King James Version

What Does Ezra 3:4 Mean?

Ezra 3:4 in the King James Version says “They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; as the duty: Heb. the matter of the day in his day”

Ezra 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. Jeshua: also called, Joshua Zerubbabel: Gr. Zorobabel Shealtiel: Gr. Salathiel

3

And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

4

They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; as the duty: Heb. the matter of the day in his day

5

And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.

6

From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. the foundation: Heb. the temple of the LORD was not yet founded

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Offering 'the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD' restored the complete Mosaic calendar. This demonstrates comprehensive covenant renewal, not selective observance. The phrase 'of every one that willingly offered' indicates voluntary additional sacrifices beyond required offerings. This distinction between mandatory and freewill offerings teaches both duty (what we owe God) and devotion (what we freely give from gratitude).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The new moons and set feasts constituted Israel's sacred calendar, structuring time around God's redemptive acts. These observances lapsed during exile when temple and priesthood weren't accessible. Their restoration normalized covenant life according to divine prescription. Archaeological evidence shows ancient calendars regulated agricultural, economic, and religious cycles, integrating all life under divine ordering.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does distinguishing between required and freewill offerings teach about duty and devotion in Christian life?
  2. How does structuring time around sacred calendar challenge modern secular time consciousness focused on efficiency and productivity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ1 of 13

“They kept”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

חַ֥ג3 of 13

“also the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הַסֻּכּ֖וֹת4 of 13

“of tabernacles”

H5521

a hut or lair

כַּכָּת֑וּב5 of 13

“as it is written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

וְעֹלַ֨ת6 of 13

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃7 of 13

“and offered the daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃8 of 13

“and offered the daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּמִסְפָּ֔ר9 of 13

“by number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

כְּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט10 of 13

“according to the custom”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

דְּבַר11 of 13

“as the duty”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃12 of 13

“and offered the daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“and offered the daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 8:14-17Exodus 23:16Numbers 29:12-38Zechariah 14:16-19John 7:37John 7:2

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