Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.

EZRA 4:13KJV
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Ezra 4:13 (KJV)

What does Ezra 4:13 mean?

Ezra 4:13 records a warning sent to a Persian king by people opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They claim that a rebuilt and fortified city would refuse to pay its taxes, reducing the money received by the kings who ruled over it.

The warning turns the rebuilding into a matter of concern for the king’s finances. By saying “the walls set up again,” the writers picture a city with defenses, not merely a collection of repaired buildings.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 4:13

  • “toll” — מִנְדָּה (mindah): This word refers to a payment owed to a ruler. It is the first of three terms the letter uses for money the city might withhold.
  • “endamage” — נְזַק (nezaq): This word carries the sense of causing loss or harm. The KJV uses an old English word for the financial harm the writers predict.
  • “revenue” — אֲפְתֹם (aphtom): This word is often understood as income or revenue. The phrase directs the king’s attention to what his own treasury could lose.

Why Ezra 4:13 matters

  • The verse presents an accusation, not a report of taxes already withheld. The writers say the loss will follow “if this city be builded,” making their claim a prediction.
  • The letter treats the city’s defenses as part of the threat. Its mention of “the walls” helps explain why the writers connect rebuilding with the city’s ability to resist royal demands.
  • The appeal is shaped for a ruler’s interests. The warning about “the revenue of the kings” gives the king a financial reason to take the letter seriously.

Where else these words appear

“walls” Hebrew H7792 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 4:12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
  • Ezra 4:16 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

“tribute” Hebrew H1093 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
  • Ezra 7:24 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.

“custom” Hebrew H1983 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
  • Ezra 7:24 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.

“toll” Hebrew H4061 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
  • Ezra 6:8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
  • Ezra 7:24 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.