King James Version

What Does Ezra 7:22 Mean?

Ezra 7:22 in the King James Version says “Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundr...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. measures: Chaldee, cors”

Ezra 7:22 · KJV

Context

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,

22

Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. measures: Chaldee, cors

23

Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Whatsoever: Chaldee, Whatsoever is of the decree

24

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The limits set—'Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much'—provide substantial but bounded resources. One talent equals approximately 75 pounds; 100 talents of silver represents enormous wealth. The phrase 'salt without prescribing how much' allows unlimited provision of this sacrificial essential (Leviticus 2:13). Generous limits demonstrate both imperial wealth and commitment to proper worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

One hundred talents of silver (approximately 7,500 pounds or 3.4 metric tons) represents enormous wealth—multiple years' revenue for a province. The specified amounts (wheat, wine, oil) were essential for grain and drink offerings. Salt's unlimited provision recognizes its necessity for all sacrifices per Leviticus 2:13 ('the salt of the covenant of thy God'). The generosity demonstrates Persian wealth and policy of securing divine favor through proper worship support.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision through pagan treasuries demonstrate that He controls resources globally for His purposes?
  2. What does unlimited salt provision teach about God ensuring essentials for commanded worship without restriction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְעַד1 of 20

“Unto”

H5705

until

כְּסַף֮2 of 20

“of silver”

H3702

silver money

כַּכְּרִ֣ין3 of 20

“talents”

H3604

a talent

מְאָ֑ה4 of 20

“an hundred”

H3969

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְעַד5 of 20

“Unto”

H5705

until

חִנְטִין֙6 of 20

“of wheat”

H2591

wheat

כֹּרִ֣ין7 of 20

“measures”

H3734

properly, a deep round vessel, i.e., (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry

מְאָ֑ה8 of 20

“an hundred”

H3969

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְעַד9 of 20

“Unto”

H5705

until

חֲמַר֙10 of 20

“of wine”

H2562

wine

בַּתִּ֥ין11 of 20

“baths”

H1325

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

מְאָ֑ה12 of 20

“an hundred”

H3969

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְעַד13 of 20

“Unto”

H5705

until

בַּתִּ֥ין14 of 20

“baths”

H1325

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

מְשַׁ֖ח15 of 20

“of oil”

H4887

oil

מְאָ֑ה16 of 20

“an hundred”

H3969

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּמְלַ֖ח17 of 20

“and salt”

H4416

salt

דִּי18 of 20
H1768

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

לָ֥א19 of 20

“without”

H3809

no, not

כְתָֽב׃20 of 20

“prescribing”

H3792

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

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 7:22 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 7:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 45:14Luke 16:6-7Leviticus 2:13

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