King James Version

What Does Ezra 6:11 Mean?

Ezra 6:11 in the King James Version says “Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. let him: Chaldee, let him be destroyed”

Ezra 6:11 · KJV

Context

9

And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

10

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. of sweet: Chaldee, of rest

11

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. let him: Chaldee, let him be destroyed

12

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

13

Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The penalty decree—'whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon'—imposes severe punishment for violation. This brutal enforcement protected the restoration work from interference. The additional curse 'and let his house be made a dunghill for this' threatens ultimate shame. God's purposes are so important that He providentially arranges even severe penalties to protect His work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient imperial decrees commonly included severe penalties for violation—crucifixion, impalement, or hanging were standard capital punishments. The house becoming a dunghill added permanent disgrace to execution. Such harsh penalties demonstrated decree seriousness and deterred opposition. While Christians don't endorse cruel punishments, Scripture records that God used contemporary penal practices to protect His people and work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of pagan penal systems to protect His work demonstrate sovereignty over even harsh historical realities?
  2. What does the severe penalty protecting worship restoration teach about the seriousness of God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
מִן1 of 22

“Also”

H4481

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

שִׂ֣ים2 of 22

“I have made”

H7761

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

טְעֵם֒3 of 22

“a decree”

H2942

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

דִּ֣י4 of 22
H1768

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

כָל5 of 22

“that whosoever”

H3606

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

אֱנָ֗שׁ6 of 22
H606

a man

דִּ֤י7 of 22
H1768

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

יְהַשְׁנֵא֙8 of 22

“shall alter”

H8133

to alter

פִּתְגָמָ֣א9 of 22

“word”

H6600

a word, answer, letter or decree

דְּנָֽה׃10 of 22

“this”

H1836

this

יִתְנְסַ֥ח11 of 22

“be pulled down”

H5256

to tear away

אָע֙12 of 22

“let timber”

H636

a tree or wood

מִן13 of 22

“Also”

H4481

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

וּבַיְתֵ֛הּ14 of 22

“and let his house”

H1005

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

וּזְקִ֖יף15 of 22

“and being set up”

H2211

to hang, i.e., impale

יִתְמְחֵ֣א16 of 22

“let him be hanged”

H4223

to strike in pieces; also to arrest; specifically to impale

עַל17 of 22

“for”

H5922

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

וּבַיְתֵ֛הּ18 of 22

“and let his house”

H1005

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

נְוָל֥וּ19 of 22

“a dunghill”

H5122

a sink

יִתְעֲבֵ֖ד20 of 22

“be made”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

עַל21 of 22

“for”

H5922

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

דְּנָֽה׃22 of 22

“this”

H1836

this

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 6:11 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 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 3:29Ezra 7:26Daniel 2:52 Kings 10:272 Kings 9:37Esther 5:4

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