King James Version

What Does Ezra 5:3 Mean?

Ezra 5:3 in the King James Version says “At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?”

Ezra 5:3 · KJV

Context

1

Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.

2

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

3

At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

4

Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? make: Chaldee, build

5

But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.

Read Ezra 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Tatnai, as 'governor on this side the river' (pachath abar nahara), governed the Persian satrapy west of the Euphrates, making him Zerubbabel's superior in the imperial hierarchy. His arrival 'at the same time' as construction commenced suggests intelligence networks informed Persian authorities of the activity. Shethar-boznai likely served as Tatnai's secretary or assistant official.

The question 'Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?' focuses on authorization within Persian bureaucracy. Ancient Near Eastern empires required royal permission for significant building projects, especially fortifications. Tatnai's concern was procedural—ensuring proper authorization existed—rather than merely hostile opposition. This demonstrates how God's work must sometimes navigate governmental systems and regulations.

Theologically, this verse illustrates that obeying God doesn't exempt believers from accountability to earthly authorities. Zerubbabel and Jeshua couldn't claim divine calling as reason to ignore imperial law. Instead, they had to demonstrate that their work had proper authorization (Cyrus's original decree). This models Christian dual citizenship—ultimate allegiance to God while respecting legitimate governmental authority (Romans 13:1-7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Persian administrative practice required detailed documentation and authorization for major projects. The extensive bureaucracy prevented local officials from initiating significant work without central approval. Tatnai's inquiry followed standard procedure rather than representing uniquely hostile opposition to Jews.

The mention of 'this wall' alongside 'this house' has generated scholarly discussion. Some suggest opponents falsely claimed Jews were rebuilding defensive fortifications (which would threaten imperial security), while others view 'wall' as referring to temple enclosure walls. The concern about walls recalls earlier opposition claims that Jerusalem's rebuilding aimed at rebellion (Ezra 4:12-16).

Archaeological evidence shows Persian satrapies maintained communication systems enabling rapid information flow. Royal roads and courier systems meant local activities quickly reached central authorities. This infrastructure, while potentially threatening to Jews, ultimately served God's purposes by allowing Darius to investigate, confirm Cyrus's decree, and order project continuation with imperial funding.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Tatnai's procedural inquiry distinguish legitimate governmental oversight from hostile opposition to God's work?
  2. What does this verse teach about navigating bureaucratic systems while pursuing God's calling?
  3. How should believers balance ultimate allegiance to God with respect for legitimate governmental authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
בֵּהּ1 of 24
H0
זִמְנָא֩2 of 24

“At the same time”

H2166

an appointed occasion

אֲתָ֨א3 of 24

“came”

H858

to come, to bring

עֲלֵיה֜וֹן4 of 24

“unto them”

H5922

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

תַּ֠תְּנַי5 of 24

“to them Tatnai”

H8674

tattenai, a persian

פַּחַ֧ת6 of 24

“governor”

H6347

a prefect (of a city or small district)

עֲבַֽר7 of 24

“on this side”

H5675

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

נַהֲרָ֛ה8 of 24

“the river”

H5103

a river, especially the euphrates

וּשְׁתַ֥ר9 of 24
H0
בּֽוֹזְנַ֖י10 of 24

“and Shetharboznai”

H8370

shethar-bozenai, a persian officer

וּכְנָוָֽתְה֑וֹן11 of 24

“and their companions”

H3675

a colleague (as having the same title)

וְכֵן֙12 of 24

“thus”

H3652

so

אָֽמְרִ֣ין13 of 24

“and said”

H560

to speak, to command

לְהֹ֔ם14 of 24
H0
מַן15 of 24

“Who”

H4479

who or what (properly, interrogatively, hence, also indefinitely and relatively)

שָׂ֨ם16 of 24

“hath commanded”

H7761

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

לְכֹ֜ם17 of 24
H0
טְעֵ֗ם18 of 24
H2942

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

בַּיְתָ֤א19 of 24

“house”

H1005

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

דְנָ֖ה20 of 24

“this”

H1836

this

לִבְּנֵ֔א21 of 24

“you to build”

H1124

to build

וְאֻשַּׁרְנָ֥א22 of 24

“wall”

H846

a wall (from its uprightness)

דְנָ֖ה23 of 24

“this”

H1836

this

לְשַׁכְלָלָֽה׃24 of 24

“and to make up”

H3635

to complete

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 6:6Ezra 1:3Ezra 6:13Ezra 5:9Acts 4:7Ezra 7:21

Places in This Verse

Beyond the RiverRegion · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E16 verses across 2 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 5 →

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