Ezra 4:24
Ezra 4:24 in Multiple Translations
Thus the construction of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
So the work of the house of God at Jerusalem came to an end; so it was stopped, till the second year of the rule of Darius, king of Persia.
Consequently work on God's Temple in Jerusalem came to a halt. The stoppage continued until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.
Then ceased the worke of the house of God, which was in Ierusalem, and did stay vnto the second yeere of Darius King of Persia.
then ceased the service of the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem, and it ceased till the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Then work stopped on God’s house which is at Jerusalem. It stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Then the work of the house of the Lord in Jerusalem was interrupted, and ceased till the second year of the reign of Darius king of the Persians.
The result was that the Jews stopped rebuilding the temple. They did not do any more work to rebuild the temple until Darius became the King of Persia.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 4:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 4:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֵּ/אדַ֗יִן
בְּטֵלַת֙
עֲבִידַ֣ת
בֵּית
אֱלָהָ֔/א
דִּ֖י
בִּ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
וַ/הֲוָת֙
בָּֽטְלָ֔א
עַ֚ד
שְׁנַ֣ת
תַּרְתֵּ֔ין
לְ/מַלְכ֖וּת
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
מֶֽלֶךְ
פָּרָֽס
בֵּ/אדַ֗יִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
then
Adj | Adv
בְּטֵלַת֙
bᵉṭêl
H989
to cease
Adj
עֲבִידַ֣ת
ʻăbîydâh
H5673
service
Adj
בֵּית
bayith
H1005
house
Adj
אֱלָהָ֔/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | Art
דִּ֖י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
בִּ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
Jerusalem
Adj | N-proper
וַ/הֲוָת֙
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
בָּֽטְלָ֔א
bᵉṭêl
H989
to cease
Adj
עַ֚ד
ʻad
H5705
till
Adj
שְׁנַ֣ת
shᵉnâh
H8140
year
Adj
תַּרְתֵּ֔ין
tᵉrêyn
H8648
two
Adj
לְ/מַלְכ֖וּת
malkûw
H4437
kingdom
Adj | N-fs
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1868
Darius
Adj
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4430
king
Adj
פָּרָֽס
Pâraç
H6540
Persia
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 4:24
בֵּ/אדַ֗יִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
"then"
Adj | Adv
Then or at that time, referring to a specific point in the past or future, like in the story of creation when God said 'then' the earth was formed. It is used to show a sequence of events. The KJV translates it as 'then' or 'now'.
Definition: then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: now, that time, then. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 7:19.
בְּטֵלַת֙
bᵉṭêl
H989
"to cease"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to stop or cease, and is used in various contexts, including making something stop or come to an end. It appears in the Bible to describe hindering or ceasing from an action. In the KJV, it is translated as cease or hinder.
Definition: 1) (P'al) to cease 1a) to cease 1b) to make to cease
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (cause, make to), cease, hinder. See also: Ezra 4:21; Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:8.
עֲבִידַ֣ת
ʻăbîydâh
H5673
"service"
Adj
This word refers to work or service, like the kind of labor or business that people do, and can also describe ritual or worship in a religious context.
Definition: 1) work, service, ritual, worship 1a) work, administration 1b) ritual, service
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: affairs, service, work. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:18; Daniel 3:12.
בֵּית
bayith
H1005
"house"
Adj
This Hebrew word for house is similar to H1004, but it primarily refers to a physical building, either a home or a temple. It is used in many passages, including those describing the construction of the temple in 1 Kings. The word emphasizes the idea of a physical structure.
Definition: 1) house (of men) 2) house (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: house. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:11.
אֱלָהָ֔/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | Art
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
דִּ֖י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
בִּ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
"Jerusalem"
Adj | N-proper
Jerusalem means teaching of peace, the chief city of Palestine and Judah. It is mentioned in the Bible as the capital of the united kingdom. In the KJV, it is translated as Jerusalem.
Definition: Aramaic of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389) § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: {Jerusalem} See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:5; Daniel 6:11.
וַ/הֲוָת֙
hâvâʼ
H1934
"to be"
Adj | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
בָּֽטְלָ֔א
bᵉṭêl
H989
"to cease"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to stop or cease, and is used in various contexts, including making something stop or come to an end. It appears in the Bible to describe hindering or ceasing from an action. In the KJV, it is translated as cease or hinder.
Definition: 1) (P'al) to cease 1a) to cease 1b) to make to cease
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (cause, make to), cease, hinder. See also: Ezra 4:21; Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:8.
עַ֚ד
ʻad
H5705
"till"
Adj
This Hebrew word is similar to H5704, meaning until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Numbers when describing the Israelites' travels.
Definition: prep 1) even to, until, up to, during conj 2) until, up to the time that, ere that
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] and, at, for, (hither-) to, on till, (un-) to, until, within. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:28.
שְׁנַ֣ת
shᵉnâh
H8140
"year"
Adj
This word means a year, like when the Israelites spent a year in the wilderness in Numbers 33. It is used to measure time and describe periods of life.
Definition: year Aramaic of sha.neh (שָׁנָה "year" H8141)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: year. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:3; Daniel 7:1.
תַּרְתֵּ֔ין
tᵉrêyn
H8648
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for two, used to describe a number or quantity, such as two items or the second item in a list. It appears in various forms, including twelve and second.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (as cardinal number) 1b) second (as ordinal number) 1c) two (in combination with other numbers)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: second, [phrase] twelve, two. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 4:26; Daniel 6:1.
לְ/מַלְכ֖וּת
malkûw
H4437
"kingdom"
Adj | N-fs
A kingdom refers to the territory or area ruled by a king, like King David's kingdom in Israel. It can also mean the reign or period of time a king is in power. The word is used in the Bible to describe royal authority and dominion.
Definition: 1) royalty, reign, kingdom 1a) royalty, kingship, kingly authority 1b) kingdom 1c) realm (of territory) 1d) reign (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, kingly, realm, reign. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 5:7; Daniel 7:27.
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1868
"Darius"
Adj
This word also refers to Darius, a title for Persian kings, including Darius the Mede, who succeeded Belshazzar. As seen in Daniel 6:1, Darius played a significant role in the life of Daniel, and his story is an important part of the biblical narrative. His title signifies his position as a lord or ruler.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.5.31; son of: Ahasuerus (H0325) Aramaic of dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867I) § Darius = "lord" 1) Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC) (same as dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867) (1)) 2) Darius, the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC) (same as (2)) 3) Darius II or Darius III 3a) Darius II, Nothus (Ochus) was king of Persia during the time of Nehemiah (424/3-405/4 BC). Darius II is the most probable because he is mentioned by Nehemiah and ruled during the time of Nehemiah 3b) Darius III, Codomannus was king of Persia during its last years at the time of Alexander the Great and was his opponent (336-330 BC)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Darius. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:14; Daniel 6:29.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
פָּרָֽס
Pâraç
H6540
"Persia"
Adj
Persia refers to an ancient Eastern country and its people, covering a vast territory from India to Egypt. The name means pure or splendid. In the Bible, it is mentioned in the books of Esther and Daniel.
Definition: Aramaic of pa.ras (פָּרַס "Persia" H6539) § Persia = "pure" or "splendid" the empire Persia; encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south 1a) Persia proper was bounded on the west by Susiana or Elam, on the north by Media, on the south by the Persian Gulf and on the east by Carmania Persian, of Persia "pure" or "splendid"
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Persia, Persians. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 6:9; Daniel 6:16.
Study Notes — Ezra 4:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 4:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:24
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 4:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
- Sermons on Ezra 4:24
Context — The Decree of Artaxerxes
22See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?
23When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.
24Thus the construction of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haggai 1:15 | on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 6:9 | For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands. |
| 3 | Ezra 5:5 | But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, so that they were not stopped until a report was sent to Darius and written instructions about this matter were returned. |
| 4 | Ezra 6:1 | Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 6:3 | So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?” |
| 6 | Job 20:5 | the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 2:18 | For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us. |
Ezra 4:24 Summary
The construction of the house of God in Jerusalem stopped because of the opposition from some people who did not want the Jews to rebuild the temple. This opposition was a result of a letter from King Artaxerxes, and it caused the work to come to a standstill for a while, until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. This reminds us that even when we are doing something good and important, we can face challenges and setbacks, but we must trust in God's sovereignty and timing, just as the Jews did (Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31). We can learn to wait patiently for God's perfect timing, just as the Israelites did, and trust that He will bring His work to completion in His perfect time (Philippians 1:6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the construction of the house of God in Jerusalem cease?
The construction ceased because of the opposition from Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, who forcibly stopped the Jews in Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra 4:23. This was a result of the letter from King Artaxerxes, which was read to them, and they took immediate action to halt the construction (Ezra 4:23).
How long did the construction remain at a standstill?
The construction remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia, as stated in Ezra 4:24. This means that the work was halted for a significant period of time, likely several years, before it resumed.
What can we learn from the opposition faced by the Jews in Jerusalem?
The opposition faced by the Jews in Jerusalem teaches us that even when we are doing God's work, we can expect to face challenges and setbacks, just like the Israelites did when they were rebuilding the temple (Isaiah 40:28-31). However, we must trust in God's sovereignty and timing, just as the Jews did, and wait for His perfect timing to resume the work.
What role did King Darius play in the resumption of the construction?
King Darius played a significant role in the resumption of the construction, as his reign marked the time when the work on the house of God in Jerusalem resumed (Ezra 4:24, Ezra 5:1-2). His leadership and policies allowed the Jews to continue their work on the temple, which was a crucial part of their worship and community.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have experienced opposition or setbacks, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and timing, just like the Jews did?
- How can I learn to wait patiently for God's perfect timing, even when faced with challenges and delays, just as the Israelites did when they were rebuilding the temple?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty and timing to my everyday life, especially when faced with difficulties or uncertainties?
- How can I, like the Jews, remain faithful and committed to God's work, even in the face of opposition and challenges, and trust that He will bring it to completion in His perfect time?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:24
Then ceased the work of the house of God, which is at Jerusalem,.... How far they had proceeded is not said, whether any further than laying the foundation of it; though probably, by this time, it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:24
Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
Then ceased the work of the house of God; for they neither could nor might proceed in that work against their king’ s prohibition, without a special command from the King of heaven, which they had, ,2. Darius king of Persia, to wit, Darius the son of Hystaspes, successor of Cambyses; not, as some would have it, Darius Nothus, the son of Artaxerxes Longimanus, who was not emperor till above one hundred years after Cyrus, and consequently from the beginning of the building of the temple to the finishing of it must be about one hundred and thirty years, which is not credible to any one that considers, 1. That the same Zerubbabel did both lay the foundations and finish the work, . 2. That some of the same persons who saw the finishing of this second house, had seen the glory of the first house, .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
Ezra 4:24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.Ver. 24. Then ceased the work of the house of God] And now the adversaries have got the ball on the foot, thinking to carry the game before them; but "the triumphing of the wicked is short," Job 20:5, and that they prosper at all in their designs it is non ad exitium, sed ad exercitium Sanctorum, not for the ruin of the Church, but for the exercise of the faith and patience of God’ s people.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
(24) The second year.—The record here returns to Ezra 4:5, with more specific indication of time. The suspension of the general enterprise—called “the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem”—lasted nearly two years. But it must be remembered that the altar was still the centre of a certain amount of worship.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
Verse 24. So it ceased unto the second year of - Darius] They had begun in the first year of Cyrus, B.C. 536, to go up to Jerusalem, and they were obliged to desist from the building B.C. 522; and thus they continued till the second year of Darius, B.C. 519. See the chronology in the margin [Haggai 1:1 (note) and Zechariah 1:1 (note)] and the following chapter [Ezra 5].
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:24
24. This verse resumes the thread of the narrative, which was dropped at the close of Ezr 4:5. It must be admitted that the words ‘then ceased’ refer most naturally to Ezra 4:23. The Compiler, who failed to observe that the preceding passage belonged to the generation of Ezra, and not to that of Zerubbabel, carries on the narrative in his own words. so it ceased, &c.] R.V. and it ceased. The first clause expresses the fact of the cessation, the second its duration and continuance. second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia] b.c. 521. The Samaritans had succeeded only too well in checking the progress of the work. Cyrus occupied in schemes of conquest had little leisure to attend to such matters. The suspicious temperament of Cambyses inclined him to listen to sinister reports. The disturbed condition of the Empire during his reign and that of Gomates, his successor, gave abundant opportunity for petty tyranny and for the withdrawal of state privileges.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 4:24
It ceased - The stoppage of the building by the Pseudo-Smerdis is in complete harmony with his character. He was a Magus, devoted to the Magian elemental worship, and opposed to belief in a personal god.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:24
24. Then ceased — That is, as the evident connexion with the preceding section shows, when these enemies, by authority from the king, forcibly obliged them to stop work on the temple.
Sermons on Ezra 4:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Let the House Be Builded - Part 2of3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of growing in our understanding of God's values and principles from the moment of our new birth. This growth is necessary to c |
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Ezra #4: Reasons for an Incomplete Temple, Part 2 by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not giving up and quitting in the face of challenges. He emphasizes that God's answer to difficulties is not through human |
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A Theology of Fasting by Tim Conway | This sermon delves into the importance of fasting as an act of worship and seeking the Lord with a desperate heart. It emphasizes that fasting should be done with the right motives |
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(Haggai) the Blessing of God by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of preaching and being taught the word of God. He refers to a specific passage in the book of Haggai, where the pr |
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We Travel an Appointed Way by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as exemplified by Nehemiah, who rose from his sorrow to rebuild Jerusalem despite ridicule and opposition. |
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The Father's Business by Victor Maxwell | Victor Maxwell preaches on the importance of being about our Father's business, drawing from the example of Jesus at a young age who was already aware of His identity and mission. |
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How Do We Maintain Joy? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the joy of the Lord is our strength, as illustrated in Nehemiah 8:10, where the Israelites, after returning from Babylonian captivity, were captivat |