King James Version

What Does Ezra 3:5 Mean?

Ezra 3:5 in the King James Version says “And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that we...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezra 3:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia. carpenters: or, workmen

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The phrase 'afterward' marks progression from the Festival of Tabernacles (v. 4) to establishing regular worship patterns. The 'continual burnt offering' (olat hatamid) refers to the twice-daily sacrifice mandated in Exodus 29:38-42, representing Israel's perpetual consecration to Yahweh. This daily tamid formed the foundation of temple worship—the constant, unceasing offering that maintained covenant relationship between God and His people.

The expansion to 'new moons' (monthly celebrations) and 'all the set feasts of the LORD' demonstrates comprehensive restoration of the Mosaic calendar. The Hebrew mo'adim (set feasts) encompasses Passover, Weeks, Tabernacles, Day of Atonement—the full liturgical year prescribed in Leviticus 23. This wasn't selective observance but complete covenant renewal. The phrase 'that were consecrated' emphasizes these feasts' sacred character—they were holy unto the Lord, set apart from common time.

The final clause 'of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering' introduces voluntary worship beyond required sacrifices. The Hebrew nedavah (freewill offering) expressed spontaneous devotion and thanksgiving. This combination of prescribed ritual and voluntary offerings reflects biblical worship's dual character: obedience to divine commandment plus heartfelt response of love. The restored community didn't merely comply with law but worshiped with joyful generosity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The resumption of the tamid sacrifice held profound significance. During the seventy years of exile, this perpetual offering had ceased—the first prolonged interruption since its institution at Sinai. Its restoration symbolized renewed covenant relationship and divine presence among His people. Ancient Near Eastern temples commonly featured daily offerings, but Israel's tamid uniquely represented ongoing atonement and God's faithfulness despite human sin.

The timing is remarkable—sacrifices resumed before the temple was rebuilt (v. 6), showing worship's primacy over architecture. The altar stood on the original temple site among ruins, demonstrating that proper location and biblical pattern mattered more than impressive buildings. This prioritization of obedience over aesthetics characterized the early restoration period.

The mention of 'new moons' and feasts indicates the community possessed and followed a sacred calendar, likely preserved during exile. The calculation of these dates required astronomical knowledge and connection to pre-exilic tradition. This continuity demonstrates that exile hadn't destroyed Israel's religious identity but rather refined and strengthened commitment to Torah observance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the restoration of daily sacrifice before the temple was built challenge modern priorities in worship and church life?
  2. What does the combination of required offerings and voluntary freewill gifts teach about the relationship between obedience and heartfelt devotion?
  3. In what ways does the perpetual <em>tamid</em> sacrifice prefigure Christ's once-for-all sacrifice and perpetual intercession (Hebrews 7:25)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאַחֲרֵיכֵ֞ן1 of 12

“And afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

עֹלַ֤ת2 of 12

“burnt offering”

H5930

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

תָּמִיד֙3 of 12

“offered the continual”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וְלֶ֣חֳדָשִׁ֔ים4 of 12

“both of the new moons”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וּלְכָל5 of 12
H3605

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

מֽוֹעֲדֵ֥י6 of 12

“and of all the set feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

לַֽיהוָֽה׃7 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הַמְקֻדָּשִׁ֑ים8 of 12

“that were consecrated”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

וּלְכֹ֛ל9 of 12
H3605

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

מִתְנַדֵּ֥ב10 of 12

“and of every one that willingly offered”

H5068

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

נְדָבָ֖ה11 of 12

“a freewill offering”

H5071

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 29:39Numbers 28:14Exodus 29:38-42Numbers 29:8Leviticus 1:3Numbers 28:27

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