Ezra 6:8
New International Version
Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop.

New Living Translation
“Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of the Euphrates River so that the work will not be interrupted.

English Standard Version
Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River.

Berean Standard Bible
I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered.

King James Bible
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 expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

New King James Version
Moreover I issue a decree as to what you shall do for the elders of these Jews, for the building of this house of God: Let the cost be paid at the king’s expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered.

New American Standard Bible
Furthermore, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these elders of Judah in the rebuilding of that house of God: the full cost is to be paid to those people from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces beyond the Euphrates River, and that without interruption.

NASB 1995
“Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these elders of Judah in the rebuilding of this house of God: the full cost is to be paid to these people from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces beyond the River, and that without delay.

NASB 1977
“Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these elders of Judah in the rebuilding of this house of God: the full cost is to be paid to these people from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces beyond the River, and that without delay.

Legacy Standard Bible
Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you shall do for those elders of Judah in the rebuilding of that house of God: the full cost is to be given to those people from the royal treasury out of the tribute of the provinces beyond the River, and that without negligence.

Amplified Bible
Also, I issue a decree as to what you are to do for these Jewish elders for the rebuilding of this house of God: the full cost is to be paid to these people from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the River, and that without delay.

Christian Standard Bible
I hereby issue a decree concerning what you are to do, so that the elders of the Jews can rebuild the house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men out of the royal revenues from the taxes of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that the work will not stop.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I hereby issue a decree concerning what you must do, so that the elders of the Jews can rebuild the house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men out of the royal revenues from the taxes of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that the work will not stop.

American Standard Version
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.

Contemporary English Version
Starting at once, I am ordering you to help the leaders by paying their expenses from the tax money collected in Western Province.

English Revised Version
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I am issuing this decree about how you must help the Jewish leaders rebuild God's temple: The cost [for this] should be paid out of the king's own money from the taxes [on the province] west of the Euphrates. Full payment should be made to these men so that the work is not interrupted.

Good News Translation
I hereby command you to help them rebuild it. Their expenses are to be paid promptly out of the royal funds received from taxes in West-of-Euphrates, so that the work is not interrupted.

International Standard Version
Furthermore, I hereby decree what you are to do for the Jewish leaders who are building this Temple of God: you are to pay the expenses of these men out of the king's assets from taxes collected beyond the River so that they are not hindered.

Majority Standard Bible
I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered.

NET Bible
"I also hereby issue orders as to what you are to do with those elders of the Jews in order to rebuild this temple of God. From the royal treasury, from the taxes of Trans-Euphrates the complete costs are to be given to these men, so that there may be no interruption of the work.

New Heart English Bible
Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence to these men, that they be not hindered.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 to these men, that they be not hindered.

World English Bible
Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses must be given with all diligence to these men, that they not be hindered.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And a decree is made by me concerning that which you do with [the] elders of these Jews to build this house of God, that of [the] riches of [the] king, that [are] of [the] tribute beyond [the] river, let the outlay be given speedily to these men, that they do not cease;

Young's Literal Translation
And by me is made a decree concerning that which ye do with the elders of these Jews to build this house of God, that of the riches of the king, that are of the tribute beyond the river, speedily let the outlay be given to these men, that they cease not;

Smith's Literal Translation
And from me a decree was set up for that which ye shall do with the old men of these Jews for building this house of God: and the king's riches, that of the tribute beyond the river, expenses shall be speedily given to these men, not to be made to cease.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I also have commanded what must be done by those ancients of the Jews, that the house of God may be built, to wit, that of the king's chest, that is, of the tribute that is paid out of the country beyond the river, the charges be diligently given to those men, lest the work be hindered.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, it has been instructed by me as to what ought to be done by those priests of the Jews, so that the house of God may be built, specifically, that from the king’s treasury, that is, from the tribute which is taken from the region beyond the river, the expenses shall be scrupulously given to those men, so that the work may not be impeded.

New American Bible
I also issue this decree concerning your dealing with these elders of the Jews in the rebuilding of that house of God: Let these men be repaid for their expenses, in full and without delay from the royal revenue, deriving from the taxes of West-of-Euphrates, so that the work not be interrupted.

New Revised Standard Version
Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God: the cost is to be paid to these people, in full and without delay, from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover the decree is issued by me; why then do you quarrel with the Jews of the captivity and hinder them from building the house of God? From that which is of the king's wealth and of the tribute beyond the River forthwith shall the expenses be paid to these men, that they may not be hindered from working.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the law is set before me. But why do you contend with the captivity of those Jews to build the house of God, whose expense will be paid from the wealth of the King and the tax of the Crossing of the River, and it will be given to these men, and they shall not stop the work?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover I make a decree concerning what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God; that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Also a decree has been made by me, if haply ye may do somewhat in concert with the elders of the Jews for the building of that house of God: to wit, out of the king's property, even the tributes beyond the river, let there be money to defray the expenses carefully granted to those men, so that they be not hindered.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Decree of Darius
7Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor and elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its original site. 8I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered. 9Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, as well as wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given to them daily without fail.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 2:8
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

Nehemiah 2:7
I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah.

Nehemiah 2:9
Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.

Esther 1:19
So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she.

Esther 3:9
If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.”

Esther 8:8
Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”

Daniel 6:8
Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

Daniel 6:9
Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

Daniel 6:15
Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.”

Haggai 1:8
Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD.

Zechariah 4:9
“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you.

Matthew 27:65-66
“You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” / So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.

Luke 20:25
So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Romans 13:1-7
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover I make a decree what you 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, immediately expenses be given to these men, that they be not hindered.

I make a decree.

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

Ezra 4:16,20
We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river…

Ezra 7:15-22
And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellers have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, …

hindered.

Ezra 4:21,23
Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me…

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.

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Building Decree Diligence Elders Expenses Forthwith Goods Hindered House Issue Jews King's Moreover River Tribute
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Building Decree Diligence Elders Expenses Forthwith Goods Hindered House Issue Jews King's Moreover River Tribute
Ezra 6
1. Darius, finding the decree of Cyrus, makes a new decree for building
13. By the help of Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai the temple is finished
16. The feast of the dedication is kept
19. and the Passover














I hereby decree
The phrase signifies a formal and authoritative command issued by a ruler. In the context of the Persian Empire, decrees were binding and carried the weight of law. The Hebrew root for "decree" often implies a firm and unchangeable order, reflecting the king's absolute authority. This decree by King Darius underscores the divine orchestration in the rebuilding of the temple, as God uses even foreign kings to fulfill His purposes.

what you are to do
This phrase indicates specific instructions given to the officials in the region. It reflects the king's intention to ensure that his orders are carried out precisely. Historically, this demonstrates the administrative structure of the Persian Empire, where local governors were expected to implement the king's commands. Spiritually, it reminds believers of the importance of obedience to God's directives.

for these elders of the Jews
The "elders" were the leaders and representatives of the Jewish community. In the Hebrew context, elders were respected for their wisdom and experience. This acknowledgment by a foreign king highlights the respect and recognition given to the Jewish leaders, emphasizing God's favor upon His people. It also illustrates the restoration of Israel's leadership after the exile.

who are rebuilding this house of God
The "house of God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and sacrifice for the Jewish people. The rebuilding signifies a period of restoration and renewal for the Israelites after their Babylonian exile. Theologically, it represents God's faithfulness in restoring His covenant relationship with His people. The act of rebuilding is a testament to the perseverance and faith of the Jewish community.

The expenses of these men
This phrase indicates the financial support provided for the rebuilding project. The mention of "expenses" being covered highlights the king's commitment to ensuring the temple's completion. It reflects the providence of God, who provides for His work through unexpected means. Historically, it shows the economic policies of the Persian Empire, which supported local religious practices to maintain peace and loyalty.

are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury
The "royal treasury" was the central financial resource of the Persian Empire. The decision to fund the temple's reconstruction from this treasury underscores the importance placed on the project by King Darius. It illustrates the principle that God can use the wealth of nations to accomplish His purposes. This provision also alleviated the financial burden on the Jewish community, allowing them to focus on the work.

from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates
"Trans-Euphrates" refers to the region beyond the Euphrates River, which included Judah. The revenues from this area were significant, and allocating them for the temple's reconstruction shows the king's strategic support for regional stability. This allocation demonstrates the interconnectedness of political and religious interests in the ancient world. It also highlights God's sovereignty over geographical and political boundaries.

so that the work will not stop
This phrase emphasizes the king's desire for the uninterrupted progress of the temple's construction. It reflects a sense of urgency and importance attached to the project. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the perseverance required in fulfilling God's work. Theologically, it underscores the idea that God's plans will not be thwarted, and His purposes will be accomplished in His timing.

(8) Moreover.--I also make my decree.

Of the king's goods.--From the tribute collected to be sent to Persia sums were previously to be deducted.

Verse 8. - Moreover, I make a decree. Literally, "By me too is a decree made." The decree of Cyrus is not enough. I add to it, and require you

(1) to pay the wages of the workmen employed out of the royal revenue, and

(2) to supply the temple perpetually with all that is needed for the regular sacrifices (see ver. 9). What ye shall do to the elders. Not, "Lest ye do anything to the elders" (LXX.); much less, "What must be done by the elders" (Vulg.); but, as in the A. V., "What ye shall do to them" - how ye shall act towards them. Of the tribute beyond the river forthwith expences be given to these men. The Persian satraps had to collect from their provinces a certain fixed sum as the royal tribute, and had to remit this sum annually to the court. Darius orders that the expenses of the men employed on the temple shall be paid by the satrap of Syria out of the royal tribute of his province, and only the balance remitted. Thus no additional burthen was laid upon the taxpayers.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I hereby
וּמִנִּי֮ (ū·min·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

decree
טְעֵם֒ (ṭə·‘êm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2942: Flavor, judgment, account

what
לְמָ֣א (lə·mā)
Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 3964: What

you must do
תַֽעַבְד֗וּן (ṯa·‘aḇ·ḏūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5648: To do, make, prepare, keep

for
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5974: With, equally with

these
אִלֵּ֔ךְ (’il·lêḵ)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 479: These

elders
שָׂבֵ֤י (śā·ḇê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7868: To become aged, to grow gray

of the Jews
יְהוּדָיֵא֙ (yə·hū·ḏā·yê)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3062: Jews -- inhabitants of Judah

who are rebuilding
לְמִבְנֵ֖א (lə·miḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1124: To build

this
דֵ֑ךְ (ḏêḵ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1791: This

house
בֵּית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1005: A house

of God:
אֱלָהָ֣א (’ĕ·lā·hā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 426: God

The cost
נִפְקְתָ֛א (nip̄·qə·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 5313: An outgo, expense

is to be
תֶּהֱוֵ֧א (te·hĕ·wê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1934: To become, come to pass, be

paid
מִֽתְיַהֲבָ֛א (miṯ·ya·hă·ḇā)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 3052: To give, to put, imperatively, come

in full
אָסְפַּ֗רְנָא (’ā·sə·par·nā)
Adverb
Strong's 629: Thoroughly, with (all) diligence

to these
אִלֵּ֖ךְ (’il·lêḵ)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 479: These

men
לְגֻבְרַיָּ֥א (lə·ḡuḇ·ray·yā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 1400: A person

from the royal
מַלְכָּ֗א (mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

treasury
וּמִנִּכְסֵ֣י (ū·min·niḵ·sê)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5232: Riches, property

out of the taxes
מִדַּת֙ (mid·daṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4061: Tribute in money

of [the provinces] west
עֲבַ֣ר (‘ă·ḇar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side

of the Euphrates,
נַהֲרָ֔ה (na·hă·rāh)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5103: A river, the Euphrates

so that
דִּי־ (dî-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

the work will not
לָ֥א (lā)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809: Not, no

be hindered.
לְבַטָּלָֽא׃ (lə·ḇaṭ·ṭā·lā)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 989: To cease


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OT History: Ezra 6:8 Moreover I make a decree what you (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 6:7
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