Ezra 5:13 (KJV)

What does Ezra 5:13 mean?

Ezra 5:13 states that in the first year of Cyrus, king of Babylon, Cyrus made an official order allowing the rebuilding of the house of God. This verse highlights the moment when a foreign king authorized the restoration of the Jewish temple.

In context, Ezra 5:13 is part of a report being given to Persian officials about why the Jews are rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The verse points back to a specific historical event: King Cyrus’s decree, which gave the Jewish people permission to return from exile and rebuild their temple. This decree is a turning point in the story, showing that the rebuilding was not a rebellion but was sanctioned by the highest authority of the time.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 5:13

• "Decree" (טֵעֵם, te‘em): This word means an official order or command. Its use here emphasizes that the rebuilding was not just a local decision but was based on a royal command from Cyrus.
• "Build" (בְּנָה, benah): This verb means to construct or rebuild. The focus is on the physical act of restoring the temple, not just planning or talking about it.
• "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): This refers specifically to the temple, the central place of worship for the Jewish people. The word underscores that it is not just any building, but the house of God.

Why Ezra 5:13 matters

• Ezra 5:13 clarifies that the rebuilding of the temple was not an act of defiance against Persian rule, but was actually authorized by King Cyrus himself.
• The verse connects the events in Ezra to earlier promises and prophecies about the return from exile, showing continuity in the biblical story.
• By naming Cyrus and his decree, the verse highlights how God can use foreign rulers to fulfill His purposes, a theme seen throughout Ezra and the wider biblical narrative.