Lexical Summary ushsharna: To sing joyfully, to exult Original Word: אֻשַּׁרְנָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wall (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to 'ashar; a wall (from its uprightness) -- wall. see HEBREW 'ashar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation Definition perhaps a wall NASB Translation structure (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֻשַּׁרְנָא noun masculine meaning and √ dubious (K§ 62 Buhl14); — "" בַּיְתָא Ezra 5:3,8; most wall (ᵑ6 ᵑ9 walls); M55* compare Assyrian ašurrû, wall, but?; Hpt in GuEzr:pp. 34. 63 thinks = [aširânâ] from Assyrian ašru, sanctuary; pointed by Masoretes as if = אֻשַּׁיָא (Ezra 4:12; 5:16); other conjectures Marquart44 Scheft79f. אֶשְׁתַּדּוּר see שׁדר. אִשְׁתִּיו see [שְׁתָה]. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in EzraEzra 5:3 and Ezra 5:9 contain the only two attestations of אֻשַּׁרְנָא. In both verses the term stands alongside “the house” (the temple) and sets before the reader the broader “structure” being erected on Zion. Tattenai, the Persian governor “west of the Euphrates,” interrogates the Jewish builders: “Who gave you the command to rebuild this temple and complete this structure?” (Ezra 5:3). His official report to King Darius repeats the same question (Ezra 5:9). Thus the word is tied to legal scrutiny, public testimony, and the visible progress of the second-temple project. Historical Setting: Post-Exilic Rebuilding After the decree of Cyrus in 538 B.C., the first returnees laid a foundation for the temple but soon grew discouraged (Ezra 3:8-13; 4:4-5). Under the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah, work resumed in 520 B.C. (Ezra 5:1-2). Tattenai’s inquiry comes at this point. His concern is not merely the sanctum itself but the entire edifice surrounding it—the “structure” that would proclaim a renewed Jewish presence. The term therefore evokes the restoration of worship, economy, and communal identity in Judah during the reign of Darius I. Theological Significance 1. Divine Authorization Tattenai asks who authorized the work; Ezra 5:5 immediately answers: “But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they could not stop them.” Earthly rulers may question, but ultimate authority rests with the Lord who ordained the rebuilding (compare Haggai 1:8). 2. Continuity of Covenant Worship By including both “house” and “structure,” Scripture links the sanctuary to its functional setting. The visible complex witnesses that the covenant people are once more offering sacrifice “as it is written” (Ezra 6:18). 3. Sovereignty Over Imperial Powers The Persian governor’s impartial inquiry, preservation of the Jewish reply, and favorable decree from Darius (Ezra 6:6-12) demonstrate how God “changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21), protecting His purpose for Zion. Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Accountability in God’s Work The builders give a reasoned defense, citing Cyrus’s decree and their ancestral calling (Ezra 5:11-16). Faithful ministry today likewise answers challenges with clear testimony to God’s word and past providence. • Perseverance Under Scrutiny Opposition does not nullify legitimate labor. The Jewish elders continued “until a report could go to Darius” (Ezra 5:5). Modern believers draw encouragement to press on when civil or cultural authorities question gospel endeavors. • Visible Witness of Spiritual Reality אֻשַּׁרְנָא signals the tangible expression of worship. New-covenant believers, called “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5), embody the same principle: the spiritual house must display an ordered “structure” of obedient life and corporate testimony. Prophetic and Christological Overtones Haggai foretold that “the latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former” (Haggai 2:9). The completed second temple would later be graced by Messiah Himself (John 2:13-17). Yet the physical אֻשַּׁרְנָא ultimately anticipates a greater dwelling: “In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). Related Scriptures • Zechariah 4:6-10 – “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Summary אֻשַּׁרְנָא marks the visible, testable progress of God’s redemptive plan in post-exilic Judah. Though questioned by imperial officials, the work prospered under divine oversight, foreshadowing both the church’s ongoing mission and the ultimate dwelling of God with His people in the New Jerusalem. Forms and Transliterations וְאֻשַּׁרְנָ֥א ואשרנא veushsharNa wə’uššarnā wə·’uš·šar·nāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:3 HEB: דְנָה֙ לִבְּנֵ֔א וְאֻשַּׁרְנָ֥א דְנָ֖ה לְשַׁכְלָלָֽה׃ NAS: and to finish this structure? KJV: and to make up this wall? INT: this to rebuild wall this finish Ezra 5:9 2 Occurrences |
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