King James Version

What Does Ezra 1:4 Mean?

Ezra 1:4 in the King James Version says “And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, ... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezra 1:4 · KJV


Context

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

5

Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

6

And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered. strengthened: that is, helped them


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse establishes material support for returnees, creating partnership between those going and remaining. The verb 'help' (nasa) carries sense of lifting up or bearing a burden, indicating substantial support beyond token gesture.

The list—silver, gold, goods, beasts—mirrors Israel's exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:35-36). This typological connection suggests the return from exile recapitulates the original exodus, forming a second redemptive moment. God orchestrates circumstances so His people leave captivity enriched.

The distinction between mandated support and 'freewill offering' recognizes different participation levels. Those remaining had obligation to support returnees, while additional offerings expressed voluntary devotion. This prevented resentment while encouraging generosity beyond minimum requirements.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Persian imperial policy included financial support for religious institutions, viewing this as securing divine favor and political stability. Cyrus's decree aligned with broader Persian practice while specifically advancing Jewish interests. Archaeological evidence shows Persian rulers regularly provided resources for temple construction throughout the empire.

The mention of 'beasts' was crucial for the arduous journey across Mesopotamia. Without such support, many families would lack means to make the journey or establish themselves in Judah.

The 'freewill offering' had deep roots in Jewish practice. The original tabernacle had been built through freewill offerings (Exodus 35:29), ensuring that God's house expressed genuine devotion rather than coercion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the exodus typology deepen understanding of God's redemptive patterns?
  2. What principles for Christian giving emerge from the distinction between required and freewill offerings?
  3. How can believers support those called to costly obedience or missionary service today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְכָל1 of 21
H3605

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

הַנִּשְׁאָ֗ר2 of 21

And whosoever remaineth

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

מִֽכָּל3 of 21
H3605

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

מְקֹמ֔וֹ4 of 21

in any place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 21
H834

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

ה֣וּא6 of 21
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

גָֽר7 of 21

where he sojourneth

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

שָׁם֒8 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יְנַשְּׂא֙וּהוּ֙9 of 21

help

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אַנְשֵׁ֣י10 of 21
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מְקֹמ֔וֹ11 of 21

in any place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

בְּכֶ֥סֶף12 of 21

him with silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּבְזָהָ֖ב13 of 21

and with gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּבִרְכ֣וּשׁ14 of 21

and with goods

H7399

property (as gathered)

וּבִבְהֵמָ֑ה15 of 21

and with beasts

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

עִם16 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַ֨נְּדָבָ֔ה17 of 21

beside the freewill offering

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

לְבֵ֥ית18 of 21

for the house

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים19 of 21

of 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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר20 of 21
H834

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃21 of 21

that is in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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