Ezra 5:16 (KJV)

What does Ezra 5:16 mean?

Ezra 5:16 says that Sheshbazzar came to Jerusalem and laid the foundation for rebuilding the temple of God, and from that time up to the present, the construction has continued but is still not finished. The verse highlights that the rebuilding process has been ongoing for a long time and remains incomplete.

In this verse, the speaker is recounting the history of the temple’s reconstruction to Persian officials who are investigating the work. Sheshbazzar, a leader appointed by the Persian king, is credited with starting the rebuilding effort after the Jewish people returned from exile. The verse emphasizes the long and difficult process of restoring the temple, showing both the persistence of the builders and the challenges they faced.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 5:16

• שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּר (Sheshbazzar): This name refers to the governor appointed by the Persian king, important because he is recognized as the one who began the temple’s reconstruction, lending official legitimacy to the project.
• יְסוּד (yesud, “foundation”): This word means the base or starting point of a building, emphasizing that the work began properly and with authority, not as an unauthorized or haphazard effort.
• בָּנְיָן (binyan, “building”): This word focuses on the ongoing nature of the construction, showing that the work has not been abandoned but is still in progress.
• לָא שְׁלֵם (la shlem, “not finished”): This phrase makes clear that, despite the passage of time, the temple is still incomplete, underlining the difficulties and delays faced by the builders.

Why Ezra 5:16 matters

• Ezra 5:16 clarifies that the rebuilding of the temple was started with official approval and leadership, countering any claims that the work was unauthorized or rebellious.
• The verse highlights the perseverance required to rebuild after exile, as the project has faced delays and remains unfinished, reflecting the real challenges of restoration.
• By naming Sheshbazzar and describing the ongoing work, the verse connects the current generation’s efforts to the original return from exile, grounding their actions in a larger story of faithfulness and continuity.