King James Version

What Does Ezra 5:17 Mean?

Ezra 5:17 in the King James Version says “Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Bab... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

Ezra 5:17 · KJV


Context

15

And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.

16

Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

17

Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chapter concludes with a respectful request: "if it seem good to the king, let there be search made." The Aramaic formula acknowledges royal prerogative while suggesting appropriate action. Tatnai did not prejudge the case but requested archival investigation—a procedurally correct approach that served divine purposes. The "treasure house" (beth ginzaya) in Babylon housed imperial records and valuables, including conquered temple treasures and administrative documents.

The request to "send his pleasure to us concerning this matter" deferred to Darius's judgment. This neutral tone—neither condemning nor endorsing the Jews—allowed the evidence to determine the outcome. God sovereignly orchestrated events so that opponents' investigation would discover Cyrus's decree, not in Babylon but in Ecbatana (Ezra 6:2), demonstrating that His purposes cannot be thwarted even when hidden in distant archives.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Persian royal archives were maintained in multiple locations—Babylon, Susa, Persepolis, and Ecbatana (the Median capital where Cyrus spent summers). The Persepolis Fortification Tablets and Treasury Tablets confirm the empire's meticulous record-keeping. Ironically, Tatnai's request for investigation led to discovery of Cyrus's original decree, which not only authorized construction but mandated Persian financial support (Ezra 6:3-5)—far more than the Jews had requested.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Tatnai's neutral request for investigation—rather than immediate judgment—demonstrate God's providential protection of His people?
  2. What does this chapter teach about trusting God when our work is scrutinized or our legitimacy is questioned by authorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 32 words
וּכְעַ֞ן1 of 32

Now

H3705

now

הֵ֣ן2 of 32

therefore if

H2006

lo! also there(-fore), (un-)less, whether, but, if

עֲלֶֽינָא׃3 of 32

to

H5922

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

מַלְכָּ֛א4 of 32

and let the king

H4430

a king

טָ֗ב5 of 32

it seem good

H2869

good

יִ֠תְבַּקַּר6 of 32

let there be search

H1240

properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider

בֵּית7 of 32

house

H1005

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

גִּנְזַיָּ֜א8 of 32

treasure

H1596

treasure

דִּֽי9 of 32
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

מַלְכָּ֛א10 of 32

and let the king

H4430

a king

תַמָּה֮11 of 32

which is there

H8536

there

דִּ֣י12 of 32
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

בְּבָבֶל֒13 of 32

at Babylon

H895

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

הֵ֣ן14 of 32

therefore if

H2006

lo! also there(-fore), (un-)less, whether, but, if

אִיתַ֗י15 of 32

it be

H383

properly, entity; used only as a particle of affirmation, there is

דִּֽי16 of 32
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

מִן17 of 32

of

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

כּ֤וֹרֶשׁ18 of 32

Cyrus

H3567

koresh (or cyrus), the persian king

מַלְכָּ֛א19 of 32

and let the king

H4430

a king

שִׂ֣ים20 of 32

was made

H7761

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

טְעֵ֔ם21 of 32

so that a decree

H2942

properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)

לְמִבְנֵ֛א22 of 32

to build

H1124

to build

בֵּית23 of 32

house

H1005

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלָהָ֥א24 of 32

of God

H426

god

דֵ֖ךְ25 of 32

this

H1791

this

בִּירֽוּשְׁלֶ֑ם26 of 32

at Jerusalem

H3390

jerusalem

וּרְע֥וּת27 of 32

his pleasure

H7470

desire

מַלְכָּ֛א28 of 32

and let the king

H4430

a king

עֲלֶֽינָא׃29 of 32

to

H5922

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

דְּנָ֖ה30 of 32

this matter

H1836

this

יִשְׁלַ֥ח31 of 32

send

H7972

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

עֲלֶֽינָא׃32 of 32

to

H5922

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


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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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