Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

EZRA 5:16KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Sheshbazzar” Hebrew H8340 · used in 2 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;

“foundation” Hebrew H787 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 4:12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
  • Ezra 6:3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

“finished” Hebrew H8000 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 7:19 The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.
  • Daniel 5:26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.

“same” Hebrew H1791 · used in 11 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 4:19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
  • Ezra 5:17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.