King James Version

What Does Ezra 6:12 Mean?

Ezra 6:12 in the King James Version says “And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezra 6:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. commandment: Chaldee, decree

Read Ezra 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The concluding curse—'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'—invokes divine judgment on future violators. Darius acknowledges Jerusalem's unique status as place where God's name dwells. This confession from a pagan king demonstrates that God's reputation extends beyond Israel. The self-imprecation shows Darius understood the seriousness of opposing God's purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'caused his name to dwell there' echoes Deuteronomy's theology of divine presence in chosen place (Deuteronomy 12:11). That a Persian king used this specific language suggests Jewish theological influence. The curse's invocation of divine judgment shows Darius took seriously the spiritual dimension of his decree. Whether genuine faith or diplomatic respect, his language honored Israel's God and protected temple restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does a pagan king's confession of God's unique dwelling place demonstrate truth's power to compel acknowledgment?
  2. What does Darius's self-imprecation teach about the seriousness of covenants and the fear of divine judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
אֱלָהָ֥א1 of 25

“And the God”

H426

god

דִּ֣י2 of 25
H1768

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

שַׁכִּ֧ן3 of 25

“to dwell”

H7932

to dwell

שְׁמֵ֣הּ4 of 25

“that hath caused his name”

H8036

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

תַּמָּ֗ה5 of 25

“there”

H8536

there

יְמַגַּ֞ר6 of 25

“destroy”

H4049

to overthrow

כָּל7 of 25

“all”

H3606

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

מֶ֤לֶךְ8 of 25

“kings”

H4430

a king

וְעַם֙9 of 25

“and people”

H5972

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

דִּ֣י׀10 of 25
H1768

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

יִשְׁלַ֣ח11 of 25

“that shall put”

H7972

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

יְדֵ֗הּ12 of 25

“to their hand”

H3028

hand (indicating power)

לְהַשְׁנָיָ֛ה13 of 25

“to alter”

H8133

to alter

לְחַבָּלָ֛ה14 of 25

“and to destroy”

H2255

to ruin

בֵּית15 of 25

“house”

H1005

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

אֱלָהָ֥א16 of 25

“And the God”

H426

god

דֵ֖ךְ17 of 25

“this”

H1791

this

דִּ֣י18 of 25
H1768

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

בִירֽוּשְׁלֶ֑ם19 of 25

“which is at Jerusalem”

H3390

jerusalem

אֲנָ֤ה20 of 25

“I”

H576

i

דָֽרְיָ֙וֶשׁ֙21 of 25

“Darius”

H1868

darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

שָׂ֣מֶת22 of 25

“have made”

H7761

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

טְעֵ֔ם23 of 25

“a decree”

H2942

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

אָסְפַּ֖רְנָא24 of 25

“with speed”

H629

diligently

יִתְעֲבִֽד׃25 of 25

“let it be done”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

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 6:12 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 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 9:3Deuteronomy 12:5Deuteronomy 12:11Exodus 20:24Psalms 5:102 Chronicles 7:16

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 6 →

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