King James Version

What Does Ezra 7:25 Mean?

Ezra 7:25 in the King James Version says “And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the ...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezra 7:25 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

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

27

Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:

Read Ezra 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The judicial authority—'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'—grants legal authority to establish courts. The phrase 'wisdom of thy God' refers to Torah as divine law code. Ezra could appoint judges applying biblical law to covenant community. This civil authority enabled comprehensive community governance according to Scripture, not just religious ritual.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Persian policy allowed subject peoples substantial autonomy in internal affairs, including legal systems based on traditional laws. Ezra's authority extended throughout 'beyond the river' province, not just Jerusalem. This gave biblical law official status for Jewish communities throughout the region. The appointed judges would apply Torah to civil disputes, criminal cases, and community governance. This established theocratic ideal within Persian imperial structure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does authorization to appoint judges applying Torah demonstrate God securing space for comprehensive biblical governance?
  2. What does judicial authority teach about Scripture addressing all life areas, not just private devotion or worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְאַ֣נְתְּ1 of 25

“And thou”

H607

thou

עֶזְרָ֗א2 of 25

“Ezra”

H5831

ezra, an israelite

כְּחָכְמַ֨ת3 of 25

“after the wisdom”

H2452

wisdom

אֱלָהָ֑ךְ4 of 25

“of thy God”

H426

god

דִּֽי5 of 25
H1768

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

בִידָךְ֙6 of 25

“that is in thine hand”

H3028

hand (indicating power)

מֶ֣נִּי7 of 25

“set”

H4483

to count, appoint

שָֽׁפְטִ֞ין8 of 25

“magistrates”

H8200

to judge

וְדַיָּנִ֗ין9 of 25

“and judges”

H1782

a judge or advocate

דִּי10 of 25
H1768

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

לֶהֱוֺ֤ן11 of 25

“which may judge”

H1934

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

דָּאְנִין֙12 of 25
H1778

to judge

לְכָל13 of 25

“all”

H3606

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

עַמָּה֙14 of 25

“the people”

H5972

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

דִּ֚י15 of 25
H1768

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

בַּֽעֲבַ֣ר16 of 25

“that are beyond”

H5675

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

נַֽהֲרָ֔ה17 of 25

“the river”

H5103

a river, especially the euphrates

לְכָל18 of 25

“all”

H3606

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

תְּהֽוֹדְעֽוּן׃19 of 25

“and teach”

H3046

to inform

דָּתֵ֣י20 of 25

“the laws”

H1882

a royal edict or statute

אֱלָהָ֑ךְ21 of 25

“of thy God”

H426

god

וְדִ֧י22 of 25
H1768

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

לָ֦א23 of 25

“them not”

H3809

no, not

תְּהֽוֹדְעֽוּן׃24 of 25

“and teach”

H3046

to inform

תְּהֽוֹדְעֽוּן׃25 of 25

“and teach”

H3046

to inform

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 7:25 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 7:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 7:10Deuteronomy 16:18James 1:5James 3:17-18Psalms 19:7Malachi 2:7

Places in This Verse

Beyond the RiverRegion · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E16 verses across 2 books
View all places in Ezra 7 →

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