Question 1

What does Ezra 6:7 mean?

Accepted Answer

Ezra 6:7 records a command that the officials in the region must not interfere with the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem; instead, the Jewish leaders are to be allowed to continue their work on God’s house in its proper place. The verse makes clear that the local authorities are to leave the Jewish governor and elders free to rebuild the temple without obstruction. The speaker here is King Darius of Persia, addressing regional officials who had previously tried to halt the temple’s reconstruction. The situation is that the Jews, after returning from exile, are rebuilding the temple, and this verse is part of a royal decree protecting their right to do so. The verse emphasizes the authority given to the Jewish leaders and the importance of the temple being restored in its original location.

Question 2

The Aramaic behind Ezra 6:7

Accepted Answer

The word for "alone" is שְׁבֻקוּ (ševuqu), meaning "leave alone" or "let be." This is a strong instruction to the local officials not to interfere, highlighting the seriousness of the king’s order. "Governor" uses פֶּחָה (peḥā), referring to the Persian-appointed leader over the Jews. This shows that both Persian and Jewish authorities are involved in the rebuilding process. The word for "build" is בְּנֵא (benē’), which is an active command to continue construction, not just permission but a directive to proceed. "Place" is אֲתַר (’ăṯar), meaning "site" or "location," stressing that the temple is to be rebuilt exactly where it once stood, not moved elsewhere.

Question 3

Why Ezra 6:7 matters

Accepted Answer

Ezra 6:7 clarifies that the rebuilding of the temple was not only permitted but officially protected by the Persian king, countering any local opposition. The verse highlights the cooperation between Persian authority and Jewish leadership, showing the unique political situation of the returned exiles. This command sets the stage for the successful completion of the temple, which is a central event in the book of Ezra and in the restoration of Jewish worship.

Ezra 6:7 (KJV)