With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:

EZRA 6:4KJV
Know the Bible

Ezra 6:4 (KJV)

What does Ezra 6:4 mean?

Ezra 6:4 describes the specific instructions for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, stating that it should have three rows of large stones and one row of new timber, with the costs paid by the king’s treasury. This verse shows that the Persian king authorized and funded the temple’s reconstruction, ensuring it would be built solidly and at royal expense.

The verse is part of a decree from King Darius, relayed to the Persian officials and Jewish leaders overseeing the temple’s rebuilding after the exile. The details about the materials—three rows of great stones and a row of new timber—reflect Persian building practices and royal support. The mention of expenses coming from the king’s house underlines the official backing and generosity for this important project.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 6:4

  • "three" (תְּלָתָה, telāṯā): This word specifies the number of stone layers, showing a deliberate and sturdy construction plan.
  • "great" (רַב, rab): Used here to describe the stones, this word means "large" or "massive," emphasizing the temple’s strength and quality.
  • "new" (חֲדָת, ḥăḏāṯ): Refers to the timber being fresh or unused, highlighting the use of quality materials rather than recycled ones.
  • "expenses" (נְפָקָה, nepāqāh): This word points to the costs or outlays, making it clear that the king’s treasury would cover all building expenses.

Why Ezra 6:4 matters

  • Ezra 6:4 clarifies that the temple’s reconstruction was not only permitted but actively funded and specified by the Persian king, countering any claim that the Jews were acting on their own.
  • The verse’s building details connect the temple to wider Persian imperial practices, showing the empire’s influence on local religious projects.
  • By stating that the king’s house would pay for the work, the verse highlights the extraordinary favor and support given to the Jewish community at this time.

Where else these words appear

“great” Hebrew H1560 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 5:8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

“expenses” Hebrew H5313 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 6:8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

“timber” Hebrew H636 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 5:8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.
  • Ezra 6:11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
  • Daniel 5:4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

“stones” Hebrew H69 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezra 5:8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.
  • Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
  • Daniel 5:4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.