Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

EZRA 6:7KJV
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Ezra 6:7 (KJV)

What does Ezra 6:7 mean?

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.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 6:7

  • 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.

Why Ezra 6:7 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“alone” Hebrew H7662 · used in 5 verses

  • Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
  • Daniel 4:15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
  • Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

“elders” Hebrew H7868 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
  • Ezra 5:9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
  • 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.

“work” Hebrew H5673 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 4:24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
  • 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 2:49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

“place” Hebrew H870 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezra 5:15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
  • Ezra 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
  • Daniel 2:39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.