Question 1

What does Ezra 6:15 mean?

Accepted Answer

Ezra 6:15 states that the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was completed on the third day of the month called Adar, during the sixth year of King Darius’s reign. This verse marks the official end of the temple construction after years of interruption and effort. The verse is part of a historical record written to document the restoration of the Jewish temple after the Babylonian exile. The writer is noting a specific date to show that the work was finished under Persian rule, giving credit to the reign of Darius. Mentioning the exact day and month emphasizes the importance of this achievement for the Jewish people, as it signified a turning point in their return and worship life.

Question 2

The Aramaic behind Ezra 6:15

Accepted Answer

"house" (בַּיִת, bayith): This word refers to the temple itself, highlighting that the focus is on the physical building dedicated to worship. "finished" (שְׁלֵם, shlem): This word means completed or brought to wholeness, stressing that the work was not just stopped, but fully accomplished. "Adar" (אֲדָר, Adar): Naming the month by its Babylonian name shows the influence of the Persian and Babylonian calendar, helping date the event in a way that would be recognized by people of that era. "Darius" (דָּרְיָוֶשׁ, Daryavesh): The mention of Darius by name and title ("king") grounds the event in a specific historical context, connecting the Jewish story to wider world history.

Question 3

Why Ezra 6:15 matters

Accepted Answer

Ezra 6:15 clears up any confusion about when the temple was finished, providing a precise date that historians and readers can reference. The verse emphasizes that the rebuilding happened under foreign rule, showing that the return and restoration were possible even while the Jewish people were under Persian authority. By marking the completion, the verse sets the stage for the renewed religious life of the community, which is a key theme in the following chapters of Ezra.

Ezra 6:15 (KJV)