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.
EZRA 4:16KJVWhat does Ezra 4:16 mean?
Ezra 4:16 is a warning from local officials to the Persian king, claiming that if Jerusalem is rebuilt and its walls restored, the king will lose control and influence over the region west of the Euphrates River. The verse reflects their attempt to stop the rebuilding by suggesting it threatens the king’s interests.
In this verse, adversaries of the Jews are writing to King Artaxerxes to persuade him to halt the reconstruction of Jerusalem. They argue that allowing the city to be rebuilt will result in the king having “no portion on this side the river,” meaning he would lose authority and revenue from this important area. The statement is part of a larger letter meant to cast suspicion on the Jews’ intentions.
The Aramaic behind Ezra 4:16
- “portion” (חֵלוּקָא, ḥēluqā’): This word refers to a share, territory, or inheritance. Here, it emphasizes the claim that the king would lose his rightful stake or control in the region if Jerusalem is fortified.
- “river” (נָהָר, nāhār): In this context, “the river” refers to the Euphrates, which was a major boundary in the Persian Empire. Mentioning it highlights the strategic and political importance of Jerusalem’s location.
Why Ezra 4:16 matters
- This verse shows the political tactics used by Jerusalem’s opponents, who frame the rebuilding as a direct threat to imperial power rather than a local concern.
- The language about losing a “portion” reveals the economic and administrative motives behind the opposition, not just religious or ethnic rivalry.
- Understanding this verse helps clarify the broader narrative in Ezra, where rebuilding efforts are repeatedly challenged by appeals to imperial authority and fears of rebellion.