King James Version

What Does Ezra 6:8 Mean?

Ezra 6:8 in the King James Version says “Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. I make: Chaldee, by me a decree is made hindered: Chaldee, made to cease”

Ezra 6:8 · KJV

Context

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

7

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

8

Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. I make: Chaldee, by me a decree is made hindered: Chaldee, made to cease

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. This verse records Darius's decree using the Aramaic term te'em (טְעֵם, 'decree'), carrying legal force throughout the Persian Empire. The phrase 'of the king's goods' refers to imperial treasury, showing unprecedented royal support for rebuilding God's house.

The critical phrase that they be not hindered uses the Aramaic batel (בָּטֵל), meaning 'to cease' or 'be made ineffective.' Darius commands that nothing obstruct the work—an ironic reversal since earlier Persian officials had tried to stop construction (Ezra 4:23). God orchestrates circumstances so opposition becomes support. The specification of 'tribute beyond the river' (revenue from the Trans-Euphrates province) means local opposition would fund what they opposed.

Theologically, this demonstrates God's sovereignty over national treasuries. When God purposes to build His house, He moves kings to finance it. The command 'forthwith' (Aramaic osparna, 'diligently/immediately') shows urgency, reversing previous delay.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Darius I (522-486 BC) inherited Cyrus's tolerant religious policies. Archaeological discoveries, including the Behistun Inscription, confirm his administrative efficiency and concern for legal continuity. He sought to verify Cyrus's original decree (Ezra 6:1-5), establishing legal precedent for supporting temple construction.

The 'tribute beyond the river' referred to taxes collected from the satrapy west of the Euphrates, encompassing Syria-Palestine. Persian administrative documents show this region generated substantial revenue, making Darius's decree financially significant. Forcing regional taxes to fund Jewish temple construction reversed the power dynamic.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's ability to turn opposition into support encourage perseverance in ministry despite resistance?
  2. What does Darius's decree teach about the role of civil government in protecting religious liberty?
  3. How should believers respond when God provides resources through unexpected or even hostile sources?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וּמִנִּי֮1 of 29

“Moreover”

H4481

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

שִׂ֣ים2 of 29

“I make”

H7761

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

טְעֵם֒3 of 29

“a decree”

H2942

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

לְמָ֣א4 of 29

“what”

H3964

(as indefinitely) that

דִּי5 of 29

“even of”

H1768

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

תַֽעַבְד֗וּן6 of 29

“ye shall do”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

עִם7 of 29

“to”

H5974

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׂבֵ֤י8 of 29

“the elders”

H7868

properly, to become aged, i.e., (by implication) to grow gray

יְהֽוּדָיֵא֙9 of 29

“Jews”

H3062

a jehudaite (or judaite), i.e., jew

אִלֵּ֖ךְ10 of 29

“of these”

H479

these

לְמִבְנֵ֖א11 of 29

“for the building”

H1124

to build

בֵּית12 of 29

“house”

H1005

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

אֱלָהָ֣א13 of 29

“of God”

H426

god

דֵ֑ךְ14 of 29

“of this”

H1791

this

וּמִנִּכְסֵ֣י15 of 29

“goods”

H5232

treasure

מַלְכָּ֗א16 of 29

“that of the king's”

H4430

a king

דִּי17 of 29

“even of”

H1768

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

מִדַּת֙18 of 29

“the tribute”

H4061

tribute in money

עֲבַ֣ר19 of 29

“beyond”

H5675

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

נַֽהֲרָ֔ה20 of 29

“the river”

H5103

a river, especially the euphrates

אָסְפַּ֗רְנָא21 of 29

“forthwith”

H629

diligently

נִפְקְתָ֛א22 of 29

“expenses”

H5313

an outgo, i.e., expense

תֶּֽהֱוֵ֧א23 of 29

“be”

H1934

to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)

מִֽתְיַהֲבָ֛א24 of 29

“given”

H3052

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

לְגֻבְרַיָּ֥א25 of 29

“men”

H1400

a person

אִלֵּ֖ךְ26 of 29

“of these”

H479

these

דִּי27 of 29

“even of”

H1768

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

לָ֥א28 of 29

“that they be not”

H3809

no, not

לְבַטָּלָֽא׃29 of 29

“hindered”

H989

to stop

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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 6:4Ezra 7:15-22Haggai 2:8Ezra 4:16Ezra 4:23Psalms 68:29-31

Places in This Verse

Beyond the RiverRegion · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E16 verses across 2 books
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