King James Version

What Does Ezra 1:2 Mean?

Ezra 1:2 in the King James Version says “Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.”

Ezra 1:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, made: Heb. caused a voice to pass

2

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

3

Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.

4

And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. help: Heb. lift him up

Read Ezra 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. This remarkable proclamation shows a pagan king acknowledging Yahweh as 'the LORD God of heaven,' using the covenant name. The phrase 'God of heaven' (Elohe hashamayim) was common in Persian contexts, emphasizing divine transcendence and universal sovereignty.

Cyrus attributes his imperial success directly to Yahweh's gift—'hath given me all the kingdoms.' This confession, whether genuine conversion or political pragmatism, demonstrates God's ability to incline rulers' hearts to acknowledge Him. The verb 'charged' (paqad) indicates divine commission, suggesting Cyrus understood himself as fulfilling sacred duty.

The specific mention of building 'an house at Jerusalem' shows detailed knowledge of Jewish religion and God's dwelling place. This wasn't generic tolerance but specific facilitation of Yahweh worship. Theologically, this demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by exile or pagan rule.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Cyrus Cylinder and other Persian documents confirm that Cyrus portrayed himself as chosen by various deities of conquered peoples. His inscriptions claim that Marduk (Babylonian god) chose him to rule. However, the specificity of the Jerusalem temple reference suggests genuine engagement with Jewish faith beyond mere political rhetoric.

Ancient Near Eastern kings typically destroyed temples of defeated peoples. Cyrus's policy of restoring cult centers represented revolutionary cultural policy. This created stability in his empire by winning loyalty through religious freedom rather than forced conformity.

The reference to Jerusalem 'which is in Judah' clarifies the specific location for Persian officials, as Jerusalem had been destroyed and lay in ruins for nearly fifty years.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians respond when secular authorities advance kingdom purposes?
  2. What does Cyrus's commission teach about the importance of corporate worship and sacred space?
  3. How can believers maintain distinctive witness while working within pluralistic contexts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כֹּ֣ה1 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֗ר2 of 22

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֚רֶשׁ3 of 22

“Cyrus”

H3566

koresh (or cyrus), the persian king

מֶ֣לֶךְ4 of 22

“king”

H4428

a king

פָּרַ֔ס5 of 22

“of Persia”

H6539

paras (i.e., persia), an eastern country, including its inhabitants

כֹּ֚ל6 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַמְלְכ֣וֹת7 of 22

“me all the kingdoms”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

הָאָ֔רֶץ8 of 22

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

נָ֣תַן9 of 22

“hath given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֔י10 of 22
H0
יְהוָ֖ה11 of 22

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י12 of 22

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם13 of 22

“of heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְהֽוּא14 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

פָקַ֤ד15 of 22

“and he hath charged”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עָלַי֙16 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לִבְנֽוֹת17 of 22

“me to build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

ל֣וֹ18 of 22
H0
בַ֔יִת19 of 22

“him an house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם20 of 22

“at Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֲשֶׁ֥ר21 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בִּֽיהוּדָֽה׃22 of 22

“which is in Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 45:12-13Isaiah 44:26-45:1Daniel 5:19-21Daniel 5:232 Chronicles 2:12Daniel 2:37-38

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
PersiaRegion · Modern: Tell Hagmatana · 34.81°N, 48.52°E27 verses across 5 books
View all places in Ezra 1 →

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