Ezra 7:13

Ezra 7:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I hereby decree that any volunteers among the Israelites in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may go up with you to Jerusalem.

King James Version KJV

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.

American Standard Version ASV

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and their priests and the Levites, in my realm, that are minded of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And now it is my order that all those of the people of Israel, and their priests and Levites in my kingdom, who are ready and have a desire to go to Jerusalem, are to go with you.

Free Bible Version FBV

I hereby issue this decree: Any of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom who voluntarily decide to go to Jerusalem with you may do so.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I haue giuen commandement, that euery one, that is willing in my kingdome of the people of Israel, and of the Priestes, and Leuites to goe to Ierusalem with thee, shall goe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

By me hath been made a decree that every one who is willing, in my kingdom, of the people of Israel and of its priests and Levites, to go to Jerusalem with thee, doth go;

World English Bible WEB

I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, who are disposed of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

It is decreed by me, that all they of the people of Israel, and of the priests and of the Levites in my realm, that are minded to go into Jerusalem, should go with thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Ezra, I command that when you return to Jerusalem, any of the Israeli people in my kingdom who want to are allowed to go with you. That includes any priests and other descendants of Levi who will work in the temple who want to go.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 7:13

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 7:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB מִנִּ/י֮ שִׂ֣ים טְעֵם֒ דִּ֣י כָל מִתְנַדַּ֣ב בְּ/מַלְכוּתִ/י֩ מִן עַמָּ֨/ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל וְ/כָהֲנ֣וֹ/הִי וְ/לֵוָיֵ֗/א לִ/מְהָ֧ךְ לִֽ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֛ם עִמָּ֖/ךְ יְהָֽךְ

מִנִּ/י֮ min H4481 from Adj | Suff

שִׂ֣ים sûwm H7761 to set Adj

טְעֵם֒ ṭᵉʻêm H2942 command Adj

דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj

כָל kôl H3606 all Adj

מִתְנַדַּ֣ב nᵉdab H5069 be willing Adj

בְּ/מַלְכוּתִ/י֩ malkûw H4437 kingdom Adj | N-fs | Suff

מִן min H4481 from Adj

עַמָּ֨/ה ʻam H5972 people Adj | Art

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל Yisrâʼêl H3479 Israel Adj

וְ/כָהֲנ֣וֹ/הִי kâhên H3549 priest Adj | N-mp | Suff

וְ/לֵוָיֵ֗/א Lêvîy H3879 Levite Adj | Ngmpd | Art

לִ/מְהָ֧ךְ hûwk H1946 to go Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a

לִֽ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֛ם Yᵉrûwshâlêm H3390 Jerusalem Adj | N-proper

עִמָּ֖/ךְ ʻim H5974 with Adj | Suff

יְהָֽךְ hûwk H1946 to go Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 7:13

מִנִּ/י֮ min H4481 "from" Adj | 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.

מִתְנַדַּ֣ב nᵉdab H5069 "be willing" Adj

This Hebrew word means to give freely or willingly, like a voluntary offering. It's used to describe someone who offers something without being forced. In the Bible, it appears in contexts like freewill offerings.

Definition: 1) to volunteer, offer freely 1a) (Ithpael) 1a1) to volunteer 1a2) to give freely, offer freely

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (be minded of...own) freewill (offering), offer freely (willingly). See also: Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:15; Ezra 7:16.

בְּ/מַלְכוּתִ/י֩ malkûw H4437 "kingdom" Adj | N-fs | Suff

A kingdom refers to the territory or area ruled by a king, like King David's kingdom in Israel. It can also mean the reign or period of time a king is in power. The word is used in the Bible to describe royal authority and dominion.

Definition: 1) royalty, reign, kingdom 1a) royalty, kingship, kingly authority 1b) kingdom 1c) realm (of territory) 1d) reign (of time)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, kingly, realm, reign. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 7:27.

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.

עַמָּ֨/ה ʻam H5972 "people" Adj | Art

This Hebrew word is similar to H5971 and also means a people or nation, like the people of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It's used to describe a group of people, and is often translated as people or nation in English Bibles. The word is used to convey a sense of community or collective identity.

Definition: people Aramaic of am (עַם ": people" H5971A)

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: people. See also: Ezra 5:12; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 7:27.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל Yisrâʼêl H3479 "Israel" Adj

Israel represents Jacob and his descendants, a nation chosen by God. The name appears throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, symbolizing God's people and their covenant with Him. Israel's history is a central theme in the Bible.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Aramaic of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Ezra 5:1; Ezra 6:16; Ezra 7:15.

וְ/כָהֲנ֣וֹ/הִי kâhên H3549 "priest" Adj | N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a priest in the Aramaic language, similar to the Hebrew word for priest, and is used in the book of Daniel. It describes a person who serves God and leads others in worship. This term is used to describe the priests in the Bible who served God.

Definition: priest Aramaic of ko.hen (כֹּהֵן "priest" H3548)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: priest. See also: Ezra 6:9; Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:24.

וְ/לֵוָיֵ֗/א Lêvîy H3879 "Levite" Adj | Ngmpd | Art

A Levite was a member of the tribe of Levi, descended from Levi, a son of Jacob. Levites were known for their role in priestly duties and were mentioned in Genesis 29:34. The term Levite refers to someone attached or joined to God's service.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Aramaic of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Levite. See also: Ezra 6:16; Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:24.

לִ/מְהָ֧ךְ hûwk H1946 "to go" Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a

To go or come, and sometimes to bring something or someone, as seen in the story of Abraham in Genesis 12:4. This word is also used in the book of Exodus to describe the Israelites' journey. It implies movement from one place to another.

Definition: (P'al) to go, come, walk, be brought Aramaic of ha.lakh (הָלַךְ ": walk" H1980)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bring again, come, go (up). See also: Ezra 5:5; Ezra 6:5; Ezra 7:13.

לִֽ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֛ם 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.

עִמָּ֖/ךְ ʻim H5974 "with" Adj | Suff

Means 'with' in the Bible, showing something is done together or at the same time, like in Genesis 1:26 where God says 'Let us make man in our image'.

Definition: 1) with 1a) together with, with 1b) with, during

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: by, from, like, to(-ward), with. See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:12; Daniel 7:21.

יְהָֽךְ hûwk H1946 "to go" Adj

Definition: (P'al) to go, come, walk, be brought Aramaic of ha.lakh (הָלַךְ ": walk" H1980)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bring again, come, go (up). See also: Ezra 5:5; Ezra 6:5; Ezra 7:13.

Study Notes — Ezra 7:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezra 7:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:13
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 7:13
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:13
Sermons on Ezra 7:13

Context — Artaxerxes’ Letter for Ezra

11This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel: 12Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings.

13I hereby decree that any volunteers among the Israelites in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may go up with you to Jerusalem.

14You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. 15Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezra 6:1	Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon.
2	Psalms 148:6	He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.
3	2 Chronicles 30:5	So they established a decree to circulate a proclamation throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, that the people should come to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel, in Jerusalem. For they had not observed it as a nation as prescribed.
4	Ezra 5:13	In his first year, however, Cyrus king of Babylon issued a decree to rebuild this house of God.
5	Psalms 110:3	Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth.
6	Esther 9:14	So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman.
7	Revelation 22:17	The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.
8	Philippians 2:13	For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
9	Ezra 1:3	Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.
10	Esther 3:15	The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.

Ezra 7:13 Summary

In Ezra 7:13, King Artaxerxes issues a decree allowing any Israelites, priests, and Levites who want to, to travel with Ezra to Jerusalem. This was a big deal because it meant that the Israelites could return to their homeland and help restore the temple, which was an important part of their worship and relationship with God (as seen in 1 Kings 8:27-30). The king's decree was a demonstration of his favor towards the Israelites and their God, and it paved the way for the revival of their spiritual life (as promised in Deuteronomy 30:3). Just like the Israelites, we can seek God's help and guidance as we strive to restore and revive our own spiritual lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted King Artaxerxes to issue this decree?

The king's decree was likely a response to Ezra's request, as seen in Ezra 7:6, where it is written that the king granted Ezra everything he asked for, demonstrating the king's favorable disposition towards the Israelites and their God, as also noted in Ezra 7:27.

Who were the volunteers that the king was referring to in this verse?

The volunteers included any Israelites, priests, and Levites who were living in the king's kingdom and were willing to travel with Ezra to Jerusalem, as part of the effort to restore the temple and the worship of the God of Israel, as mentioned in Ezra 7:10.

What was the significance of the king's decree for the Israelites?

The king's decree allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and participate in the restoration of the temple, which was a crucial step in the revival of the Israelites' spiritual life, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 30:3 and Ezekiel 37:21-22.

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

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the book of Ezra, which tells the story of the Israelites' return from exile and the restoration of the temple, as promised by God in Jeremiah 29:10-14 and fulfilled in Ezra 7:27.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can volunteer my time and talents to serve God and His people, just like the Israelites in this verse?
How can I, like King Artaxerxes, demonstrate a favorable disposition towards God's people and support their spiritual endeavors?
What are some areas in my life where I need to be restored or revived, and how can I seek God's help and guidance in those areas, just like the Israelites did in Ezra 7:10?
In what ways can I, like Ezra, be an instrument of God's revival and restoration in my community and among His people?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:13

I make a decree,.... Which, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, when signed, might not be changed, Daniel 6:8, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:13

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:13

Ezra 7:13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and [of] his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.Ver. 13. And of his priests] sc. The God of heaven’ s priests, Ezra 7:12, and therefore honoured and respected by this great monarch; so was Samuel by Saul, Jaddus by Alexander the Great; the Bards (anciently) here in Albion by the greatest commanders. Which are minded of their own freewill] He would compel none; neither doth Almighty God. His people are all volunteers, Psalms 110:3 Isaiah 56:6; he finds them not so, but makes them so; and accounts that Virtus nolentium nulla est. Lex voluntaries quaerit The courage of the unwilling is nothing. The law seeks volunteers. (Ambrose in Psalms 1:1-6). God accepts a freewill offering, and commands us to come off roundly and readily in his service.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:13

(11-26) Credentials and commission of Ezra. After the general statement the particulars are given, beginning with the letter of authorisation, in which we discern throughout the hand of Ezra.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 7:13

Verse 13. Their own free-will] None shall be forced either to go or to stay. He who loves his God will avail himself of this favourable opportunity.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:13

13. Permission to Jews to return with Ezra to Jerusalem. I make a decree] The same phrase as in Ezra 4:19, Ezra 6:8; Ezra 6:11. all they of the people of Israel] Cf. Cyrus’s decree Ezra 1:3 ‘Whosoever there is among all his people’. Here, by the side of ‘the priests and Levites’, the expression, as in Ezra 7:27, should be compared with Ezra 2:2. of his priests] R.V. their priests, i.e. the priests of the people.

Sermons on Ezra 7:13

	Sermon	Description
	Friday #1 Dr. Orr's Personal Testimony by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of his conversion and his journey into preaching. He recounts how he and a friend decided to go out and preach, despite havi
	Willing in the Day of Power by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being willing in the day of God's power, calling for a readiness to step out in faith and experience freedom, healing, and vision from God.
	In the Day of God's Power by Carter Conlon	This sermon from Psalms 110 titled 'In the Day of God's Power' emphasizes the willingness to embrace God's calling and power, recognizing divine intervention in times of weakness a
	The Great Need of the Hour - Rolfe Barnard by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons	In this sermon, Rolf Bernard emphasizes the need for God's intervention in the current state of the world. He references the 16th chapter of Acts, where he finds inspiration in the
	True Faith-Moral Inability by John Newton	John Newton preaches about the importance of faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit in the process of salvation, emphasizing the need for a deep spiritual conviction of sin and a total
	The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, emphasizing the inability of mankind to be justified by the deeds of the law. He highlights the universal
	Irresistible Grace by Ronald Hanko	Ronald Hanko delves into the theological debate on whether salvation depends on God's grace or the sinner's free will, emphasizing the doctrine of irresistible grace. Irresistible