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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezra/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezra/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We declare to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the province west of the Euphrates River will be lost to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezra/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />We make known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, you will then have no possession in the province Beyond the River.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />We certify the king that, if this city be builded <i>again</i>, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />We inform the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the result will be that you will have no dominion beyond the River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />We are informing the king that if that city is rebuilt and the walls finished, then as a result of this you will have no possession in <i>the province</i> beyond the <i>Euphrates</i> River.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220We inform the king that if that city is rebuilt and the walls finished, as a result you will have no possession in the province beyond the River.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“We inform the king that, if that city is rebuilt and the walls finished, as a result you will have no possession in <i>the province</i> beyond the River.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />We make known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and the walls completed, as a result you will have no portion in <i>the province</i> beyond the River.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />We are informing the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls finished, it will mean that you will have no possession in <i>the province</i> west of the [Euphrates] River.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, you will not have any possession west of the Euphrates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, you will not have any possession west of the Euphrates. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />We certify the king that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, by this means thou shalt have no portion beyond the River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If Jerusalem is rebuilt and its walls completed, you will no longer have control over Western Province. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />We certify the king that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, by this means thou shalt have no portion beyond the river.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We want the king to know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, you will have nothing left [of your province] west of the Euphrates River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We therefore are convinced that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, Your Majesty will no longer be able to control West-of-Euphrates Province." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We certify to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls completed, you will lose your land holdings in the province beyond the Euphrates River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />We therefore are informing the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, you will not retain control of this portion of Trans-Euphrates." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />We inform the king that, if this city be built, and the walls finished, by this means you shall have no portion beyond the River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />We certify the king that, if this city shall be built again, and its walls set up, by this means thou wilt have no portion on this side of the river.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />We are making known to the king that, if this city be built and the walls finished, by this means you have no portion beyond the river.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> We are making known to the king that, if this city be builded and the walls finished, by this means a portion beyond the river thou hast none.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />We making known to the king that if this city shall be built, and its walls be completed, for this cause a portion beyond the river shall not be to thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />We certify the king, that if this city be built, and the walls thereof repaired, thou shalt have no possession on this side of the river. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />We report to the king that if this city will have been built, and its walls repaired, you will have no possession across the river.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />We therefore inform the king, that if this city is rebuilt and its walls completed again, you will thereupon not have a portion in the province West-of-Euphrates.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />We make known to the king that, if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, you will then have no possession in the province Beyond the River.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezra/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />We inform the king that, if this city is built and its walls are set up, by this means you shall have no dominion on this side the River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezra/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />We disclose to the King that if this city will be built and its walls will be raised, then the authority at the crossing of the river is not yours.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />We announce to the king that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, by this means thou shalt have no portion beyond the River.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />We therefore declare to the king, that, if that city be built, and its walls be set up, thou shalt not have peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezra/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=967" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/586.htm" title="586: ’ă·naḥ·nāh (Pro-1cp) -- We. (Aramaic) or ganachnah (Aramaic); corresponding to 'anachnuw; we.">We</a> <a href="/hebrew/3046.htm" title="3046: mə·hō·wḏ·‘în (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- To know. (Aramaic) corresponding to yada'.">advise</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: lə·mal·kā (Prep-l:: N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/2006.htm" title="2006: hên (Conj) -- If, whether. (Aramaic) corresponding to hen: lo! Also there(-fore), less, whether, but, if.">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/1791.htm" title="1791: ḏāḵ (Pro-fs) -- This. (Aramaic) or dak (Aramaic); prolonged from da'; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/7149.htm" title="7149: qir·yə·ṯā (N-fsd) -- A city. (Aramaic) or qiryah (Aramaic); corresponding to qiryah.">city</a> <a href="/hebrew/1124.htm" title="1124: tiṯ·bə·nê (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3fs) -- To build. (Aramaic) or bnah (Aramaic); corresponding to banah; to build.">is rebuilt</a> <a href="/hebrew/7792.htm" title="7792: wə·šū·ray·yāh (Conj-w:: N-mpd) -- A wall. (Aramaic) corresponding to shuwr.">and its walls</a> <a href="/hebrew/3635.htm" title="3635: yiš·taḵ·lə·lūn (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3mp) -- To complete. (Aramaic) corresponding to kalal; to complete.">are restored,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6903.htm" title="6903: lā·qo·ḇêl (Prep-l) -- (Aramaic) or qobel (Aramaic); (corresponding to qabal; in front of; usually on account of, so as, since, hence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: də·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this."></a> <a href="/hebrew/383.htm" title="383: ’î·ṯay (Adv) -- There is, are. (Aramaic) corresponding to yesh; properly, entity; used only as a particle of affirmation, there is.">you will have</a> <a href="/hebrew/3809.htm" title="3809: lā (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. (Aramaic) or lah (Aramaic) (Dan. 4:32); corresponding to lo'.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2508.htm" title="2508: ḥă·lāq (N-ms) -- Portion, possession. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chalaq; a part.">dominion</a> <a href="/hebrew/5675.htm" title="5675: ba·‘ă·ḇar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Region across or beyond. (Aramaic) corresponding to eber.">west</a> <a href="/hebrew/5103.htm" title="5103: na·hă·rā (N-msd) -- A river. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to nahar; a river, especially the Euphrates.">of the Euphrates.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Nehemiah 2:19-20</a></span><br />But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” / So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Nehemiah 4:1-3</a></span><br />Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-5.htm">Nehemiah 6:5-9</a></span><br />The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter / that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Daniel 6:4-5</a></span><br />Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8-9</a></span><br />Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. / 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-31.htm">2 Kings 18:31-32</a></span><br />Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, / until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey—so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-10.htm">2 Kings 19:10-13</a></span><br />“Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? / Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4</a></span><br />Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5-6</a></span><br />We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Acts 17:6-7</a></span><br />But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-2.htm">Luke 23:2</a></span><br />And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-63.htm">Matthew 27:63-64</a></span><br />“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ / So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-48</a></span><br />Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-20.htm">Acts 16:20-21</a></span><br />They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/21-28.htm">Acts 21:28</a></span><br />crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">We certify the king that, if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shall have no portion on this side the river.</p><p class="hdg">thou shalt have</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20</a></b></br> There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all <i>countries</i> beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/8-3.htm">2 Samuel 8:3</a></b></br> David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-24.htm">1 Kings 4:24</a></b></br> For he had dominion over all <i>the region</i> on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/10-9.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Built</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-28.htm">Certify</a> <a href="/ezra/4-15.htm">City</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Country</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">End</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/ezra/4-14.htm">Inform</a> <a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">Making</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-20.htm">Means</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-5.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/31-1.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-20.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ezra/4-11.htm">Province</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Rebuilt</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Restored</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Result</a> <a href="/ezra/4-11.htm">River</a> <a href="/ezra/4-11.htm">Side</a> <a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Walls</a> <a href="/ezra/4-15.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/ezra/4-14.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/5-10.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/ezra/4-21.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/ezra/4-21.htm">Built</a> <a href="/ezra/5-10.htm">Certify</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">City</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Country</a> <a href="/ezra/4-24.htm">End</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/ezra/5-10.htm">Inform</a> <a href="/ezra/5-4.htm">Making</a> <a href="/psalms/49-7.htm">Means</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-15.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Province</a> <a href="/ezra/4-21.htm">Rebuilt</a> <a href="/ezra/6-5.htm">Restored</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Result</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">River</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Side</a> <a href="/ezra/6-3.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">Walls</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-6.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/ezra/5-10.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">endeavor to hinder it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Their letter to Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">The answer and decree of Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">The building is hindered</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>We advise the king</b><br>This phrase indicates a formal communication to the king, likely King Artaxerxes of Persia. The use of "we" suggests a collective group, possibly officials or adversaries of the Jews, who are presenting their concerns. In the context of the Persian Empire, such advisories were common as the king relied on local governors and officials to maintain control over vast territories.<p><b>that if this city is rebuilt</b><br>The city in question is Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was a significant concern for surrounding peoples who feared the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence. Historically, Jerusalem was a fortified city, and its reconstruction could symbolize a return to political and religious independence.<p><b>and its walls are restored</b><br>Walls in ancient times were crucial for a city's defense and autonomy. The restoration of Jerusalem's walls would not only provide physical security but also signify the restoration of the Jewish community's identity and strength. <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Nehemiah 1:3</a> later highlights the importance of the walls for the safety and dignity of the inhabitants.<p><b>you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates</b><br>This phrase reflects the geopolitical concerns of the time. The Euphrates River was a significant boundary in the ancient Near East, and control west of it was crucial for the Persian Empire's influence. The fear expressed is that a rebuilt Jerusalem could challenge Persian authority and disrupt the balance of power in the region. Historically, the area west of the Euphrates was a contested region, with various empires vying for control.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_artaxerxes.htm">King Artaxerxes</a></b><br>The Persian king to whom the letter is addressed, expressing concern over the rebuilding of Jerusalem.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city whose reconstruction is being opposed by local adversaries.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/adversaries_of_judah_and_benjamin.htm">Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin</a></b><br>These are the people who wrote to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding efforts.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/euphrates_river.htm">Euphrates River</a></b><br>A geographical marker indicating the extent of the Persian Empire's control.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebuilding_of_jerusalem.htm">Rebuilding of Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central event being opposed, which involves the restoration of the city and its walls.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/opposition_to_god's_work.htm">Opposition to God's Work</a></b><br>Expect resistance when undertaking God's work. The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin sought to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem, a pattern seen throughout Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>Despite opposition, remain faithful to God's calling. The Jews' determination to rebuild despite the letter to the king is a testament to their commitment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Trust in God's ultimate control over earthly powers. Though the adversaries sought to influence King Artaxerxes, God's plans for Jerusalem were not thwarted.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a></b><br>The importance of community in facing opposition. The Jews worked together to rebuild, highlighting the strength found in unity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_and_perseverance.htm">Prayer and Perseverance</a></b><br>Engage in prayer and perseverance when facing challenges. The Jews' persistence in rebuilding despite opposition is a model for enduring faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'yield_to_the_spirit'_mean.htm">What is Jaffa's biblical significance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_ezra_4_6-7_conflict_with_history.htm">Why does Ezra 4:6-7 mention Persian kings in a sequence that appears to conflict with known historical Persian records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_menahem's_attack_on_tiphsah.htm">2 Kings 15:16 records Menahem's brutal attack on Tiphsah--does any historical or archaeological evidence corroborate such violence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_makes_a_jerusalem_pilgrimage.htm">What defines a pilgrimage to Jerusalem?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezra/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">No portion on this side the river.</span>--The same unscrupulous use of language: that is, if the river Euphrates is meant. In the days of Solomon, and once or twice subsequently, the Israelites had advanced towards the river, but it was not likely that they would ever do so again. The letter may, however, have been intended to suggest loosely that Jerusalem might become a centre of general disaffection.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou</span> <span class="cmt_word">shalt have no portion on this side the river</span>. It is not quite clear whether the river intended here and in ver. 10 is the Euphrates or the Jordan. Generally in the Old Testament <span class="accented">hannahar</span> means the Euphrates, but the exaggeration is gross if that river was intended here. Only twice in their history had the Israelites advanced their frontier as far as that stream - under Solomon (<a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21</a>) and under Menahem (<a href="/2_kings/15-16.htm">2 Kings 15:16</a>); in their present depressed condition it was absurd to imagine that they could rival those early glories. But jealousy does not stop to weigh the reasonableness of its accusations. <p> CHAPTER 4:17-24. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">We</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנַ֙חְנָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·naḥ·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_586.htm">Strong's 586: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><br /><span class="word">advise</span><br /><span class="heb">מְהוֹדְעִ֤ין</span> <span class="translit">(mə·hō·wḏ·‘în)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3046.htm">Strong's 3046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַלְכָּ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mal·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּ֠י</span> <span class="translit">(dî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, that, because</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2006.htm">Strong's 2006: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, there, less, whether, but, if</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">דָךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḏāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1791.htm">Strong's 1791: </a> </span><span class="str2">This</span><br /><br /><span class="word">city</span><br /><span class="heb">קִרְיְתָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(qir·yə·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7149.htm">Strong's 7149: </a> </span><span class="str2">Building</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is rebuilt</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּתְבְּנֵ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(tiṯ·bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and its walls</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשׁוּרַיָּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šū·ray·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7792.htm">Strong's 7792: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wall</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are restored,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽשְׁתַּכְלְל֑וּן</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·taḵ·lə·lūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3635.htm">Strong's 3635: </a> </span><span class="str2">To complete</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will have</span><br /><span class="heb">אִיתַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’î·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_383.htm">Strong's 383: </a> </span><span class="str2">Entity, as a, particle of affirmation, there is</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3809.htm">Strong's 3809: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dominion</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲלָק֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·lāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2508.htm">Strong's 2508: </a> </span><span class="str2">Portion, possession</span><br /><br /><span class="word">west</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲבַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5675.htm">Strong's 5675: </a> </span><span class="str2">A region across, on the opposite side</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Euphrates.</span><br /><span class="heb">נַהֲרָ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(na·hă·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5103.htm">Strong's 5103: </a> </span><span class="str2">A river, the Euphrates</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezra/4-16.htm">Ezra 4:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:16 We inform the king that if this (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>