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.

EZRA 6:8KJV
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Ezra 6:8 (KJV)

What does Ezra 6:8 mean?

Ezra 6:8 records a royal order that the Persian officials must provide resources from the king’s own treasury to support the Jewish elders rebuilding the temple, making sure nothing hinders their work. The king commands that the necessary expenses for the temple construction be paid promptly from the taxes collected in the region beyond the Euphrates River.

This verse is part of a letter from King Darius of Persia, addressed to his regional officials. The situation is that the Jews, recently returned from exile, are rebuilding their temple in Jerusalem, and local opposition has tried to stop them. Darius’s decree not only allows the building to continue but also requires Persian support, showing the king’s authority and the official backing for the project.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 6:8

  • "decree" (טְעֵם, te‘em): This word means an official order or command. Its use here highlights that this is not just a suggestion but a binding royal edict.
  • "tribute" (מִנְדָּה, minda): This refers to taxes or revenue collected from the provinces. The king orders that these local taxes be used to fund the temple, showing a transfer of imperial resources to support the Jewish cause.
  • "beyond the river" (עֲבַר נַהֲרָה, avar nahara): This phrase identifies the region west of the Euphrates River, which included Judah. It clarifies that the funds are to come from the local administration, not from distant parts of the empire.
  • "be not hindered" (לָא שָׁלֵט, la shelet): This phrase means not to interfere or obstruct. The king is making it clear that the officials must not put any obstacles in the way of the temple’s reconstruction.

Why Ezra 6:8 matters

  • Ezra 6:8 makes it clear that the rebuilding of the temple had the explicit support and funding of the Persian king, countering any claims that the Jews were acting on their own.
  • The verse shows that the Persian administration was expected to actively help, not just passively allow, the work—an important detail in understanding the relationship between the returned exiles and imperial authority.
  • By specifying that the expenses come from local taxes, the verse reveals a practical mechanism for supporting the temple, connecting the spiritual project to the economic and political realities of the time.

Where else these words appear

“goods” Hebrew H5232 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 7:26 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

“expenses” Hebrew H5313 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 6:4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:

“tribute” Hebrew H4061 · used in 4 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 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
  • Ezra 7:24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

“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 6:7 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.