Ezra 5:9
Ezra 5:9 in Multiple Translations
So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?
Then we said to the men responsible, who gave you authority for the building of this house and these walls?
We questioned the leaders, asking them, ‘Who gave you permission to rebuild this Temple and finish it?’
Then asked we those Elders, and sayd vnto them thus, Who hath giuen you commandement to buylde this house, and to lay the foundation of these walles?
Then we have asked of these elders, thus we have said to them, Who hath made for you a decree this house to build, and this wall to finish?
Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to erect these walls?
And we asked those ancients, and said to them thus: Who hath given you authority to build this house, and to repair these walls?
“We asked the Jewish leaders, ‘Who has permitted you to rebuild this temple and put furnishings in it?’
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 5:9
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 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱדַ֗יִן
שְׁאֵ֨לְנָא֙
לְ/שָׂבַיָּ֣/א
אִלֵּ֔ךְ
כְּנֵ֖מָא
אֲמַ֣רְנָא
לְּ/הֹ֑ם
מַן
שָׂ֨ם
לְ/כֹ֜ם
טְעֵ֗ם
בַּיְתָ֤/א
דְנָה֙
לְ/מִבְנְיָ֔ה
וְ/אֻשַּׁרְנָ֥/א
דְנָ֖ה
לְ/שַׁכְלָלָֽה
אֱדַ֗יִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
then
Adj
שְׁאֵ֨לְנָא֙
shᵉʼêl
H7593
to ask
Adj
לְ/שָׂבַיָּ֣/א
sîyb
H7868
be gray
Adj | N-mp | Art
אִלֵּ֔ךְ
ʼillêk
H479
these
Adj
כְּנֵ֖מָא
kᵉnêmâʼ
H3660
thus
Adj
אֲמַ֣רְנָא
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj
לְּ/הֹ֑ם
Adj | Suff
מַן
mân
H4479
who?
Adj
שָׂ֨ם
sûwm
H7761
to set
Adj
לְ/כֹ֜ם
Adj | Suff
טְעֵ֗ם
ṭᵉʻêm
H2942
command
Adj
בַּיְתָ֤/א
bayith
H1005
house
Adj | Art
דְנָה֙
dên
H1836
this
Adj
לְ/מִבְנְיָ֔ה
bᵉnâʼ
H1124
to build
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/אֻשַּׁרְנָ֥/א
ʼushsharnâʼ
H846
wall
Adj | N-ms | Art
דְנָ֖ה
dên
H1836
this
Adj
לְ/שַׁכְלָלָֽה
kᵉlal
H3635
to complete
Adj | V-e-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 5:9
אֱדַ֗יִן
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.
שְׁאֵ֨לְנָא֙
shᵉʼêl
H7593
"to ask"
Adj
Similar to H7592, this Hebrew word means to ask or request something. It is used in the Bible to describe asking for information or seeking something from someone. The KJV translates it as ask, demand, or require.
Definition: 1) to ask 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to ask for, request 1a2) to enquire for or about
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: ask, demand, require. See also: Ezra 5:9; Daniel 2:10; Daniel 2:27.
לְ/שָׂבַיָּ֣/א
sîyb
H7868
"be gray"
Adj | N-mp | Art
This word means to be gray or hoary, describing someone with gray hair due to age. It is also used to refer to elders or older men, symbolizing wisdom and experience. The word is translated as elder in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to be gray, be hoary, be hoary-headed 1a) (P'al) elders (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: elder. See also: Ezra 5:5; Ezra 6:7; Ezra 6:14.
אִלֵּ֔ךְ
ʼillêk
H479
"these"
Adj
This word simply means these or those, used to point out specific people or things, like when Jesus says 'these' to describe his disciples.
Definition: these, those Aramaic of el (אֵל "these" H0411)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: these, those. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 3:22; Daniel 6:25.
כְּנֵ֖מָא
kᵉnêmâʼ
H3660
"thus"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'thus' or 'so', showing how something is done. It appears in the Bible to describe a manner or way of doing things, like in a recipe or instruction. It helps us understand how to follow God's commands.
Definition: thus, so, accordingly, as follows
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: so, (in) this manner (sort), thus. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 5:9; Ezra 6:13.
אֲמַ֣רְנָא
ʼămar
H560
"to say"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say or speak, often used when God commands or declares something, as seen in many KJV translations. It is used with great flexibility, including to command, declare, or tell. This word appears in various contexts, including Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: (P'al) to say, to speak, to command, to tell, to relate Aramaic of a.mar (אָמַר "to say" H0559)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: command, declare, say, speak, tell. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:28; Jeremiah 10:11.
לְּ/הֹ֑ם
""
Adj | Suff
מַן
mân
H4479
"who?"
Adj
This word is used to ask questions, like 'who?' or 'what?'. It appears in Daniel 2:25, where the king asks, 'Who can tell me what my dream means?'
Definition: who?, what?, whoever, whosoever Aramaic of mah (מָה "what?" H4100)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: what, who(-msoever, [phrase] -so). See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:15; Daniel 5:21.
שָׂ֨ם
sûwm
H7761
"to set"
Adj
This word is similar to H7760, but is more focused on setting or appointing someone or something to a specific role or task. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's commands and appointments.
Definition: 1) to set, make, appoint 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to make, make decree, setout (decree) 1a2) to make, appoint 1a3) to set, fix 1b) (Ithp'al) to be made, be set, be laid
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] command, give, lay, make, [phrase] name, [phrase] regard, set. See also: Ezra 4:19; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:27.
לְ/כֹ֜ם
""
Adj | Suff
טְעֵ֗ם
ṭᵉʻêm
H2942
"command"
Adj
This word is about having a command or report, and can also mean a taste or flavor. In the Bible, it can refer to a decree or wisdom, like in the book of Proverbs. It is about perceiving or understanding something.
Definition: 1) report, taste 1a) taste 1b) report
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] chancellor, [phrase] command, commandment, decree, [phrase] regard, taste, wisdom. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 6:27.
בַּיְתָ֤/א
bayith
H1005
"house"
Adj | Art
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.
דְנָה֙
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/מִבְנְיָ֔ה
bᵉnâʼ
H1124
"to build"
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
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/אֻשַּׁרְנָ֥/א
ʼushsharnâʼ
H846
"wall"
Adj | N-ms | Art
This word refers to a wall or structure, derived from the Aramaic word for wall. It is used to describe a physical barrier or partition, like the walls of a building.
Definition: wall, panelling, beams, structure (precise meaning and derivation uncertain) Aramaic of shur (שׁוּר "wall" H7791A)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wall. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:9.
דְנָ֖ה
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/שַׁכְלָלָֽה
kᵉlal
H3635
"to complete"
Adj | V-e-Inf-a
To complete means to finish or bring something to an end, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe tasks and projects. It is about finishing what was started.
Definition: 1) to finish, complete 1a) (Shaphel) to finish 1b) (Ishtaphel) to be completed
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: finish, make (set) up. See also: Ezra 4:12; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:14.
Study Notes — Ezra 5:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Tattenai’s Letter to Darius
7The report they sent him read as follows: To King Darius: All peace.
8Let it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. The people are rebuilding it with large stones and placing timbers in the walls. This work is being carried out diligently and is prospering in their hands.
9So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
10We also asked for their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information. 11And this is the answer they returned: “We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 5:3–4 | At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?” They also asked, “What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?” |
Ezra 5:9 Summary
[This verse shows that the officials were curious about who gave the Israelites permission to rebuild the temple, and they asked the elders for this information, as they wanted to understand the scope of the project and ensure it was done with proper authority. The elders were rebuilding the temple, which was a big project, and the officials wanted to know who was in charge, similar to how we might ask for permission from a parent or teacher before starting a new project, as seen in Ephesians 6:1-3. The officials' questions help us think about the importance of having the right authority and permission before taking action, and how this relates to our own lives and decisions, as we are instructed to obey those in authority over us, as seen in Hebrews 13:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the officials question the elders about rebuilding the temple?
The officials questioned the elders to determine if they had the proper authority to rebuild the temple, as indicated in Ezra 5:9, and to understand the scope of their project, which was to restore the house of the great God, as mentioned in Ezra 5:8, a task that required permission from the king, as seen in Ezra 1:2-4.
What can we learn from the officials' actions in this verse?
The officials' actions demonstrate the importance of accountability and ensuring that actions are taken with proper authority, a principle also seen in Romans 13:1-2, where we are instructed to submit to governing authorities.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the book of Ezra?
This verse is part of the narrative of the rebuilding of the temple, which is a central theme in the book of Ezra, and is connected to the decree of King Cyrus in Ezra 1:1-4, which allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
What can we infer about the elders' response to the officials' questions?
Although the elders' response is not given in this verse, we can infer from Ezra 5:10-11 that they were confident in their authority and the legitimacy of their work, as they provided the names of their leaders and explained the history of the temple, demonstrating their faith and trust in God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been questioned about my actions or decisions, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like the elders, demonstrate confidence and faith in my actions and decisions, even when faced with scrutiny or opposition?
- What are some ways that I can ensure that my actions are taken with proper authority and accountability, and what role does prayer and seeking guidance play in this process?
- How can I apply the principle of submission to governing authorities, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, to my own life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 5:9
Then asked we those elders,.... The elders of the province of Judea; the chief men of it: who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? see Ezra 5:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 5:9
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 5:9
Ezra 5:9 Then asked we those elders, [and] said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?Ver. 9. Who commanded you?] Chaldee, Who hath made you a decree?
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 5:9
(3-17) Tatnai’s appeal to Darius.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 5:9
9. Who commanded …, and to make up] R.V. Who gave … a decree, … and to finish. Cf. on Ezra 5:3. these walls] R.V. ‘this wall’ as in Ezra 5:3.