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Ezra 7:14

Ezra 7:14 in Multiple Translations

You 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.

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king and his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thy hand,

Because you are sent by the king and his seven wise men, to get knowledge about Judah and Jerusalem, as you are ordered by the law of your God which is in your hand;

You are being sent by the king and his seven counselors to investigate the situation in Judah and Jerusalem as it relates to the Law of your God, which you carry with you.

Therefore art thou sent of the King and his seuen counsellers, to enquire in Iudah and Ierusalem, according to the lawe of thy God, which is in thine hand,

because that from the king and his seven counsellors thou art sent, to inquire concerning Judah and concerning Jerusalem, with the law of God that [is] in thy hand,

Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand,

Forasmuch as thou art sent by the king, and by his seven counselors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thy hand;

For thou art sent from before the king, and his seven counsellors, to visit Judea and Jerusalem according to the law of thy God, which is in thy hand.

I, along with my seven counselors/advisors, am sending you to Jerusalem, in order that you can determine what is happening there and in other towns in Judah. You are taking with you [MTY] a copy of God’s laws; make sure that the people are doing everything that is written in those laws.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 7:14

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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 7:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כָּ/ל קֳבֵ֗ל דִּי֩ מִן קֳדָ֨ם מַלְכָּ֜/א וְ/שִׁבְעַ֤ת יָעֲטֹ֨/הִי֙ שְׁלִ֔יחַ לְ/בַקָּרָ֥א עַל יְה֖וּד וְ/לִֽ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם בְּ/דָ֥ת אֱלָהָ֖/ךְ דִּ֥י בִ/ידָֽ/ךְ
כָּ/ל kôl H3606 all Adj | Conj
קֳבֵ֗ל qᵉbêl H6903 before Adj
דִּי֩ dîy H1768 that Adj
מִן min H4481 from Adj
קֳדָ֨ם qŏdâm H6925 before Adj
מַלְכָּ֜/א melek H4430 king Adj | Art
וְ/שִׁבְעַ֤ת shibʻâh H7655 seven Adj | Adj
יָעֲטֹ֨/הִי֙ yᵉʻaṭ H3272 to counsel Adj | Suff
שְׁלִ֔יחַ shᵉlach H7972 to send Adj
לְ/בַקָּרָ֥א bᵉqar H1240 to enquire Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
עַל ʻal H5922 since Adj
יְה֖וּד Yᵉhûwd H3061 Judah Adj
וְ/לִֽ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlêm H3390 Jerusalem Adj | Prep | N-proper
בְּ/דָ֥ת dâth H1882 law Adj | N-fs
אֱלָהָ֖/ךְ ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj | Suff
דִּ֥י dîy H1768 that Adj
בִ/ידָֽ/ךְ yad H3028 hand Adj | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 7:14

כָּ/ל kôl H3606 "all" Adj | Conj
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.
קֳבֵ֗ל qᵉbêl H6903 "before" Adj
This Hebrew word is used to describe something that is in front of or before something else. It can also mean because of or on account of something. The word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: subst 1) front prep 2) in front of, before, because of, in view of, by reason of, because of this, therefore conj 3) because that, inasmuch as, although, according as, before adv 4) accordingly, then
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] according to, [phrase] as, [phrase] because, before, [phrase] for this cause, [phrase] forasmuch as, [phrase] by this means, over against, by reason of, [phrase] that, [phrase] therefore, [phrase] though, [phrase] wherefore. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 6:23.
דִּי֩ 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.
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.
קֳדָ֨ם qŏdâm H6925 "before" Adj
Before something or someone, like in the book of Isaiah where it talks about things that happened before. It can also mean in front of or from the presence of, as seen in the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus.
Definition: 1) before, in front of 1a) before 1b) from before
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: before, [idiom] from, [idiom] I (thought), [idiom] me, [phrase] of, [idiom] it pleased, presence. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:13; Daniel 7:20.
מַלְכָּ֜/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.
וְ/שִׁבְעַ֤ת shibʻâh H7655 "seven" Adj | Adj
This word means the number seven, often considered sacred. It can also imply a week or an indefinite number, and is used to describe something happening seven times.
Definition: seven Aramaic of she.va (שֶׁ֫בַע "seven" H7651)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: seven (times). See also: Ezra 7:14; Daniel 4:20; Daniel 4:29.
יָעֲטֹ֨/הִי֙ yᵉʻaṭ H3272 "to counsel" Adj | Suff
This word means to counsel or consult, and a counsellor is someone who gives advice or guidance. It is related to the verb to advise, and is often translated as counsellor in the KJV Bible.
Definition: (Ithpael) to advise, counsel, take counsel Aramaic of ya.ats (יָעַץ "to advise" H3289)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: counsellor, consult together. See also: Ezra 7:14; Ezra 7:15; Daniel 6:8.
שְׁלִ֔יחַ shᵉlach H7972 "to send" Adj
This Hebrew word means to send something or someone away, like in Genesis when God sent Abraham to a new land. It can also mean to put or dispatch something. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God sending prophets or angels.
Definition: 1) to send 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to send, send out 1a2) to be sent
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: put, send. See also: Ezra 4:11; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:23.
לְ/בַקָּרָ֥א bᵉqar H1240 "to enquire" Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
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.
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.
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.
יְה֖וּד Yᵉhûwd H3061 "Judah" Adj
Judah refers to the son of Israel and Leah, and the tribe that descended from him. He is mentioned in Genesis 29:35 and is the brother of Reuben and Simeon. The term also refers to the region of Judaea.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.35; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); married to Bath-shua (H1323I) and Tamar (H8559); father of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209), Shelah (H7956), Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I) Aramaic of ye.hu.dah (יְהוּדָה "Judah" H3063) Judah-the territory of the tribe of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Jewry, Judah, Judea. See also: Ezra 5:1; Daniel 2:25; Daniel 6:14.
וְ/לִֽ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlêm H3390 "Jerusalem" Adj | Prep | 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.
בְּ/דָ֥ת dâth H1882 "law" Adj | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a law or decree, like God's commandments or a king's edict, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. It emphasizes the importance of following rules and regulations, whether from God or a human authority.
Definition: 1) decree, law 1a) a decree (of the king) 1b) law 1c) law (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: decree, law. See also: Ezra 7:12; Daniel 2:13; Daniel 7:25.
אֱלָהָ֖/ךְ ʼĕlâhh H426 "god" Adj | Suff
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
דִּ֥י 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.
בִ/ידָֽ/ךְ yad H3028 "hand" Adj | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word for 'hand' represents power, ability, or direction. It is often used figuratively to describe God's strength or human capability. The Bible uses 'yad' to convey a sense of power or control.
Definition: 1) hand 2) power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: hand, power. See also: Ezra 5:8; Daniel 3:15; Daniel 7:25.

Study Notes — Ezra 7:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Esther 1:14 His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom.
2 Ezra 7:25–26 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. 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 Ezra 7:28 and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officials. And because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me.
4 Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
5 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.
6 Daniel 6:20 When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
7 Daniel 6:26 I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end.
8 Ezra 5:8 Let 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.
9 Ezra 7:15 Moreover, 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,
10 Deuteronomy 17:18–19 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes.

Ezra 7:14 Summary

[Ezra 7:14 tells us that Ezra was sent to Judah and Jerusalem to evaluate how the people were living according to God's Law. This means he was to check if they were following God's commands and principles, as written in the Law. Just like Ezra, we can apply God's Law to our own lives by reading and obeying the Bible, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40. By doing so, we can live a life that pleases God and brings joy to our hearts, as seen in Psalm 119:1-2.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Ezra sent to Judah and Jerusalem?

Ezra was sent by the king and his seven counselors to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of God, which was in his hand, as stated in Ezra 7:14. This was part of God's plan to restore His people, as seen in Isaiah 44:28.

What does it mean to evaluate according to the Law of God?

Evaluating according to the Law of God means to assess and correct the spiritual condition of Judah and Jerusalem based on God's commands and principles, as written in the Law, which is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:5-6.

Who were the seven counselors that sent Ezra?

The seven counselors are not named in Ezra 7:14, but they were part of the king's advisory team, and their role was to help the king make wise decisions, similar to the role of counselors in Proverbs 24:6.

What is the significance of the Law being in Ezra's hand?

The Law being in Ezra's hand signifies that he had the authority and responsibility to interpret and apply God's Law, as seen in Nehemiah 8:1-8, where Ezra reads the Law to the people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for me to have God's Law in my 'hand', and how can I apply it to my life?
  2. How can I, like Ezra, be a vessel for God to evaluate and restore the spiritual condition of those around me?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to be evaluated according to God's Law, and how can I submit to His correction?
  4. How can I, like the king and his counselors, support and enable others to fulfill their calling and serve God?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:14

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors,.... Such a number the kings of Persia used to have from the times of Darius Hystaspis, who was chosen out of seven nobles to be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:14

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand; Sent of the king, and of his seven counselors.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 7:14

His seven counsellors; his chief nobles and officers of state, of whom see also ,14. To inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, i.e. to make inquiry into all abuses and deviations from your law, and to redress them. Which is in thine hand; which is now and always in thy hand, being the matter of thy daily study and exercise; which thou now carriest along with thee, the interpretation whereof belongeth unto thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:14

Ezra 7:14 Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which [is] in thine hand;Ver. 14. And of his seven counsellors] Without whom the king did nothing of moment. This king was better affected to his council than his father Xerxes had been, of whom it is storied, that in his expedition against Greece he called his princes together, as if he would have been advised by them, but spoke to them to this purpose: Lest, saith he, I should seem to follow mine own counsel, I have assembled you. And now do you remember, that it becomes you rather to obey than advise. To inquire concerniny Judah] So St Paul sent to inquire what was yet lacking in the faith of the Churches. According to the law of thy God] Which is not only recta, but regula, the rule and rudder. Those that walked by this rule Ezra was to cherish, and to punish such as did otherwise, being custos utriusque tabulae Which is in thine hand] Which thou art singularly skilled in, and much exercised about it; that thou mayest both observe it thyself, and also preserve it from other men’ s violations.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:14

(14) Seven counsellors.—These are mentioned in Esther 1:14, and were probably the heads of those families who aided Darius Hystaspis against the pseudo-Smerdis, as mentioned by Herodotus. According to the law of thy God.—Ezra’s commission was first to enquire into the condition of the city and province, with regard to the relation of both to the Divine law.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 7:14

Verse 14. His seven counsellors] It is very likely that the privy counsel of the king consisted of seven persons simply. The names of these seven counsellors or chamberlains may be found in the book of Esther, Es 1:10.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:14

14. Object of the commission: (a) to investigate. of the king, and of his seven counsellers] R.V. marg. Aram. ‘from before the king’. ‘The counsellers’ are mentioned again Ezra 7:15; Ezra 7:28. ‘The seven’ here spoken of should be compared with ‘the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom’ (Esther 1:14). to enquire] R.V. to inquire. Same word in the original as ‘to make search’ in Ezra 4:15. The object of the enquiry is not defined except by the clause ‘according to the law of thy God’; from which we must conclude that the moral and religious condition of the Jews at Jerusalem having occasioned anxiety to the Jews at Babylon, Ezra, who in some way enjoyed the favour of the court, obtained permission to enquire generally into the position. Judah and Jerusalem] Cf. Ezra 5:1. according to the law] Literally ‘with, or, through the law’. which is in thine hand] Not a book in Ezra’s private possession, but the law of the Israelite people, in which Ezra was reputed to be the best instructed of his day.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 7:14

Seven counselors - Herodotus relates that there were seven families pre-eminent in Persia, those of the seven conspirators against the Pseudo-Smerdis (Ezra 4:7 note); and it is reasonable to suppose

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 7:14

14. His seven counsellors — Seven seems to have been a favourite and sacred number among the Persians as among the Jews.

Sermons on Ezra 7:14

SermonDescription
Dick Hussey The Ministry of Restoration - Part 2 by Dick Hussey In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing a personal story from his time in the Argentine army. He reflects on the hollowness of empty words and expresses a desire for the Wor
Horatius Bonar Rev. 22:4. the Vision of God by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 22:4, emphasizing the profound joy and honor of seeing God's face in the new Jerusalem, a place devoid of sin, sorrow, and death. He describes
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the
David Wilkerson Living a Life Examined by God's Word by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word through the example of Ezra, who was deeply committed to seeking and obeying the Scriptures. Ezra's dedication led
F.B. Meyer I Was Strengthened, as the Hand Of by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound strength that comes from recognizing the hand of God upon us, as exemplified by Ezra's daunting task of leading an expedition. He illustrates tha
A.W. Tozer The Word by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance and power of the Holy Scriptures. He compares trying to celebrate the Scriptures in a short amount of time to summarizing a to
C.H. Spurgeon Election by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning Scripture into practical discourse under the influence of God's Spirit. He encourages the audience to set aside th

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