Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

EZRA 4:22KJV
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Ezra 4:22 (KJV)

What does Ezra 4:22 mean?

Ezra 4:22 records a Persian king’s warning to his officials not to neglect his order to stop work in Jerusalem. The king presents delay as a danger to royal interests: the longer the work continues, the greater the possible harm to the crown.

The verse comes at the end of King Artaxerxes’ written reply to officials who had accused the people rebuilding Jerusalem of being rebellious. His question, “why should damage grow,” presses the officials to act without delay.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 4:22

  • “fail” — שְׁלוֹ (shelo): This word carries the sense of neglect or being careless. The warning is aimed at officials who might leave the king’s order unattended.
  • “damage” — חֲבָל (ḥaval): This word can mean harm or loss. In the letter, the feared harm concerns the king’s rule and interests.
  • “hurt” — נְזַק (nezaq): This word refers to loss or injury. Paired with “damage,” it adds weight to the king’s concern about consequences for the crown.

Why Ezra 4:22 matters

  • The stop order had a stated limit. In verse 21, the king says the city is not to be built “until another commandment shall be given from me.”
  • The concern is political and financial, as well as practical. Earlier in the letter, the officials warned that a rebuilt Jerusalem might withhold tribute and threaten royal power (Ezra 4:13).
  • The plural “kings” places the warning in terms of royal interests beyond a single official. The letter’s appeal is to protect the authority and resources of the crown.

Where else these words appear

“damage” Hebrew H2257 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
  • Daniel 6:23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

“grow” Hebrew H7680 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
  • Daniel 6:25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

“fail” Hebrew H7960 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 6:9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
  • Daniel 3:29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
  • Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

“hurt” Hebrew H5142 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 4:13 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 4:15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
  • Daniel 6:2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.