King James Version

What Does Ezra 6:9 Mean?

Ezra 6:9 in the King James Version says “And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Ezra 6:9 · KJV

Context

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

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

Read Ezra 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Darius's provision command is comprehensive: '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.' This supplies all necessities for sacrificial system as prescribed in Torah. The purpose clause 'that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven' shows Darius understood worship requirements. Whether from genuine piety or political prudence, his support enabled comprehensive covenant worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The listed items correspond to Mosaic sacrificial requirements: animals for various offerings (Leviticus 1-7), wheat for grain offerings (Leviticus 2), salt for all offerings (Leviticus 2:13), wine for drink offerings (Numbers 15:5-10), and oil for anointing and lamps (Exodus 27:20). Darius's knowledge of these specifics suggests Jewish advisors informed his decree. Persian funding of religious institutions throughout the empire was standard policy promoting stability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does provision of worship materials demonstrate that God supplies what He commands, removing excuses for disobedience?
  2. What does a pagan king's funding of Jewish worship teach about God's ability to turn hearts and open treasuries for His purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וּמָ֣ה1 of 25

“And that which”

H4101

what?, why?, how?

חַשְׁחָ֡ן2 of 25

“they have need of”

H2818

to be necessary (from the idea of convenience) or (transitively) to need

וּבְנֵ֣י3 of 25

“both young”

H1123

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense

תוֹרִ֣ין4 of 25

“bullocks”

H8450

a bull

וְדִכְרִ֣ין5 of 25

“and rams”

H1798

properly, a male, i.e., of sheep

וְאִמְּרִ֣ין׀6 of 25

“and lambs”

H563

a lamb

לַֽעֲלָוָ֣ן׀7 of 25

“for the burnt offerings”

H5928

a holocaust

לֶֽאֱלָ֪הּ8 of 25

“of the God”

H426

god

שְׁמַיָּ֟א9 of 25

“of heaven”

H8065

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

חִנְטִ֞ין10 of 25

“wheat”

H2591

wheat

מְלַ֣ח׀11 of 25

“salt”

H4416

salt

חֲמַ֣ר12 of 25

“wine”

H2562

wine

וּמְשַׁ֗ח13 of 25

“and oil”

H4887

oil

כְּמֵאמַ֨ר14 of 25

“according to the appointment”

H3983

something (authoritatively) said, i.e., an edict

כָּֽהֲנַיָּ֤א15 of 25

“of the priests”

H3549

one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

דִי16 of 25
H1768

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

בִירֽוּשְׁלֶם֙17 of 25

“which are at Jerusalem”

H3390

jerusalem

לֶֽהֱוֵ֨א18 of 25

“let it be”

H1934

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

מִתְיְהֵ֥ב19 of 25

“given”

H3052

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

לְהֹ֛ם20 of 25
H0
בְּי֖וֹם21 of 25

“by day”

H3118

a day

בְּי֖וֹם22 of 25

“by day”

H3118

a day

דִּי23 of 25
H1768

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

לָ֥א24 of 25

“without”

H3809

no, not

שָׁלֽוּ׃25 of 25

“fail”

H7960

a fault

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:10Psalms 50:9-13Numbers 15:4-311 Chronicles 9:29Isaiah 49:23Numbers 28:1-29

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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