King James Version

What Does Ezra 1:6 Mean?

Ezra 1:6 in the King James Version says “And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beast...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezra 1:6 · KJV

Context

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;

8

Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse describes implementation of Cyrus's provision. The phrase 'strengthened their hands' (chizqu bideihem) is an idiom meaning to provide support and encouragement, both material and moral.

The comprehensive list—vessels, silver, gold, goods, beasts, precious things—indicates substantial wealth transferred. This wasn't token assistance but significant material foundation. The repetition emphasizes abundance and thoroughness. God ensured His people left exile enriched, echoing the exodus pattern.

The phrase 'beside all that was willingly offered' distinguishes between obligatory support and voluntary additional giving. This suggests enthusiastic response exceeding requirements, demonstrating genuine excitement about temple restoration. Voluntary offerings indicate that many who couldn't return still wanted to invest through giving.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The transfer of wealth from Babylonian Jews to Palestinian returnees created economic foundation. Without such resources, returnees would have arrived destitute in devastated land with no means to rebuild. This provision demonstrated both divine blessing and human generosity working together.

Archaeological evidence suggests many Babylonian Jews achieved significant economic success during exile. Business documents from Murashu archives show Jews engaged in banking, trade, and agriculture. Some had become wealthy and influential. Their willingness to support the return financially showed maintained commitment to covenant identity.

The pattern of wealthy diaspora communities supporting the homeland established precedent continuing through Jewish history. This model influenced later Christian practice of churches supporting missionary ventures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the partnership between those who went and gave challenge individualistic approaches to calling?
  2. What principles for stewardship emerge from the combination of required support and voluntary giving?
  3. How can believers 'strengthen the hands' of those in difficult ministry today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְכָל1 of 14
H3605

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

סְבִיבֹֽתֵיהֶם֙2 of 14

“And all they that were about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

חִזְּק֣וּ3 of 14

“them strengthened”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בִֽידֵיהֶ֔ם4 of 14

“their hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בִּכְלֵי5 of 14

“with vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

כֶ֧סֶף6 of 14

“of silver”

H3701

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

בַּזָּהָ֛ב7 of 14

“with gold”

H2091

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

בָּֽרְכ֥וּשׁ8 of 14

“with goods”

H7399

property (as gathered)

וּבַבְּהֵמָ֖ה9 of 14

“and with beasts”

H929

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

וּבַמִּגְדָּנ֑וֹת10 of 14

“and with precious things”

H4030

preciousness, i.e., a gem

לְבַ֖ד11 of 14
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

עַל12 of 14
H5921

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

כָּל13 of 14
H3605

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

הִתְנַדֵּֽב׃14 of 14

“beside all that was willingly offered”

H5068

to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 1:42 Corinthians 9:7Ezra 8:33Ezra 8:25-28Psalms 110:3Ezra 7:15-16

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