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
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 what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God:
This decree comes from King Darius of Persia, who reigned from 522 to 486 BC. It reflects the continuation of the policy initiated by Cyrus the Great, who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. The "elders of the Jews" refers to the leaders responsible for overseeing the reconstruction. This decree underscores the importance of the temple as a central place of worship and identity for the Jewish people. The rebuilding of the temple is a fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in Isaiah 44:28, where God declares that Cyrus will say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt."

The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury:
This phrase indicates the financial support provided by the Persian Empire for the temple's reconstruction. The royal treasury's involvement highlights the political and economic power of the Persian Empire and its influence over the region. It also demonstrates God's provision for His people through unexpected means, as the funding comes from a foreign power. This mirrors the way God often uses unlikely sources to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the story of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 50:20).

Out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates:
The provinces west of the Euphrates, known as "Beyond the River," were part of the Persian Empire's administrative divisions. This area included regions such as Syria and Palestine. The use of taxes from these provinces to fund the temple's reconstruction shows the empire's vast resources and organizational structure. It also reflects the strategic importance of the region, as controlling it was crucial for maintaining the empire's stability and influence.

So that the work will not be hindered:
This phrase emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the temple's reconstruction proceeds without interruption. The decree aims to remove any financial or logistical obstacles that might delay the work. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes despite opposition. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18), illustrating the unstoppable nature of God's plans.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Darius I
The Persian king who issued the decree to support the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

2. Elders of the Jews
Jewish leaders responsible for overseeing the reconstruction of the temple.

3. House of God
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile.

4. Royal Treasury
The source of funding for the temple's reconstruction, as ordered by King Darius.

5. Trans-Euphrates
The region from which the revenues were to be drawn to support the temple project.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Provision
God can use unexpected sources, even foreign rulers, to provide for His purposes. Trust in His provision.

The Importance of God's House
The temple's reconstruction was crucial for the Jewish community's spiritual life. Prioritize your spiritual commitments and community.

Obedience to God's Call
The Jewish elders were tasked with a significant responsibility. Be faithful in the roles God has given you.

Divine Favor and Human Authority
God can influence those in authority to fulfill His plans. Pray for leaders and trust in God's ultimate control.

Perseverance in God's Work
Despite challenges, the work on the temple continued. Stay committed to God's work, even when obstacles arise.(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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