Ezra 6:4
Ezra 6:4 in Multiple Translations
with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid from the royal treasury.
With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:
with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
With three lines of great stones and one line of new wood supports; and let the necessary money be given out of the king's store-house;
with three layers of stone blocks and one of timber. Expenses are to be paid from the royal treasury.
Three orders of great stones, and one order of timber, and let the expenses be giuen of the Kings house.
three rows of rolled stones, and a row of new wood, and the outlay let be given out of the king's house.
with three courses of great stones and a course of new timber. Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:
Three rows of unpolished stones, and so rows of new timber: and the charges shall be given out of the king’s house.
The building must be made from large stones. After putting down three layers of stones, a layer of timber must be put on top of them. This work will be paid for by money from my treasury.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 6:4
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 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נִדְבָּכִ֞ין
דִּי
אֶ֤בֶן
גְּלָל֙
תְּלָתָ֔א
וְ/נִדְבָּ֖ךְ
דִּי
אָ֣ע
חֲדַ֑ת
וְ/נִ֨פְקְתָ֔/א
מִן
בֵּ֥ית
מַלְכָּ֖/א
תִּתְיְהִֽב
נִדְבָּכִ֞ין
nidbâk
H5073
layer
Adj
דִּי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
אֶ֤בֶן
ʼeben
H69
stone
Adj
גְּלָל֙
gᵉlâl
H1560
great
Adj
תְּלָתָ֔א
tᵉlâth
H8532
three
Adj
וְ/נִדְבָּ֖ךְ
nidbâk
H5073
layer
Adj | N-ms
דִּי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
אָ֣ע
ʼâʻ
H636
wood
Adj
חֲדַ֑ת
chădâth
H2323
new
Adj
וְ/נִ֨פְקְתָ֔/א
niphqâʼ
H5313
cost
Adj | N-fs | Art
מִן
min
H4481
from
Adj
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1005
house
Adj
מַלְכָּ֖/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
תִּתְיְהִֽב
yᵉhab
H3052
to give
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 6:4
נִדְבָּכִ֞ין
nidbâk
H5073
"layer"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a layer of building materials, like a row of stones. It is used to describe the construction of buildings, such as the Temple in 1 Kings 6:36. The word is also translated as 'row' in the KJV.
Definition: row, layer, course (of stones)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: row. See also: Ezra 6:4.
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.
אֶ֤בֶן
ʼeben
H69
"stone"
Adj
The Hebrew word for stone, used to describe a rock or material for building and idol-making, found throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) stone 1a) a (the) stone 1b) stone, material of idols and buildings
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: stone. See also: Ezra 5:8; Daniel 2:45; Daniel 6:18.
גְּלָל֙
gᵉlâl
H1560
"great"
Adj
This word describes something as great or large in size, like a rolled or heavy object. It is used in the Bible to describe the greatness of God and His works, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: rolling Aramaic of ga.lal (גָּלַל "to roll" H1556)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: great. See also: Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:4.
תְּלָתָ֔א
tᵉlâth
H8532
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'three' or 'third', used to count or describe order. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Leviticus, to describe quantities or sequences. It's a basic number in the Hebrew language.
Definition: 1) three 1a) three (cardinal number) 1b) third (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: third, three. See also: Ezra 6:4; Daniel 6:11; Daniel 7:24.
וְ/נִדְבָּ֖ךְ
nidbâk
H5073
"layer"
Adj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a layer of building materials, like a row of stones. It is used to describe the construction of buildings, such as the Temple in 1 Kings 6:36. The word is also translated as 'row' in the KJV.
Definition: row, layer, course (of stones)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: row. See also: Ezra 6:4.
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.
אָ֣ע
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.
חֲדַ֑ת
chădâth
H2323
"new"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something new, like a fresh start. It appears in the book of Daniel and Ezra. This concept of newness is significant in the Bible.
Definition: new Aramaic of cha.dash (חָדָשׁ "new" H2319H)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: new. See also: Ezra 6:4.
וְ/נִ֨פְקְתָ֔/א
niphqâʼ
H5313
"cost"
Adj | N-fs | Art
The Hebrew word for expense or outlay, used in the Bible to describe financial costs. It refers to the money spent on something, and is translated as 'expense' in the KJV. This word is found in biblical accounts of trade and commerce.
Definition: outlay, expense
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: expense. See also: Ezra 6:4; Ezra 6:8.
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.
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.
בֵּ֥ית
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.
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.
תִּתְיְהִֽב
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.
Study Notes — Ezra 6:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 6:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
- Sermons on Ezra 6:4
Context — The Decree of Darius
2And a scroll was found in the fortress of Ecbatana, in the province of Media, with the following written on it: Memorandum:
3In the first year of King Cyrus, he issued a decree concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: Let the house be rebuilt as a place for offering sacrifices, and let its foundations be firmly laid. It is to be sixty cubits high and sixty cubits wide,
4with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid from the royal treasury.
5Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem and deposited in the house of God. 6Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 6:36 | Solomon built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and one row of trimmed cedar beams. |
| 2 | Psalms 68:29 | Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring You gifts. |
| 3 | Isaiah 49:23 | Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.” |
| 4 | Ezra 7:20–23 | And if anything else is needed for the house of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may pay for it from the royal treasury. I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? |
| 5 | Isaiah 60:6–10 | Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters? Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. |
| 6 | Revelation 12:16 | But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that had poured from the dragon’s mouth. |
| 7 | Psalms 72:10 | May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. |
Ezra 6:4 Summary
[Ezra 6:4 describes the construction plan for the temple, with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers, which represents a strong and stable foundation. This reminds us of the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-25. The fact that the costs were to be paid from the royal treasury shows us that God provides for His people and takes care of their needs, as seen in Philippians 4:19. By trusting in God's faithfulness and provision, we can build our lives on a foundation that will last.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the three layers of cut stones and one of timbers in Ezra 6:4?
The three layers of cut stones and one of timbers in Ezra 6:4 signify a strong foundation, which is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Matthew 7:24-25, where Jesus teaches about building on a solid foundation.
Why were the costs of rebuilding the temple to be paid from the royal treasury?
The costs were to be paid from the royal treasury as a demonstration of the king's support for the rebuilding of the temple, as decreed by King Cyrus in Ezra 6:3, and later confirmed by King Darius in Ezra 6:6-12.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's people returning to Jerusalem after exile, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 30:3 and fulfilled in Ezra 1:1-4, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people.
What can we learn from the level of detail in this verse?
The level of detail in Ezra 6:4, including the specific materials and construction plan, highlights God's attention to detail and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 138:8, where David declares God's perfect workmanship.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of a strong foundation in this verse evoke in my own life, and how can I apply this principle to my spiritual journey?
- How can I, like King Cyrus, demonstrate my support for God's work in my community, and what resources can I offer to further His kingdom?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to rebuild or restore my relationship with God, and how can I take steps towards renewal, just as the Israelites did in rebuilding the temple?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's faithfulness and provision, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:4
With three rows of great stones,.... Which Jarchi interprets of the walls of it, and these stones of marble; and so Ben Melech: and a row of new timber; of cedar wood upon the rows of stone, see 1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:4
In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber; as Solomon’ s temple was built, ; whereof Darius was informed by some of the Jews, who also desired that it might be done in this manner.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
Ezra 6:4 [With] three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’ s house: Ver. 4. Out of the king’ s house] i.e. Out of the royal revenue in those parts, Ezra 7:20. Herodotus testifieth that Cyrus and Darius (who married his daughter Atossa, and made him his pattern for imitation) were highly honoured among the Persians for their kingly munificence; God hath threatened that the nation and kingdom that will not serve the Church shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted, Isaiah 60:12 Ezra 6:12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
Verse 4. Three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber] We have noticed this kind of building before, three courses of stones, and then a course of strong balk; and this continued to the square of the building. And let the expenses be given] Cyrus had ordered wood to be cut at Libanus, and conveyed to Joppa at his expense; but it does not appear that he furnished the other expenses of the building, for we have already seen that the Jews contributed for the defraying of all others. But it appears that he provided at his own expense the sacrifices and offerings for the temple. See Ezra 6:9.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:4
4. a row of new timber] R.V. marg. ‘According to the Sept. one row of timber.’ It has been much disputed what ‘the three rows of great stones and the row of timber’ can mean. (1) Some explain by three storeys of stones surmounted by one of wood, the elevation of the Temple. (2) Others by ‘three layers of stone followed by one of wood’, the material of the walls. (3) Others by ‘three courses of stone backed by a wainscote of wood’, the thickness of the walls. (4) But in all probability the verse should be explained by reference to 1 Kings 6:36, where ‘three rows of hewn stone and a row of cedar beams’ are the construction of the walls of the inner court. expences] R.V. expenses. out of the king’s house] i.e. from the royal revenue. To be defrayed probably from the purse of the ‘Abhar Nahara’ satrapy. This payment had obviously ceased, or its existence would have been known to Tattenai and the other officials. During the disturbances which took place at the close of Cyrus’s reign, the officers of the provincial treasury probably found it convenient to stop this annual contribution. The voluntary subscriptions mentioned in Ezra 2:68-69 would therefore have been rendered necessary. Some have suspected that this part of the decree was never really carried out.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:4
The word translated “row” occurs only in this passage. Some regard it as a “course,” and suppose that after every three courses of stone there followed a course of timber.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
4. With three rows of… stones — There is no with in the Chaldee, and the passage has the appearance of a fragmentary excerpt.
Sermons on Ezra 6:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Eternal Values - Seeking God's Kingdom First by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to trust the Lord and standing on our own feet. He uses the analogy of being carried on a stretcher versus learnin |
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(The Works of Faith) Wait for God to Act by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13. He highlights the strife between their servants and emphasizes the significance of the last sent |
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Winning God's Approval - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God is in control of every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, jobs, and homes. He argues that if God, who runs the univer |
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Acid Test Series 7 of 8 - Waiting on God by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of translating truth into living reality. He encourages listeners to make room in their lives for the Word of God and draw nea |
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(Gaining God's Approval) 7. the Testing of David by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his faithfulness in mundane tasks, concern for God's glory, and refusal to take revenge agai |
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Why the Jew? by Reggie Kelly | Reggie Kelly delves into the profound mystery of 'The Tents of Shem' prophecy, emphasizing the unique role of the priestly people in mediating God's revelation and blessing. He exp |
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Humbling Oneself by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of humility and being willing to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Spiritual e |