity of the decree itself.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 5:16

Verse 16. Sheshbazzar] Probably the military officer that conducted the people from Babylon, and had the oversight of the work; but some think that Ezra is meant.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 5:16

16. Then came the same Sheshbazzar] The work here ascribed to Sheshbazzar is evidently that over which Zerubbabel presided in chap. 3. the foundation] R.V. ‘the foundations’; so the Aramaic and Ezra 4:12. since that time &c.] A sentence showing that the cessation of the work mentioned in Ezra 4:5; Ezra 4:24 must not be taken perfectly literally. Building was carried on from time to time, but no longer on any effective scale. The interval of time was from 536 to 520. finished] R.V. completed. A different word in the original from that rendered ‘finish’ in Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:9; Ezra 5:11, Ezra 6:14.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 5:16

Since that time even until now - Sixteen years - from 536 B.C. to 520 B.C. The adversaries of the Jews here overstep the truth; since, in point of fact, the work had been suspended for a while Ezra 4:24.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 5:16

16. Since that time even until now hath it been in building — It seems that in some way the building had been going on all through those years of trouble, and the year or a little more that it had

Sermons on Ezra 5:16

SermonDescription
Stephen Kaung Synagogue & Temple by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of our existence as believers. He highlights that many Christians are living in a state of confus
David Wilkerson (Poland) the Capacity to Be Stirred by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing the hardships of communism in Poland. He recalls the scarcity of goods in the grocery stores and the long que
Arthur Blessitt There Is Something About the Cross by Arthur Blessitt Arthur Blessitt shares powerful testimonies of carrying the cross around the world, preaching the message of Jesus and experiencing overwhelming responses from people eager to hear
David Wilkerson Give Up on Measuring Up by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of focusing on building God's house rather than measuring our worth against others. He reflects on the Israelites' return to rebuilding th
T. Austin-Sparks God's Standard of Values by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ in everything we do. He mentions the slogan "Attempt great things for God. Expect great things from God,
T. Austin-Sparks Gods Standard of Values by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ and His purpose in our lives. He highlights the significance of having a vision and being willing to suf
Gerhard Du Toit Hungry for God by Gerhard Du Toit In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a strong relationship with God and with fellow believers. He shares a story about a week of prayer in a church where
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