King James Version

What Does Ezra 7:16 Mean?

Ezra 7:16 in the King James Version says “And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the peopl...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:”

Ezra 7:16 · KJV

Context

14

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand; of the king: Chaldee, from before the king

15

And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,

16

And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:

17

That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.

18

And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Additional provision—'And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem'—combines imperial gifts with voluntary offerings. The phrase 'all the silver and gold that thou canst find' suggests comprehensive collection. The distinction between imperial provision and freewill offerings shows multi-source funding. Both governmental and personal generosity contributed to temple worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The authorization to collect 'all the silver and gold' throughout Babylon province gave Ezra broad fundraising authority. Jewish communities in Babylon had prospered economically (evidenced by business documents from Murashu archives). Their willingness to support Jerusalem temple showed maintained covenant identity despite geographical distance. This diaspora support pattern continues throughout Jewish history, with dispersed communities supporting the homeland.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does combination of governmental funding and voluntary offerings demonstrate diverse means God uses to resource His work?
  2. What does diaspora Jewish support for Jerusalem temple teach about maintaining covenant identity across geographical separation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בְּכֹ֖ל1 of 17

“And all”

H3606

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

כְּסַ֣ף2 of 17

“the silver”

H3702

silver money

וּדְהַ֔ב3 of 17

“and gold”

H1722

gold

דִּ֣י4 of 17
H1768

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

תְהַשְׁכַּ֔ח5 of 17

“that thou canst find”

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

בְּכֹ֖ל6 of 17

“And all”

H3606

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

מְדִינַ֣ת7 of 17

“the province”

H4083

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

בָּבֶ֑ל8 of 17

“of Babylon”

H895

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

עִם֩9 of 17

“with”

H5974

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

מִֽתְנַדְּבִ֔ין10 of 17

“offering willingly”

H5069

be (or give) liberal(-ly)

עַמָּ֤א11 of 17

“of the people”

H5972

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

וְכָֽהֲנַיָּא֙12 of 17

“and of the priests”

H3549

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

מִֽתְנַדְּבִ֔ין13 of 17

“offering willingly”

H5069

be (or give) liberal(-ly)

לְבֵ֥ית14 of 17

“for the house”

H1005

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

אֱלָֽהֲהֹ֖ם15 of 17

“of their God”

H426

god

דִּ֥י16 of 17
H1768

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

בִירֽוּשְׁלֶֽם׃17 of 17

“which is in Jerusalem”

H3390

jerusalem

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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 29:6Ezra 1:4Ezra 1:61 Chronicles 29:9Ezra 8:25-282 Corinthians 8:12

Places in This Verse

BabyloniaRegion · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E15 verses across 2 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 7 →

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