King James Version

What Does Ezra 7:19 Mean?

Ezra 7:19 in the King James Version says “The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerus... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.

Ezra 7:19 · KJV


Context

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.

19

The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.

20

And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.

21

And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The vessel provision—'The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem'—provides implements for temple worship. The phrase 'deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem' indicates formal presentation in temple. These vessels, though provided by Persia, would serve Yahweh exclusively. The identification 'God of Jerusalem' emphasizes both universal sovereignty (God over all) and particular presence (dwelling in Jerusalem). This balance characterizes biblical theology.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Temple vessels included implements for sacrifice, incense, showbread, and lighting. Persian provision of these items shows comprehensive support beyond just permission. The formal delivery 'before the God' indicates ceremonial presentation similar to dedication rituals. Archaeological discoveries of temple implements from this period show bronze, silver, and gold items crafted with considerable skill. The vessels' quality reflected both resources available and commitment to honoring God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does provision of worship vessels demonstrate that God cares about proper implements for prescribed worship, not just general devotion?
  2. What does formal presentation of vessels 'before God' teach about approaching worship with reverence and deliberation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּמָֽאנַיָּא֙1 of 11

The vessels

H3984

a utensil

דִּֽי2 of 11
H1768

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

מִתְיַהֲבִ֣ין3 of 11

also that are given

H3052

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

לָ֔ךְ4 of 11
H0
לְפָלְחָ֖ן5 of 11

thee for the service

H6402

worship

בֵּ֣ית6 of 11

of the house

H1005

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

אֱלָ֥הּ7 of 11

of thy God

H426

god

הַשְׁלֵ֕ם8 of 11

those deliver

H8000

to complete, to restore

קֳדָ֖ם9 of 11

thou before

H6925

before

אֱלָ֥הּ10 of 11

of thy God

H426

god

יְרֽוּשְׁלֶֽם׃11 of 11

of 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 7:19 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 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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