King James Version

What Does Ezra 4:1 Mean?

Ezra 4:1 in the King James Version says “Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; the children: Heb. the sons of the transportation”

Ezra 4:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; the children: Heb. the sons of the transportation

2

Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.

3

But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.

Read Ezra 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The opposition begins: 'Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel.' The identification 'adversaries' (Hebrew tsar, enemies/opponents) reveals hostile intent from the beginning. The phrase 'children of the captivity' became technical term for returned exiles. That enemies 'heard' about temple building shows God's work attracts attention—both positive and negative. Spiritual advance inevitably provokes opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'adversaries' primarily were Samaritans—descendants of northern kingdom Israelites who remained after Assyrian conquest (722 BC) mixed with foreign settlers (2 Kings 17:24-41). They practiced syncretistic religion combining Yahweh worship with pagan elements. They viewed Jewish return and temple rebuilding as threatening their religious and political status. Archaeological evidence shows Samaritan communities were established and influential in the region. Their opposition would persist throughout Persian period and into New Testament era.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does automatic opposition to temple rebuilding teach about the inevitability of spiritual conflict when God's work advances?
  2. How does identifying them as 'adversaries' demonstrate discernment that not all religious people support God's true purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ1 of 12

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

צָרֵ֥י2 of 12

“Now when the adversaries”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

יְהוּדָ֖ה3 of 12

“of Judah”

H3063

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

וּבִנְיָמִ֑ן4 of 12

“and Benjamin”

H1144

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

כִּֽי5 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְנֵ֤י6 of 12

“that the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַגּוֹלָה֙7 of 12

“of the captivity”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

בּוֹנִ֣ים8 of 12

“builded”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

הֵיכָ֔ל9 of 12

“the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

לַֽיהוָ֖ה10 of 12

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֥י11 of 12

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃12 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 4:1 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 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 22:9-10Ezra 1:11Nehemiah 4:1-11Ezra 10:7Ezra 4:7-10Ezra 6:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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