King James Version

What Does Ezra 4:6 Mean?

Ezra 4:6 in the King James Version says “And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants ...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. Ahasuerus: Heb. Ahashverosh”

Ezra 4:6 · KJV

Context

4

Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,

5

And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

6

And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. Ahasuerus: Heb. Ahashverosh

7

And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue. Bishlam: or, in peace companions: Heb. societies

8

Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: scribe: or, secretary

Read Ezra 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. This verse introduces a chronological shift, moving from Cyrus's time to the reign of Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I, 486-465 BC), who ruled between Darius and Artaxerxes. The Hebrew word sitnah (שִׂטְנָה) means 'accusation' or 'opposition,' sharing roots with 'Satan' (the Accuser), highlighting the spiritual dimension of opposition to God's work.

The enemies' strategy shifted from direct physical interference to legal accusations through official channels. This pattern repeats throughout redemptive history—when God's work advances, opposition adapts its tactics. The timing 'in the beginning of his reign' suggests strategic calculation; new rulers were especially susceptible to concerns about provincial loyalty and rebellion. False accusations targeting God's people became a weapon as dangerous as physical force.

Theologically, this verse teaches that advancing God's kingdom will inevitably face opposition, often through 'legal' or 'official' channels that appear legitimate but serve hostile purposes. The pattern anticipates Jesus facing false accusations before authorities and the early church battling slander and legal persecution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) is famous from secular history for his failed invasion of Greece (480 BC) and from Scripture as Esther's husband. The book of Esther recounts events during his reign, showing both God's providence and the precarious position of Jews in the Persian Empire. The timing of opposition against Judean returnees coincided with broader imperial concerns about western provinces after the Greek wars.

The enemies mentioned here—likely Samaritans and surrounding peoples—saw Jerusalem's reconstruction as threatening their own political and economic interests. By framing Jewish rebuilding as potential rebellion, they exploited Persian paranoia about provincial loyalty. Ancient Near Eastern empires were hypersensitive to anything suggesting independence or revolt, especially in strategically important regions like Palestine.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'official' or 'respectable' forms of opposition do Christians face today that mask spiritual warfare?
  2. How should believers respond when misrepresented or falsely accused by authorities or institutions?
  3. What does this pattern of opposition throughout redemptive history teach about spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
מַלְכוּת֑וֹ1 of 10

“And in the reign”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ2 of 10

“of Ahasuerus”

H325

achashverosh (i.e., ahasuerus or artaxerxes, but in this case xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a persian king

בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת3 of 10

“in the beginning”

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

מַלְכוּת֑וֹ4 of 10

“And in the reign”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

כָּֽתְב֣וּ5 of 10

“wrote”

H3789

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

שִׂטְנָ֔ה6 of 10

“they unto him an accusation”

H7855

opposition (by letter)

עַל7 of 10
H5921

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

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֥י8 of 10

“against the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְהוּדָ֖ה9 of 10

“of Judah”

H3063

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

וִירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃10 of 10

“and 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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 1:1Daniel 9:1Acts 24:13Matthew 27:37Acts 25:7Acts 24:5-9

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 4 →

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