We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.

EZRA 5:10KJV
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Ezra 5:10 (KJV)

What does Ezra 5:10 mean?

Ezra 5:10 describes how officials sent by the Persian king asked the Jewish leaders for their names so they could report back accurately about who was overseeing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The verse shows the officials’ intent to keep clear records and identify those responsible for the construction.

The verse is part of a letter written by Persian officials to King Darius, reporting on the activities of the Jews who had returned from exile. The officials wanted to make sure they had the names of the leaders (“the men that were the chief of them”) so the king would know exactly who was in charge. This reflects the careful oversight and bureaucracy of the Persian administration during the rebuilding process.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 5:10

  • “asked” (שְׁאֵל, she’el): This word means to inquire or request information. The officials were not just observing but actively questioning the Jewish leaders, showing their diligence in gathering details.
  • “certify” (יְדַע, yeda‘): This word means to make known or inform. The officials wanted to be certain they could give an accurate report to the king, highlighting their responsibility to communicate facts, not just rumors.
  • “chief” (רֵאשָׁה, re’sha’): This word refers to the leaders or heads. The officials were specifically interested in those with authority, not just any worker, which shows the importance of leadership accountability in the project.

Why Ezra 5:10 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the Persian authorities were not acting out of hostility but were following standard procedures to monitor activities in their empire, including the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple.
  • By emphasizing the request for names and leadership, the verse highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public projects, especially under foreign rule.
  • This detail connects to the broader narrative of Ezra, where the rebuilding efforts are carefully scrutinized and documented, showing both the challenges and the orderliness of the restoration process.

Where else these words appear

“also” Hebrew H638 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 5:14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
  • Ezra 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
  • Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

“asked” Hebrew H7593 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 5:9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
  • Ezra 7:21 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,
  • Daniel 2:11 And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.

“write” Hebrew H3790 · used in 7 verses

  • Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
  • Ezra 6:2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
  • Daniel 6:25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

“names” Hebrew H8036 · used in 10 verses

  • Ezra 5:1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
  • Ezra 6:12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
  • Daniel 4:8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,