King James Version

What Does Ezra 6:4 Mean?

Ezra 6:4 in the King James Version says “With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house: — study this verse from Ezra chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:

Ezra 6:4 · KJV


Context

2

And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: Achmetha: or, Ecbatana, or, in a coffer

3

In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

4

With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:

5

And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God. brought again: Chaldee, go

6

Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: your: Chaldee, their societies


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The construction specifications—'three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber'—describe earthquake-resistant building technique. The requirement that 'expenses be given out of the king's house' commits imperial treasury to fund construction. This transforms temple rebuilding from struggling Jewish effort to state-sponsored project. God's sovereignty turns potential opposition into material support, demonstrating that He provides resources for commanded work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The construction technique (alternating stone and timber) was common in ancient Near East for earthquake resistance—timber absorbed movement, preventing stone collapse. Persian funding eliminated financial obstacles. Archaeological evidence shows Persian Empire regularly funded religious institutions throughout their territory as stabilizing policy. The king's house treasury had vast resources from tribute, enabling generous religious support.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision of resources through imperial treasury demonstrate that He controls not just permission but means for His work?
  2. What does the shift from Jewish struggle to Persian funding teach about recognizing God's hand in changed circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְנִדְבָּ֖ךְ1 of 14

and a row

H5073

a layer (of building materials)

דִּי2 of 14
H1768

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

אֶ֤בֶן3 of 14

stones

H69

a stone

גְּלָל֙4 of 14

of great

H1560

weight or size (as if rolled)

תְּלָתָ֔א5 of 14

With three

H8532

three or third

וְנִדְבָּ֖ךְ6 of 14

and a row

H5073

a layer (of building materials)

דִּי7 of 14
H1768

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

אָ֣ע8 of 14

timber

H636

a tree or wood

חֲדַ֑ת9 of 14

of new

H2323

new

וְנִ֨פְקְתָ֔א10 of 14

and let the expenses

H5313

an outgo, i.e., expense

מִן11 of 14

out of

H4481

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

בֵּ֥ית12 of 14

house

H1005

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

מַלְכָּ֖א13 of 14

the king's

H4430

a king

תִּתְיְהִֽב׃14 of 14

be given

H3052

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come


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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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