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Ezra 6:1

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Ezra 6:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon.

King James Version KJV

Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

American Standard Version ASV

Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Darius the king gave an order and a search was made in the house of the records, where the things of value were stored up in Babylon.

Free Bible Version FBV

Thus King Darius ordered that a search be made of the archives that were housed in the treasury of Babylon.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then King Darius gaue commandement, and they made search in the librarie of the treasures, which were there layd vp in Babel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Then Darius the king made a decree, and they sought in the house of the books of the treasuries placed there in Babylon,

World English Bible WEB

Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was searched.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then king Darius gave orders, and they searched in the library of the books that were laid up in Babylon,

Translation for Translators T4T

Later Darius became the ruler of the Persian Empire. When the enemies of the Israelis forced them to stop rebuilding the temple, the Persian officials sent a message to King Darius. They asked him to search the records in the ◄archives/government records►, in the building where the king stored the important documents, to find out whether King Cyrus had authorized that the temple should be rebuilt.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 6:1

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 6:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בֵּ/אדַ֛יִן דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ מַלְכָּ֖/א שָׂ֣ם טְעֵ֑ם וּ/בַקַּ֣רוּ בְּ/בֵ֣ית סִפְרַיָּ֗/א דִּ֧י גִנְזַיָּ֛/א מְהַחֲתִ֥ין תַּמָּ֖ה בְּ/בָבֶֽל
בֵּ/אדַ֛יִן ʼĕdayin H116 then Adj | Adv
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ Dârᵉyâvêsh H1868 Darius Adj
מַלְכָּ֖/א melek H4430 king Adj | Art
שָׂ֣ם sûwm H7761 to set Adj
טְעֵ֑ם ṭᵉʻêm H2942 command Adj
וּ/בַקַּ֣רוּ bᵉqar H1240 to enquire Adj | V-Piel-Perf-3mp
בְּ/בֵ֣ית bayith H1005 house Adj | N-ms
סִפְרַיָּ֗/א çᵉphar H5609 scroll Adj | Art
דִּ֧י dîy H1768 that Adj
גִנְזַיָּ֛/א gᵉnaz H1596 treasure Adj | Art
מְהַחֲתִ֥ין nᵉchath H5182 to descend Adj
תַּמָּ֖ה tâm H8536 there Adj
בְּ/בָבֶֽל Babel H895 Babylon Adj | N-proper
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 6:1

בֵּ/אדַ֛יִן ʼĕdayin H116 "then" Adj | Adv
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.
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ Dârᵉyâvêsh H1868 "Darius" Adj
This word also refers to Darius, a title for Persian kings, including Darius the Mede, who succeeded Belshazzar. As seen in Daniel 6:1, Darius played a significant role in the life of Daniel, and his story is an important part of the biblical narrative. His title signifies his position as a lord or ruler.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.5.31; son of: Ahasuerus (H0325) Aramaic of dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867I) § Darius = "lord" 1) Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC) (same as dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867) (1)) 2) Darius, the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC) (same as (2)) 3) Darius II or Darius III 3a) Darius II, Nothus (Ochus) was king of Persia during the time of Nehemiah (424/3-405/4 BC). Darius II is the most probable because he is mentioned by Nehemiah and ruled during the time of Nehemiah 3b) Darius III, Codomannus was king of Persia during its last years at the time of Alexander the Great and was his opponent (336-330 BC)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Darius. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:14; Daniel 6:29.
מַלְכָּ֖/א melek H4430 "king" Adj | Art
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.
שָׂ֣ם 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.
טְעֵ֑ם 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.
וּ/בַקַּ֣רוּ bᵉqar H1240 "to enquire" Adj | V-Piel-Perf-3mp
To carefully search or examine, like a farmer plowing a field, as in seeking truth or understanding, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13.
Definition: 1) to seek, enquire 1a) (Pael) to enquire 1b) (Ithpael) to let search be made
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: inquire, make search. See also: Ezra 4:15; Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:14.
בְּ/בֵ֣ית bayith H1005 "house" Adj | N-ms
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.
סִפְרַיָּ֗/א çᵉphar H5609 "scroll" Adj | Art
In the Bible, this word means a scroll or book, like the ones used by prophets to write God's messages. It appears in books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The word refers to a written document.
Definition: scroll, book Aramaic of se.pher (סֵ֫פֶר ": document" H5612A)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: book, roll. See also: Ezra 4:15; Ezra 6:18; Daniel 7:10.
דִּ֧י 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.
גִנְזַיָּ֛/א gᵉnaz H1596 "treasure" Adj | Art
This word means treasure, and it is used to describe something of great value or wealth. It is often used in the context of a king's treasure or riches. The term is also related to the concept of a treasury.
Definition: treasure Aramaic of ge.nez (גְּנָזִים "treasury" H1595)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: treasure. See also: Ezra 5:17; Ezra 6:1; Ezra 7:20.
מְהַחֲתִ֥ין nᵉchath H5182 "to descend" Adj
This word is similar to H5181, also meaning to descend, but it can also mean to deposit or lay something down. It is used in the Bible to describe things like laying up treasures or coming down from a high place.
Definition: 1) to descend 1a) (P'al) to descend 1b) (Aphel) to deposit 1c) (Hophal) to be deposed, be cast down
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: carry, come down, depose, lay up, place. See also: Ezra 5:15; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 5:20.
תַּמָּ֖ה tâm H8536 "there" Adj
This word is used to point to a location, like saying 'over there' or 'from that place'. It is often used in the Bible to give directions or describe where someone is. In the KJV, it is translated as 'thence' or 'there'.
Definition: there Aramaic of sham (שָׁם "there" H8033)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] thence, there, [idiom] where. See also: Ezra 5:17; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:12.
בְּ/בָבֶֽל Babel H895 "Babylon" Adj | N-proper
Babel is another term for Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It is found in Daniel 1:1-2, describing the Babylonian empire. The city was a major center of power.
Definition: Aramaic of ba.vel (בָּבֶ֫ל, בָּבֶל "Babylon" H0894) § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Babylon. See also: Ezra 5:12; Daniel 2:24; Daniel 7:1.

Study Notes — Ezra 6:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezra 5:17 Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.
2 Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.
3 Ezra 4:15 that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.
4 Jeremiah 36:29 You are to proclaim concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah that this is what the LORD says: You have burned the scroll and said, ‘Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon would surely come and destroy this land and deprive it of man and beast?’
5 Ezra 4:19 I 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.
6 Jeremiah 36:20–23 So the officials went to the king in the courtyard. And having stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, they reported everything to the king. Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it in the hearing of the king and all the officials who were standing beside him. Since it was the ninth month, the king was sitting in his winter quarters with a fire burning before him. And as soon as Jehudi had read three or four columns, Jehoiakim would cut them off with a scribe’s knife and throw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll had been consumed by the fire.
7 Psalms 40:7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll:
8 Jeremiah 36:32 Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and at Jeremiah’s dictation he wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.
9 Jeremiah 36:2–4 “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah until today. Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about all the calamity I plan to bring upon them, each of them will turn from his wicked way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.” So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and at the dictation of Jeremiah, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words that the LORD had spoken to Jeremiah.
10 Job 29:16 I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger.

Ezra 6:1 Summary

[This verse tells us that King Darius ordered a search of the archives in the treasury of Babylon, which shows that he was careful and thorough in his actions, much like the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and understanding, as taught in Proverbs 2:1-6. By searching the archives, King Darius was able to verify the decree issued by King Cyrus, which allowed the Israelites to continue rebuilding the temple, as prophesied in Isaiah 44:28. This verse teaches us the importance of respecting and honoring previous authorities and their decisions, as well as being diligent and thorough in our own actions, as demonstrated by King Darius's careful search of the archives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Darius search the archives in the treasury of Babylon?

King Darius searched the archives to verify the decree issued by King Cyrus, as seen in Ezra 6:2-3, which is consistent with the biblical principle of respecting and honoring previous authorities and their decisions, as taught in Romans 13:1-2.

What is the significance of the treasury of Babylon in this context?

The treasury of Babylon was a central repository of important documents and records, similar to how the Israelites kept important records in the ark of the covenant or in the temple, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:24-26 and 1 Kings 14:25-26.

How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of the book of Ezra?

This verse marks a turning point in the book of Ezra, as King Darius's search of the archives leads to the rediscovery of King Cyrus's decree, which ultimately allows the Israelites to continue rebuilding the temple, as prophesied in Isaiah 44:28 and fulfilled in Ezra 6:3-5.

What can we learn from King Darius's actions in this verse?

We can learn the importance of diligence and thoroughness in our actions, as well as the value of respecting and honoring previous authorities and their decisions, as demonstrated by King Darius's careful search of the archives, which is in line with the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and understanding, as taught in Proverbs 2:1-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways we can demonstrate diligence and thoroughness in our own lives, just like King Darius?
  2. How can we apply the principle of respecting and honoring previous authorities and their decisions in our own relationships and communities?
  3. What role does record-keeping and documentation play in our own lives, and how can we use these tools to honor God and respect His sovereignty?
  4. In what ways can we seek wisdom and understanding, just like King Darius, and how can we apply this wisdom to our daily lives?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:1

Then Darius the king made a decree,.... To make inquiry after the edict of Cyrus, to search the public records for it: and search was made in the house of the rolls; or "books" (r), in a public

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:1

Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. Darius the king. This was Darius Hystaspes.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 6:1

EZRA CHAPTER 6 Darius answereth the former letter, ; and maketh a new decree, . By the help of the adversaries, and the directions of the prophets, the temple is finished, . The feasts of the dedication, , and of the passover, are kept, . Darius made a decree; either, 1. To search the rolls. Or rather, 2. To permit and promote the building of the temple. And so the following words may be rendered, after search was made, &c., the Hebrew particle vau being oft so used, as hath been noted before. In Babylon; either, 1. In the kingdom or empire of Babylon, which he now possessed; or rather, 2. In the city of Babylon, where search was first made, supposing that this edict, which was made presently after Cyrus had taken Babylon, was kept there; but not finding it there, they searched in Achmetha, and found it there.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:1

Ezra 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.Ver. 1. Then Darius the king] DARIUS , who succeeded Cambyses, being chosen by the princes of the Persians, as saith Herodotus. Plato commendeth him for a restorer of the Persian monarchy, much defaced under Cambyses. Howbeit he discommends him for this, that he bred not his son Xerxes so well as he might have done, and further testifieth, that to him it might be said: O Darius, how little care hast thou taken to shun Cyrus’ s slackness! for thou hast bred Xerxes every whit as ill as he did Cambyses, W Dαρειεωςτου Kυρουκακονουκεμα- Yες.. In the house of the rolls] So called, because rolled up together, volumes rolled up, like the web upon the pin.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:1

(1) Made a decree.—Rather, gave an order.Were laid up.—In the original, laid down, in a chamber for the storing of documents and other treasures.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:1

CHAPTER VI Darius orders search to be made for the edict of Cyrus, 1. It is found at Achmetha, 2. A transcript of this edict, 3-5. Darius confirms it, 6-12. Tatnai encourages the Jews to proceed; and they finish the temple in the sixth year of Darius, 13-15. They dedicate the temple, 16-18; keep the Passover, 19-21, and the feast of unleavened bread, 22. NOTES ON CHAP. VI Verse 1. In the house of the rolls] בית ספריא beith siphraiya, the house of the books, the king's library. This is the first time we hear of a library.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:1

Chap. Ezra 6:1-12. Darius’s Decree1. made a decree] cf. Ezra 4:19. search was made] literally ‘they made a search’. Plural used impersonally. in the house of the rolls] R.V. in the house of the archives: marg. Aram. books. rolls] The word usually rendered ‘roll’ is Megillah, see Ezra 6:2; Jeremiah 36:2-6, &c.; Ezekiel 3:1-2; Zechariah 5:1. The word used here is ‘Sêpher’ = ‘book’. Sometimes the two occur together ‘the roll of a book’ in Jeremiah 36:2; Jeremiah 36:4; Ezekiel 2:9. ‘Sêpher’ is the ordinary word for a book or a writing. The town Kirjath-Sêpher (‘town of a book’), called also Debir, Joshua 15:15, may have been famous for its treasured documents. ‘The house of the Archives’ at Babylon must have contained a state library in which such a document as Cyrus’s decree would probably be found. Such libraries containing documents consisting of burnt clay tablets have been found in Nineveh and in the vicinity of Babylon. The rolls and parchments and more perishable materials have not survived. the treasures] cf. Ezra 5:17. It was evidently a place of great security.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:1

A “house of the rolls” was discovered at Koyunjik, the ancient Nineveh, in 1850 - a set of chambers, i. e., in the palace devoted exclusively to the storing of public documents.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:1

1. House of the rolls… in Babylon — Chaldee: House of books; the royal library, or chamber of manuscripts and archives attached to the palace in Babylon.

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Zac Poonen Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel
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Zac Poonen Revelation Necessary to Build the Church by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, live a godly life, and build a new covenant church. It highlights t
Zac Poonen The Extent of Christ's Love by Zac Poonen This sermon delves deep into the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the value of intimate fellowship with God and the importance of understanding the depth of
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