Ezra 6:11

Ezra 6:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I also decree that if any man interferes with this directive, a beam is to be torn from his house and raised up, and he is to be impaled on it. And his own house shall be made a pile of rubble for this offense.

King James Version KJV

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

American Standard Version ASV

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I have given orders that if anyone makes any change in this word, one of the supports is to be pulled out of his house, and he is to be lifted up and fixed to it; and his house is to be made waste for this;

Free Bible Version FBV

Further I declare that if any man interferes with this decree, a beam is to be ripped from his house and set in the ground, and he is to be impaled on top of it. His own house shall be turned into a pile of rubble for disobeying this decree.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I haue made a decree, that whosoeuer shall alter this sentence, the wood shall be pulled downe from his house, and shall be set vp, and he shalbe hanged thereon, and his house shalbe made a dunghill for this.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And by me is made a decree, that any one who changeth this thing, let wood be pulled down from his house, and being raised up, let him be smitten on it, and his house let be made a dunghill for this.

World English Bible WEB

I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened on it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Also I have made a decree, that whoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged upon it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I have made a decree: That if any whosoever, shall alter this commandment, a beam be taken from his house. and set up, and he be nailed upon it, and his house be confiscated.

Translation for Translators T4T

“If anyone disobeys this decree, my soldiers will pull a beam from his house. Then after they sharpen one end of the beam, they will lift that man up and impale him on that beam. Then they will completely destroy that man’s house until only a pile of rubble is left.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 6:11

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 6:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מִנִּ/י֮ שִׂ֣ים טְעֵם֒ דִּ֣י כָל אֱנָ֗שׁ דִּ֤י יְהַשְׁנֵא֙ פִּתְגָמָ֣/א דְנָ֔ה יִתְנְסַ֥ח אָע֙ מִן בַּיְתֵ֔/הּ וּ/זְקִ֖יף יִתְמְחֵ֣א עֲלֹ֑/הִי וּ/בַיְתֵ֛/הּ נְוָל֥וּ יִתְעֲבֵ֖ד עַל דְּנָֽה

וּ/מִנִּ/י֮ min H4481 from Adj | N-mp | Suff

שִׂ֣ים sûwm H7761 to set Adj

טְעֵם֒ ṭᵉʻêm H2942 command Adj

דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj

כָל kôl H3606 all Adj

אֱנָ֗שׁ ʼĕnâsh H606 man Adj

דִּ֤י dîy H1768 that Adj

יְהַשְׁנֵא֙ shᵉnâʼ H8133 to change Adj

פִּתְגָמָ֣/א pithgâm H6600 edict Adj | Art

דְנָ֔ה dên H1836 this Adj

יִתְנְסַ֥ח nᵉçach H5256 to pull away Adj

אָע֙ ʼâʻ H636 wood Adj

מִן min H4481 from Adj

בַּיְתֵ֔/הּ bayith H1005 house Adj | Suff

וּ/זְקִ֖יף zᵉqaph H2211 to raise Adj | V-Q-Inf-c

יִתְמְחֵ֣א mᵉchâʼ H4223 to smite Adj

עֲלֹ֑/הִי ʻal H5922 since Adj | Suff

וּ/בַיְתֵ֛/הּ bayith H1005 house Adj | N-ms | Suff

נְוָל֥וּ nᵉvâlûw H5122 dunghill Adj

יִתְעֲבֵ֖ד ʻăbad H5648 to make Adj

עַל ʻal H5922 since Adj

דְּנָֽה dên H1836 this Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 6:11

וּ/מִנִּ/י֮ min H4481 "from" Adj | N-mp | Suff

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.

שִׂ֣ים 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.

טְעֵם֒ 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.

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.

כָל kôl H3606 "all" Adj

The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.

Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.

אֱנָ֗שׁ ʼĕnâsh H606 "man" Adj

A human being or mankind, used to describe people in general, as seen in Psalm 8 and Isaiah 52. This word refers to humans as individuals or collectively.

Definition: 1) man, human being 2) mankind (collective) Aramaic of e.nosh (אֱנוֹשׁ "human" H0582)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: man, [phrase] whosoever. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 7:13.

דִּ֤י dîy H1768 "that" Adj

Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because

יְהַשְׁנֵא֙ shᵉnâʼ H8133 "to change" Adj

This Hebrew word means to change or alter something, like when God changes a person's heart. It appears in various forms, such as altering a plan or transforming a situation. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in circumstances or a shift in perspective.

Definition: 1) to change, be altered, be changed 1a) (P'al) to change, be changed 1b) (Pael) to change, transform, frustrate 1b1) different (participle) 1c) (Ithpael) to be changed 1d) (Aphel) to change, alter

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: alter, change, (be) diverse. See also: Ezra 6:11; Daniel 5:10; Daniel 7:28.

פִּתְגָמָ֣/א pithgâm H6600 "edict" Adj | Art

A pithgam is a command or decree, like a letter or official word from someone in authority.

Definition: 1) command, work, affair, decree 1a) word, report 1b) decree

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: answer, letter, matter, word. See also: Ezra 4:17; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 4:14.

דְנָ֔ה 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.

יִתְנְסַ֥ח nᵉçach H5256 "to pull away" Adj

Similar to H5255, this word means to pull or tear something away. It is used in the Bible to describe actions like pulling down a building or destroying something. This concept is seen in the story of the Babylonians, who pulled down the walls of Jerusalem.

Definition: 1) to pull or tear away 1a) (Ithp'al) to be torn away

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pull down. See also: Ezra 6:11.

אָע֙ ʼâʻ H636 "wood" Adj

In biblical times, wood was a valuable resource, used for building and fuel, as seen in 1 Kings 5:10 where Solomon prepares timber for the temple. The word for wood appears in various contexts, including the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 25:10.

Definition: wood, beam, timber Aramaic of ets (עֵץ ": wood" H6086)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: timber, wood. See also: Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 5:23.

מִן min H4481 "from" Adj

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.

בַּיְתֵ֔/הּ bayith H1005 "house" Adj | Suff

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.

וּ/זְקִ֖יף zᵉqaph H2211 "to raise" Adj | V-Q-Inf-c

This word means to raise or hang something, like a sign or a person, and is used in the book of Esther to describe the punishment of Haman. It is similar to the Hebrew word zaqaph. The KJV translates it as 'set up'.

Definition: (P'al) to raise, lift up Aramaic of za.qaph (זָקַף "to raise" H2210)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: set up. See also: Ezra 6:11.

יִתְמְחֵ֣א mᵉchâʼ H4223 "to smite" Adj

This verb means to strike or smite, often used to describe God's judgment. In Exodus 12:13, it describes the angel of death passing over the Israelites. It can also mean to arrest or impale someone.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, kill 1a) (P'al) to strike 1b) (Pael) to hinder 1c) (Ithp'al) to allow to be stricken

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: hang, smite, stay. See also: Ezra 6:11; Daniel 2:35; Daniel 4:32.

עֲלֹ֑/הִי ʻal H5922 "since" Adj | Suff

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.

וּ/בַיְתֵ֛/הּ bayith H1005 "house" Adj | N-ms | Suff

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.

נְוָל֥וּ nᵉvâlûw H5122 "dunghill" Adj

This Hebrew word refers to a pile of waste or a place for human waste, like an outhouse. It is translated as dunghill in the KJV Bible. In ancient times, it was a common term for a refuse heap.

Definition: refuse-heap, dunghill, outhouse

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: dunghill. See also: Ezra 6:11; Daniel 2:5; Daniel 3:29.

יִתְעֲבֵ֖ד ʻăbad H5648 "to make" Adj

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.

דְּנָֽה 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

Study Notes — Ezra 6:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezra 6:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:11
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:11
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:11
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:11
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:11
Sermons on Ezra 6:11

Context — The Decree of Darius

9Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, as well as wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given to them daily without fail. 10Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons.

11I also decree that if any man interferes with this directive, a beam is to be torn from his house and raised up, and he is to be impaled on it. And his own house shall be made a pile of rubble for this offense.

12May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued the decree. Let it be carried out with diligence. 13In response, Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates diligently carried out what King Darius had decreed.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 3:29	Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be cut into pieces and their houses reduced to rubble. For there is no other god who can deliver in this way.”
2	Ezra 7:26	If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.
3	Daniel 2:5	The king replied to the astrologers, “My word is final: If you do not tell me the dream and its interpretation, you will be cut into pieces and your houses will be reduced to rubble.
4	2 Kings 10:27	They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day.
5	Esther 5:4	“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”
6	2 Kings 9:37	And Jezebel’s body will lie like dung in the field on the plot of ground at Jezreel, so that no one can say: This is Jezebel.’ ”
7	Esther 7:10	So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.

Ezra 6:11 Summary

This verse is about a king named Darius who made a law to protect the people who were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. He said that if anyone tried to stop them, they would be punished severely, as a way of showing respect for God's plans. This reminds us that God is serious about His work and wants us to respect and obey Him, just like it says in Psalm 2:11-12 and Hebrews 12:28-29. We can apply this to our lives by being careful to obey God's commands and respect His plans, even when it's hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the punishment described in Ezra 6:11?

The punishment of being impaled on a beam from one's own house is a severe warning to those who would interfere with the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's plans, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Proverbs 24:21-22.

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

This decree is a crucial step in the Israelites' return from exile, as it ensures the temple's rebuilding and the resumption of worship, fulfilling God's promise in Ezekiel 37:21-28 and setting the stage for the events of Zechariah 4:6-10.

What does this verse reveal about King Darius's attitude towards the God of Israel?

King Darius's decree demonstrates his respect and reverence for the God of Israel, recognizing His sovereignty and authority, as expressed inDaniel 4:37 and Daniel 6:26.

How can this verse be applied to our lives today?

This verse reminds us of the importance of respecting and obeying God's plans, even when they seem difficult or challenging, trusting in His sovereignty and wisdom, as encouraged in Romans 11:33-36 and Isaiah 55:8-9.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be 'interfering' with God's plans, and how can I surrender them to Him?
How can I demonstrate reverence and respect for God's sovereignty in my daily life, as King Darius did?
What are some ways I can support and encourage others who are working to rebuild and restore God's work in their lives or communities?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:11

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word,.... Act contrary to this command, will not obey it, but as much as in him lies changes and revokes it: let timber be pulled down from

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:11

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:11

Ezra 6:11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.Ver. 11. Let timber be pulled down from his house] 1. Let his house be pulled down for a penalty. The Popish Council of Toulouse called together against the Albigenses (those ancient Protestants) made this cruel constitution, We decree that that house, wherein is found a heretic, be pulled down to the ground. 2. Let that timber be set up for a gibbet, and let him be hanged thereon Chaldee, destroyed. Compare that of the apostle, 1 Corinthians 3:17, If any man destroy the temple of God (which temple ye are), him shall God destroy; and let those look to it who turn it into a den of thieves, into a brothel house, slaughter house, pest house of noisome lusts, qui podicem ex ore faciunt, by their unsavoury speeches, and spoil themselves worse than by tumbling in an out house.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:11

(11) Alter this word seems to mean “violate this command,” since the alteration of a decree was a thing unheard of. Hanged is literally crucified. Among the Persians crucifixion was generally the nailing of a body to a cross after decapitation; among the Assyrians it was transfixion or impalement. Here the “being set up” refers of course to the man, and not to the beam.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:11

Verse 11. Let timber be pulled down] Whether this refers to the punishment of hanging and gibbeting of whipping at a post, or of empaling, is not quite clear. In China they tie culprits to posts; and the executioner cuts them open while alive, takes out their bowels, &c. Empaling thrusting a sharp stake through the body till it comes out at the side of the neck, or hanging, seems to be intended here. Let his house be made a dunghill] Let it be reduced to ruins, and never more used, except for the most sordid and unclean purposes.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:11

11. The penalty. Also I have made a decree] The same words as in Ezra 6:8, Ezra 4:19. whosoever shall alter] See especially Daniel 6:15. The word ‘alter’ here probably includes infringement of the decree as well as alteration of its terms. let timber be pulled down] R.V. let a beam be pulled out, more correctly. The beams of the man’s own house should be the instruments of execution. and being set up, let him be hanged thereon] R.V. let him be lifted up and fastened thereon. The subject of both words is the malefactor. The punishment here referred to is probably that of impalement, to which allusion is frequently made in Assyrian and Persian inscriptions. It may indeed be a form of crucifixion, such as is also implied in Genesis 40:19 and Esther 2:23. The passages in Numbers 25:4; Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Joshua 8:29, where this frightful form of punishment is spoken of, seem to show that among the Israelites the victims were often first executed, and that the corpses were then hung upon a tree till nightfall. The Hebrew and Aramaic word for ‘lift up’ which is used in a perfectly general sense for elevation of any sort, e.g. Psalms 145:14; Psalms 146:8, and Targum of Psa 93:3, Jeremiah 3:2, was applied technically to execution by impalement or crucifixion, as in the Targum of Est 7:10. This double meaning of the word may illustrate the Saviour’s word ‘I, if I be lifted up from the earth’ (John 12:32). and let his house be made a dunghill for this] See 2 Kings 10:27; Daniel 2:5; Daniel 3:29. A repulsive metaphor for shameful overthrow, cf. 1 Kings 14:10; Job 20:7; Zephaniah 1:17.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:11

Being set up, let him be hanged thereon - Rather, “let him be lifted up and crucified upon it.” Crucifixion was the most common form of capital punishment among the Persians.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:11

11. Let him be hanged thereon — Or, fastened thereon, that is, crucified, or impaled, a mode of execution common among many ancient nations.See note on Esther 2:23.

Sermons on Ezra 6:11

	Sermon	Description
	A Great Nothing by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes that worldly honor and glory are ultimately meaningless, describing them as mere illusions and shadows that lead one away from true fulfillment. He illustr

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