King James Version

What Does Ezra 7:24 Mean?

Ezra 7:24 in the King James Version says “Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this hou...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezra 7:24 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

26

And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. to banishment: Chaldee, to rooting out

Read Ezra 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tax exemption—'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'—exempts temple personnel from imperial taxation. This financial relief enabled full-time ministry without secular employment necessity. The comprehensive list shows no temple servant was excluded from this benefit. God providentially arranged circumstances freeing His servants for spiritual service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient empires funded state religions partially through tax exemptions for priests and temple personnel. Persian policy extended this to subject peoples' temples, viewing it as promoting stability and securing divine favor. The tax exemption (toll, tribute, custom) covered all imperial revenue types: road tolls, head tax, and customs duties. This significant fiscal concession demonstrated serious commitment to supporting temple worship. Archaeological evidence shows various Persian provinces exempted temple personnel from taxes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does tax exemption demonstrate God's provision enabling full-time ministry without worldly entanglements?
  2. What does comprehensive inclusion (singers, porters, Nethinim) teach about valuing all ministry roles, not just prominent positions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּלְכֹ֣ם1 of 20
H0
מְהֽוֹדְעִ֗ין2 of 20

“Also we certify”

H3046

to inform

דִּ֣י3 of 20
H1768

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

כָל4 of 20

“you that touching any”

H3606

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

כָּֽהֲנַיָּ֣א5 of 20

“of the priests”

H3549

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

וְ֠לֵֽוָיֵא6 of 20

“and Levites”

H3879

something attached, i.e., a wreath

זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤א7 of 20

“singers”

H2171

an instrumental musician

תָרָֽעַיָּא֙8 of 20

“porters”

H8652

a doorkeeper

נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔א9 of 20

“Nethinims”

H5412

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

וּפָ֣לְחֵ֔י10 of 20

“or ministers”

H6399

to serve or worship

בֵּ֖ית11 of 20

“house”

H1005

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

אֱלָהָ֣א12 of 20

“of God”

H426

god

דְנָ֑ה13 of 20

“of this”

H1836

this

מִנְדָּ֤ה14 of 20

“toll”

H4061

tribute in money

בְלוֹ֙15 of 20

“tribute”

H1093

excise (on articles consumed)

וַֽהֲלָ֔ךְ16 of 20

“or custom”

H1983

properly, a journey, i.e., (by implication) toll on goods at a road

לָ֥א17 of 20

“it shall not”

H3809

no, not

שַׁלִּ֖יט18 of 20

“be lawful”

H7990

mighty; abstractly, permission; concretely, a premier

לְמִרְמֵ֥א19 of 20

“to impose”

H7412

to throw, set, (figuratively) assess

עֲלֵיהֹֽם׃20 of 20

“upon”

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 7:24 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 7:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 4:13Ezra 7:7Ezra 4:20Ezra 2:36-55

Test Your Knowledge

Ezra 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzra Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezra 7 with CommentaryAll Ezra ChaptersComplete Ezra QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes