BibleWord.ai› Bible› Ezra› Chapter 5› Verse 4

Ezra 5:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Ezra 5:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the men were that were making this building.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the men were that were making this building.
Ezra 5:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezra 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem; in the name of the God of Israel [prophesied they] unto them.
2Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.
3At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?
4Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the men were that were making this building.
5But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, till the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it.
6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent unto Darius the king;
7they sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus: Unto Darius the king, all peace.
← Ezra 5:3Ezra 5:5 →
← Full Chapter 5 Ezra Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then said we unto them after this manner, etc.] In answer to their questions; namely, Ezra and other Jews replied; for though Ezra is said after this to come from Babylon in the seventh year of Artaxerxes, he might go thither on some business, and then return again at that time; some indeed think these are the words of Tatnai and those with him; so Ben Melech, which seems to be favoured by (<150410>Ezra 4:10), and by reading the words with an interrogation, as we do; Aben Ezra says they are either the words of the builders, or of the scribes, the secretaries that came to question them; but they are the words of the former, as order requires, or otherwise no answer would be returned, at least…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then said we - The Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions have “Then said they,” which brings this verse into exact accordance with Ezra 5:10. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“We - Jews. Accordingly - According to what they asked. That made this building - That were the undertakers and encouragers of it. Ezra 5:8”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“What are: Ezr 5:10 make this building: Chal, build this building Ezra 5:5”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Ezra 5 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification