King James Version

What Does Ezra 1:5 Mean?

Ezra 1:5 in the King James Version says “Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spiri...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezra 1:5 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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

7

Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse identifies the respondents. The phrase 'rose up' (qum) indicates decisive action. Leadership came from Judah and Benjamin—tribes comprising the southern kingdom.

The inclusion of 'priests and Levites' emphasizes the religious nature of the return. These groups had special responsibility for temple service, making their participation essential. Without priestly leadership, temple rebuilding would lack both expertise and spiritual authority.

The crucial phrase 'whose spirit God had raised' uses the same verb applied to Cyrus in verse 1. God's sovereign work operates at two levels—moving pagan rulers and moving His people's hearts. Not everyone returned, showing that despite favorable conditions, spiritual response requires God's work in individual hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The two-generation exile meant many returnees had been born in Babylon and never seen Jerusalem. The 'fathers' (clan leaders) provided connection to pre-exilic tribal structure, maintaining genealogical records that preserved identity. These records became crucial for establishing land rights and priestly credentials.

The prominence of priests and Levites reflected exile community structure. Without temple or sacrificial system, these groups maintained religious identity through Torah study, prayer, and community gathering—patterns that influenced Judaism permanently.

The selective nature of the return created tension that persisted for generations. Those who remained often prospered, establishing significant Jewish communities that produced later leaders like Nehemiah and Esther.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers discern between mere opportunity and genuine divine calling?
  2. What does the selective nature of the return teach about varied levels of commitment among God's people?
  3. How should churches balance maintenance of tradition with dynamic spiritual renewal?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיָּק֜וּמוּ1 of 19

“Then rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

רָאשֵׁ֣י2 of 19

“the chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאָב֗וֹת3 of 19

“of the fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לִֽיהוּדָה֙4 of 19

“of Judah”

H3063

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

וּבִנְיָמִ֔ן5 of 19

“and Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים6 of 19

“and the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַלְוִיִּ֑ם7 of 19

“and the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

לְכֹ֨ל8 of 19
H3605

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

הֵעִ֤יר9 of 19

“had raised”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙10 of 19

“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

אֶת11 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רוּח֔וֹ12 of 19

“with all them whose spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

לַֽעֲל֣וֹת13 of 19

“to go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לִבְנ֔וֹת14 of 19

“to build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת15 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֵּ֥ית16 of 19

“the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֖ה17 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 19
H834

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃19 of 19

“which 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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 1:12 Chronicles 36:22Philippians 2:13Nehemiah 2:122 Corinthians 8:16James 1:16-17

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 1 →

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