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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezra 5:11 And this is the answer they returned: "We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/5-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/15_Ezr_05_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 5:11 - Tattenai's Letter to Darius" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And this is the answer they returned: We are servants of the God of heaven and 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src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezra/5-10.htm" title="Ezra 5:10">◄</a> Ezra 5:11 <a href="/ezra/5-12.htm" title="Ezra 5:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ezra/5.htm">New International Version</a> This is the answer they gave us: &#8220We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/nlt/ezra/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> “This was their answer: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the Temple that was built here many years ago by a great king of Israel. <a href="/esv/ezra/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> And this was their reply to us: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And this is the answer they returned: “We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. <a href="/kjv/ezra/5.htm">King James Bible</a> And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up. <a href="/nkjv/ezra/5.htm">New King James Version</a> And thus they returned us an answer, saying: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. <a href="/nasb_/ezra/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So they answered us as follows, saying, ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/nasb/ezra/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Thus they answered us, saying, &#8216We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/nasb77/ezra/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And thus they answered us, saying, ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/lsb/ezra/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Thus they responded with a word to us, saying, ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. <a href="/amp/ezra/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> They replied, ‘We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are rebuilding the temple which was erected many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/csb/ezra/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This is the reply they gave us: We are the servants of the God of the heavens and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/hcsb/ezra/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is the reply they gave us: We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/asv/ezra/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and finished. <a href="/cev/ezra/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They claimed to be servants of the God who rules heaven and earth. And they said they were rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago by one of Israel's greatest kings. <a href="/erv/ezra/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and finished. <a href="/gwt/ezra/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This was their reply to us: "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the temple that was originally built many years ago by a great king of Israel. <a href="/gnt/ezra/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> "They answered, 'We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the Temple which was originally built and equipped many years ago by a powerful king of Israel. <a href="/isv/ezra/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> In answer they responded, "We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are rebuilding the Temple that was built many years ago by a great king of Israel. <a href="/msb/ezra/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And this is the answer they returned: ?We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. <a href="/net/ezra/5.htm">NET Bible</a> They responded to us in the following way: 'We are servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the temple which was previously built many years ago. A great king of Israel built it and completed it. <a href="/nheb/ezra/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Thus they returned us answer, saying, "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <a href="/wbt/ezra/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was erected these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and set up. <a href="/web/ezra/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezra/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And thus they have returned us word, saying, We [are] servants of the God of the heavens and earth, and are building the house that was built many years before this, that a great king of Israel built and finished: <a href="/ylt/ezra/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And thus they have returned us word, saying, We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built many years before this, that a great king of Israel built and finished: <a href="/slt/ezra/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And thus they returned us word, saying, We are the servants of the God of the heavens and the earth, and build the house that was built of old these many years, and a great king to Israel built and completed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezra/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they answered us in these words, saying: We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are building a temple that was built these many years ago, and which a great king of Israel built and set up. <a href="/cpdv/ezra/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then they responded a word to us in this manner, saying: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. And we are building the temple that was constructed these many years before, and which a great king of Israel had built and constructed. <a href="/nabre/ezra/5.htm">New American Bible</a> This was their answer to us: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house built here many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. <a href="/nrsvce/ezra/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> This was their reply to us: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezra/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And this was the reply they gave us, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and this house that we are rebuilding was built many years ago, and was completed by a king of Israel and his princes. <a href="/hpbt/ezra/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And thus an answer was returned and they were saying to us: “We are the Servants of the God of Heaven and Earth, and the building of this house that we are building was built many years before of the Kings of Israel, and their Princes finished it.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezra/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And thus they returned us answer, saying: We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and finished. <a href="/sep/ezra/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they answered us thus, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are building the house which had been built many years before this, and a great king of Israel built it, and established it for them. <a href="/parallel/ezra/5-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=1179" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm">Tattenai's Letter to Darius</a> …10We also asked for their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information. 11<a href="/hebrew/3660.htm" title="3660: ū·ḵə·nê·mā (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Accordingly, as follows. (Aramaic) corresponding to kmow; so or thus.">And this</a> <a href="/hebrew/6600.htm" title="6600: p̄iṯ·ḡā·mā (N-msd) -- A command, word, affair. (Aramaic) corresponding to pithgam; a word, answer, letter or decree.">is the answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/8421.htm" title="8421: hă·ṯî·ḇū·nā (V-Hifil-Perf-3mp:: 1cp) -- To return. (Aramaic) corresponding to shuwb, to come back; specifically (transitive and ellip.) To reply.">they returned:</a> <a href="/hebrew/560.htm" title="560: lə·mê·mar (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To say, tell, command. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'amar."></a> <a href="/hebrew/586.htm" title="586: ’ă·naḥ·nā (Pro-1cp) -- We. (Aramaic) or ganachnah (Aramaic); corresponding to 'anachnuw; we.">“We</a> <a href="/hebrew/1994.htm" title="1994: him·mōw (Pro-3mp) -- They. (Aramaic) or (prolonged) himmown (Aramaic); corresponding to hem; they.">are</a> <a href="/hebrew/5649.htm" title="5649: ‘aḇ·ḏō·w·hî (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. (Aramaic) from abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: ḏî- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/426.htm" title="426: ’ĕ·lāh (N-msc) -- God, god. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'elowahh; God.">of the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/8065.htm" title="8065: šə·may·yā (N-mpd) -- Heavens. (Aramaic) corresponding to shamayim.">of heaven</a> <a href="/hebrew/772.htm" title="772: wə·’ar·‘ā (Conj-w:: N-fsd) -- The earth. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'erets; the earth; by implication (figuratively) low.">and earth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1124.htm" title="1124: ū·ḇā·na·yin (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To build. (Aramaic) or bnah (Aramaic); corresponding to banah; to build.">and we are rebuilding</a> <a href="/hebrew/1005.htm" title="1005: bay·ṯā (N-msd) -- A house. (Aramaic) corresponding to bayith.">the temple</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1934.htm" title="1934: hă·wā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To become, come to pass, be. ">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/1124.htm" title="1124: ḇə·nêh (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To build. (Aramaic) or bnah (Aramaic); corresponding to banah; to build.">built</a> <a href="/hebrew/7690.htm" title="7690: śag·gî·’ān (Adj-fp) -- Great, much. (Aramaic) corresponding to saggiy'; large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial).">many</a> <a href="/hebrew/8140.htm" title="8140: šə·nîn (N-fp) -- A year. (Aramaic) corresponding to shaneh.">years</a> <a href="/hebrew/6928.htm" title="6928: miq·qaḏ·maṯ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Former time. (Aramaic) corresponding to qadmah; former time.">ago,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: də·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7229.htm" title="7229: raḇ (Adj-ms) -- Great. (Aramaic) corresponding to rab.">which a great</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: ū·me·leḵ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3479.htm" title="3479: lə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Jacob. (Aramaic) corresponding to Yisra'el.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1124.htm" title="1124: bə·nā·hî (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To build. (Aramaic) or bnah (Aramaic); corresponding to banah; to build.">built</a> <a href="/hebrew/3635.htm" title="3635: wə·šaḵ·lə·lêh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To complete. (Aramaic) corresponding to kalal; to complete.">and completed.</a> 12But since our fathers angered the God of heaven, He delivered them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean who destroyed this temple and carried away the people to Babylon.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/3-13.htm">Exodus 3:13-15</a> Then Moses asked God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ What should I tell them?” / God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” / God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation. <a href="/1_kings/18-36.htm">1 Kings 18:36</a> At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Nehemiah 2:20</a> 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.” <a href="/daniel/2-20.htm">Daniel 2:20-23</a> and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. / He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. ... <a href="/acts/7-32.htm">Acts 7:32</a> ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Genesis 32:9</a> Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">2 Chronicles 36:23</a> “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a> who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’” <a href="/haggai/1-12.htm">Haggai 1:12</a> Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the words of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. So the people feared the LORD. <a href="/john/8-54.htm">John 8:54</a> Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. The One who glorifies Me is My Father, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Acts 24:14</a> I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16</a> What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” <a href="/romans/9-4.htm">Romans 9:4</a> the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and set up.We are<a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a> And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.<a href="/psalms/119-46.htm">Psalm 119:46</a> I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.<a href="/daniel/3-26.htm">Daniel 3:26</a> Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.which a great<a href="/1_kings/6-1.htm">1 Kings 6:1-7:51</a> And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD… <a href="/2_chronicles/3-1.htm">2 Chronicles 3:1-5:14</a> Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/19-25.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/ezra/5-9.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/ezra/5-9.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">Built</a> <a href="/ezra/1-2.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-3.htm">Erected</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ezra/1-2.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/ezra/5-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/5-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">Rebuilding</a> <a href="/ezra/4-11.htm">Servants</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/12-46.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/5-15.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezra/5-15.htm">Built</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/esther/6-4.htm">Erected</a> <a href="/ezra/5-16.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ezra/5-12.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/ezra/5-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/6-14.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Rebuilding</a> <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Servants</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 5</div>1. <a href="/ezra/5-1.htm">Zerubbabel and Jeshua, incited by Haggai and Zechariah, set forward to building</a> 3. <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai are not able to hinder the Jews</a> 6. <a href="/ezra/5-6.htm">Their letter to Darius against the Jews</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/5.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/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And this is the answer they returned: This phrase introduces the response given by the Jewish leaders to the Persian officials questioning their authority to rebuild the temple. It reflects the Jews' confidence and clarity in their mission, rooted in divine authority rather than merely human permission.We are servants of the God of heaven and earth: This declaration emphasizes their allegiance to the one true God, who is sovereign over all creation. It contrasts with the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding nations and underscores the monotheistic faith of Israel. This phrase also highlights their identity and purpose, serving as a reminder of their covenant relationship with God, as seen in passages like <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-5</a>.and we are rebuilding the temple: The rebuilding of the temple signifies the restoration of worship and the centrality of God's presence among His people. This effort follows the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia, as recorded in <a href="/ezra/1.htm">Ezra 1:1-4</a>, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding the return from exile. The temple's reconstruction is a physical manifestation of spiritual renewal and obedience to God's commands.that was built many years ago: This refers to the original temple constructed by Solomon, which was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The mention of its historical roots connects the current efforts to a rich heritage of faith and worship, reminding the people of God's past faithfulness and the glory of the former temple.which a great king of Israel built and completed: This alludes to King Solomon, who built the first temple as described in <a href="/1_kings/6.htm">1 Kings 6-8</a>. Solomon's temple was renowned for its grandeur and served as the focal point of Israel's religious life. The reference to Solomon as a "great king" acknowledges his wisdom and the prosperity of Israel during his reign, while also pointing to the fulfillment of God's promises to David regarding his descendants and the establishment of a house for God's name.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/servants_of_the_god_of_heaven_and_earth.htm">Servants of the God of Heaven and Earth</a> Refers to the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. They identify themselves as servants of the one true God, emphasizing their divine mission and allegiance. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_house.htm">The House</a> This is the temple in Jerusalem, originally built by King Solomon. It was a central place of worship and symbolized God's presence among His people. 3. <a href="/topical/a/a_great_king_of_israel.htm">A Great King of Israel</a> This refers to King Solomon, who constructed the first temple, a monumental task that signified Israel's dedication to God. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rebuilding.htm">Rebuilding</a> The act of reconstructing the temple after its destruction by the Babylonians. This event marks a significant moment of restoration and renewal for the Jewish people. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_persian_empire.htm">The Persian Empire</a> The ruling empire at the time, under which the Jews were allowed to return and rebuild the temple. This context highlights the political and divine orchestration in the rebuilding process.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_god.htm">Identity in God</a> The exiles identify themselves as "servants of the God of heaven and earth," reminding us of our identity and purpose in serving God above all else. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Despite opposition, the Jews remained committed to their task, teaching us the importance of perseverance in fulfilling God's calling. <a href="/topical/d/divine_providence.htm">Divine Providence</a> The rebuilding of the temple under foreign rule illustrates God's sovereignty and ability to work through unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. <a href="/topical/h/historical_continuity.htm">Historical Continuity</a> The reference to Solomon's temple connects the past with the present, encouraging us to see our lives as part of God's ongoing account. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_worship.htm">Community and Worship</a> The rebuilding of the temple underscores the importance of communal worship and the centrality of God in the life of His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 5</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_phoenix_mean_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Sheshbazzar in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_levites_in_2_chr_23_8.htm">What evidence supports the existence of the Levites and captains mentioned in 2 Chronicles 23:8, and how do we reconcile any lack of external records?</a> <a href="/q/nehemiah_11_21__nethinim_proof.htm">Nehemiah 11:21 - What archaeological proof exists for the Nethinim and their service near the Temple, as described in this passage?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_ezra_1_conflict_with_2_kings_24-25.htm">Why does Ezra 1 conflict with accounts in 2 Kings 24-25 that suggest more extensive destruction of Jerusalem's treasures than implied here?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezra/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) And thus they returned us answer.--The elders of the Jews take the Syrian satrap into their confidence, and give, in a few most pathetic words the record of their national honour, their national infidelity, and their national humiliation. Every word is true to the history, while the whole exhibits their deep humility and holy resolution.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 11. - We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. Instead of doing as they were requested, and giving in a long list of names and titles of office, the elders merge their individuality in this general phrase; as though they would say, "As individuals, we are nothing; as men of mark in our nation, we are nothing; what we do, we do simply as servants of God, directed by him (<a href="/haggai/1-8.htm">Haggai 1:8</a>), bound to obey him, answerable only to him for our conduct." They speak of God as "the God of heaven and earth" - a very rare title - partly in humble acknowledgment of his universal and absolute dominion, as Christians speak when they call God "the Maker of heaven and earth;" partly to impress favourably those to whom they speak, persons accustomed to regard God primarily as the Being who "gave mankind earth and heaven" (Rawlinson's 'Cuneiform Inscriptions of Persia,' vol. 1. pp. 285, 291, 319, 324, etc.). And build. That is "rebuild." The house that was builded these many years ago. The old house, begun more than 400, finished nearly 400 years previously, and only just beginning to rise again from its ruins, after lying waste for nearly seventy years. Which a great king of Israel builded and set up. Solomon, the greatest of the Jewish monarchs, if we consider the extent and prosperity of his kingdom, and the position that it occupied among the other kingdoms of the earth - a "great king" under whatever aspect we view him, though one who sowed the seeds of that corruption which ultimately sapped the national life, and provoked God to bring the monarchy to an end. <a href="/commentaries/ezra/5-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And this וּכְנֵ֥מָא (ū·ḵə·nê·mā) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3660.htm">Strong's 3660: </a> Accordingly, as follows is the answer פִתְגָמָ֖א (p̄iṯ·ḡā·mā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6600.htm">Strong's 6600: </a> A word, answer, letter, decree they returned: הֲתִיב֣וּנָא (hă·ṯî·ḇū·nā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine plural | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8421.htm">Strong's 8421: </a> To return “We אֲנַ֣חְנָא (’ă·naḥ·nā) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_586.htm">Strong's 586: </a> We are הִמּ֡וֹ (him·mōw) Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> They servants עַבְדוֹהִי֩ (‘aḇ·ḏō·w·hî) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5649.htm">Strong's 5649: </a> Slave, servant of the God אֱלָ֨הּ (’ĕ·lāh) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_426.htm">Strong's 426: </a> God of heaven שְׁמַיָּ֜א (šə·may·yā) Noun - masculine plural determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8065.htm">Strong's 8065: </a> The sky and earth, וְאַרְעָ֗א (wə·’ar·‘ā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> The earth, low and we are rebuilding וּבָנַ֤יִן (ū·ḇā·na·yin) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> To build the temple בַּיְתָא֙ (bay·ṯā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1005.htm">Strong's 1005: </a> A house that דִֽי־ (ḏî-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because was הֲוָ֨א (hă·wā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1934.htm">Strong's 1934: </a> To become, come to pass, be built בְנֵ֜ה (ḇə·nêh) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> To build many שַׂגִּיאָ֔ן (śag·gî·’ān) Adjective - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7690.htm">Strong's 7690: </a> Great, much years שְׁנִ֣ין (šə·nîn) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8140.htm">Strong's 8140: </a> A year ago, מִקַּדְמַ֤ת (miq·qaḏ·maṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6928.htm">Strong's 6928: </a> Former time which a great רַ֔ב (raḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7229.htm">Strong's 7229: </a> Abundant king וּמֶ֤לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> A king of Israel לְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (lə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3479.htm">Strong's 3479: </a> Israel -- descendant of Jacob built בְּנָ֖הִי (bə·nā·hî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> To build and completed. וְשַׁכְלְלֵֽהּ׃ (wə·šaḵ·lə·lêh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3635.htm">Strong's 3635: </a> To complete <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">OT History: Ezra 5:11 Thus they returned us answer saying We (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/5-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 5:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 5:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/5-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 5:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 5:12" /></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>