Ezra 7:24

Ezra 7:24 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

King James Version KJV

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

American Standard Version ASV

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, upon them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

In addition, we make it clear to you, that it will be against the law to put any tax or payment in goods or forced payment on any of the priests or Levites, the music-makers, door-keepers, Nethinim, or any servants of this house of God.

Free Bible Version FBV

Also be aware that all of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Temple servants, or other workers of this Temple are exempt from paying any tax, tribute, or fees, and you are not authorized to charge them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And we certifie you, that vpon any of the Priestes, Leuites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or Ministers in this house of God, there shall no gouernour laye vpon them tolle, tribute nor custome.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And to you we are making known, that upon any of the priests and Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, and servants of the house of God, tribute and custom there is no authority to lift up.

World English Bible WEB

Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Also we certify you, that concerning any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom upon them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

We give you also to understand concerning all the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nathinites, and ministers of the house of this God, that you have no authority to impose toll or tribute, or custom upon them.

Translation for Translators T4T

We are also commanding that none of the priests, descendants of Levi, musicians, temple guards, or other men who work in the temple, will be required to pay any kind of taxes.'

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 7:24

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 7:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/לְ/כֹ֣ם מְהוֹדְעִ֗ין דִּ֣י כָל כָּהֲנַיָּ֣/א וְ֠/לֵוָיֵ/א זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤/א תָרָֽעַיָּ/א֙ נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔/א וּ/פָ֣לְחֵ֔י בֵּ֖ית אֱלָהָ֣/א דְנָ֑ה מִנְדָּ֤ה בְלוֹ֙ וַ/הֲלָ֔ךְ לָ֥א שַׁלִּ֖יט לְ/מִרְמֵ֥א עֲלֵי/הֹֽם

וּ/לְ/כֹ֣ם Adj | Prep | Suff

מְהוֹדְעִ֗ין yᵉdaʻ H3046 to know Adj

דִּ֣י dîy H1768 that Adj

כָל kôl H3606 all Adj

כָּהֲנַיָּ֣/א kâhên H3549 priest Adj | Art

וְ֠/לֵוָיֵ/א Lêvîy H3879 Levite Adj | Ngmpd | Art

זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤/א zammâr H2171 singer Adj | Art

תָרָֽעַיָּ/א֙ târâʻ H8652 doorkeeper Adj | Art

נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔/א Nᵉthîyn H5412 temple servant Adj | Art

וּ/פָ֣לְחֵ֔י pᵉlach H6399 to serve Adj | V-Qal

בֵּ֖ית bayith H1005 house Adj

אֱלָהָ֣/א ʼĕlâhh H426 god Adj | Art

דְנָ֑ה dên H1836 this Adj

מִנְדָּ֤ה middâh H4061 tribute Adj

בְלוֹ֙ bᵉlôw H1093 tribute Adj

וַ/הֲלָ֔ךְ hălâk H1983 toll Adj | N-ms

לָ֥א lâʼ H3809 not Adj

שַׁלִּ֖יט shallîyṭ H7990 ruling Adj

לְ/מִרְמֵ֥א rᵉmâh H7412 to cast Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a

עֲלֵי/הֹֽם ʻal H5922 since Adj | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 7:24

וּ/לְ/כֹ֣ם "" Adj | Prep | Suff

מְהוֹדְעִ֗ין yᵉdaʻ H3046 "to know" Adj

To know in Hebrew can also mean to let someone know or communicate, and is used in different forms, such as to certify, inform, or teach, in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (P'al) to know 1b) (Aphel) to let someone know, communicate, inform, cause to know

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: certify, know, make known, teach. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 2:30; Daniel 7:16.

דִּ֣י 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.

כָל kôl H3606 "all" Adj

The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.

Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.

כָּהֲנַיָּ֣/א kâhên H3549 "priest" Adj | Art

This word refers to a priest in the Aramaic language, similar to the Hebrew word for priest, and is used in the book of Daniel. It describes a person who serves God and leads others in worship. This term is used to describe the priests in the Bible who served God.

Definition: priest Aramaic of ko.hen (כֹּהֵן "priest" H3548)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: priest. See also: Ezra 6:9; Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:24.

וְ֠/לֵוָיֵ/א Lêvîy H3879 "Levite" Adj | Ngmpd | Art

A Levite was a member of the tribe of Levi, descended from Levi, a son of Jacob. Levites were known for their role in priestly duties and were mentioned in Genesis 29:34. The term Levite refers to someone attached or joined to God's service.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Aramaic of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Levite. See also: Ezra 6:16; Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:24.

זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤/א zammâr H2171 "singer" Adj | Art

A singer or musician who plays instruments, often in worship or celebration, like the singers in 1 Chronicles 6. In the Bible, this word is usually translated as 'singer'.

Definition: singer

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: singer. See also: Ezra 7:24.

תָרָֽעַיָּ/א֙ târâʻ H8652 "doorkeeper" Adj | Art

A doorkeeper is someone who guards the entrance to a temple or other important building. This Hebrew word is used to describe the person who controls access to a sacred place. In the Bible, it refers to a porter or doorkeeper.

Definition: porter, doorkeeper (in temple)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: porter. See also: Ezra 7:24.

נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔/א Nᵉthîyn H5412 "temple servant" Adj | Art

The Nethinim were temple servants who assisted the Levites and priests, as mentioned in Ezra. They were given to the temple for service, performing various tasks. The word is used to describe these temple slaves.

Definition: 1) Nethinims 1a) temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Nethinims. See also: Ezra 7:24.

וּ/פָ֣לְחֵ֔י pᵉlach H6399 "to serve" Adj | V-Qal

To serve means to worship or pay reverence to someone or something, often used to describe ministering to God or others in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to serve, worship, revere, minister for, pay reverence to 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to pay reverence to 1a2) to serve

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: minister, serve. See also: Ezra 7:24; Daniel 3:28; Daniel 7:27.

בֵּ֖ית 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.

אֱלָהָ֣/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.

דְנָ֑ה dên H1836 "this" Adj

This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.

Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.

מִנְדָּ֤ה middâh H4061 "tribute" Adj

This word refers to a payment or tax, like a tribute in money. It is used in the Bible to describe the tolls and taxes paid by the Israelites. The word is also used in Aramaic as a synonym for tribute.

Definition: tribute Aramaic of mid.dah (מִדָּה "tribute" H4060B)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: toll, tribute. See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 6:8; Ezra 7:24.

בְלוֹ֙ bᵉlôw H1093 "tribute" Adj

Tribute refers to a tax or payment made to a ruler or government, often on consumed goods. This concept is seen in the Bible, particularly in the books of Kings and Chronicles.

Definition: tribute

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: tribute. See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 4:20; Ezra 7:24.

וַ/הֲלָ֔ךְ hălâk H1983 "toll" Adj | N-ms

A toll is a tax on goods being transported, like the customs duties collected in 1 Kings 10:15. It was a common practice in ancient trade.

Definition: toll, custom duty, tribute Aramaic of ha.lakh (הָלַךְ ": walk" H1980)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: custom. See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 4:20; Ezra 7:24.

לָ֥א lâʼ H3809 "not" Adj

Means 'not' or 'nothing', often used to show something is absent or non-existent, like in Genesis. It implies a simple or absolute negation. Used over 2000 times in the Bible.

Definition: no, not, nothing Aramaic of lo (לֹא "not" H3808)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: or even, neither, no(-ne, -r), (can-) not, as nothing, without. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 3:16; Jeremiah 10:11.

שַׁלִּ֖יט shallîyṭ H7990 "ruling" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means having authority or being a ruler. It describes someone with mastery or power, like a captain or leader. This concept appears in various books, including the historical accounts of Israel's kings.

Definition: 1) having mastery, having authority, ruling 1a) having or exercising mastery, ruling 1b) ruler (subst) 1c) having authority 1c1) it is authorised

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: captain, be lawful, rule(-r). See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:29.

לְ/מִרְמֵ֥א rᵉmâh H7412 "to cast" Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a

To throw or cast something, like an object or a tribute, and to set or assess something. The word is used in the Bible to describe physical actions. It is translated as cast or impose in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to cast, throw 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to cast 1a2) to throw 1a2a) of tribute (fig) 1b) (Peil) 1b1) to be cast 1b2) to be placed, be set 1c) (Ithp'el) to be cast

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: cast (down), impose. See also: Ezra 7:24; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:9.

עֲלֵי/הֹֽם ʻal H5922 "since" Adj | Suff

Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.

Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)

Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.

Study Notes — Ezra 7:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezra 7:24 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:24
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:24
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:24
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:24
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 7:24
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:24
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 7:24
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 7:24

Context — Artaxerxes’ Letter for Ezra

22up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. 23Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons?

24And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

25And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God, which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. 26If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezra 7:7	So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants.
2	Ezra 4:13	Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer.
3	Ezra 2:36–55	The priests: The descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973; the descendants of Immer, 1,052; the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247; and the descendants of Harim, 1,017. The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah ), 74. The singers: the descendants of Asaph, 128. The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 139 in all. The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Siaha, the descendants of Padon, the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Asnah, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephusim, the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur, the descendants of Bazluth, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha, the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah, the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha. The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Peruda,
4	Ezra 4:20	And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.

Ezra 7:24 Summary

This verse is saying that the government should not charge taxes or fees to the priests, Levites, and other servants of the house of God, because they are already giving their time and energy to serving the Lord. This is similar to what we see in Numbers 18:21, where the Lord instructs the Israelites to support the Levites with a portion of their offerings. It's a reminder that those who serve the Lord should be supported and cared for, not burdened with extra expenses. As we read in Galatians 6:6, we should also support those who teach us the Word of God, and care for them as they care for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of authority are the priests and Levites exempt from in Ezra 7:24?

According to Ezra 7:24, the priests, Levites, and other servants of the house of God are exempt from tribute, duty, or toll, which means they are not required to pay taxes or fees to the government, as seen in similar exemptions in Numbers 18:24 and Deuteronomy 18:1-2.

Why are the servants of the house of God exempt from these taxes?

The servants of the house of God are exempt from these taxes because they are dedicated to serving the Lord and His house, as commanded in Numbers 18:21 and Deuteronomy 10:9, and it would be unfair to burden them with additional financial responsibilities.

Does this exemption apply to all believers or just the priests and Levites?

In the context of Ezra 7:24, this exemption specifically applies to the priests, Levites, and other servants of the house of God, but the principle of supporting those who serve the Lord can be seen in other passages, such as Galatians 6:6 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

How does this verse relate to the concept of separation of church and state?

Ezra 7:24 suggests that the government should not interfere with the affairs of the church, and that the church should be free to manage its own affairs without undue burden from the government, which is a principle also seen in Matthew 22:21 and Romans 13:1-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can support and care for those who serve the Lord in my community?
How can I apply the principle of not burdening those who serve the Lord to my own relationships and interactions with others?
What are some potential consequences of ignoring or disobeying God's commands, as mentioned in Ezra 7:23, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
In what ways can I use my own resources and talents to support the work of the Lord, as encouraged in verses like 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and Malachi 3:10?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:24

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God,.... The king had a right and perfect knowledge of the distinct

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:24

Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:24

Ezra 7:24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.Ver. 24. And also we certify you, that touching any of the priests] These he taketh special order for, that they be freed from public payments; and the like care was taken by our ancestors for the ministers of the Church of England, as appeareth by Magna Charta, chpat. 14. Their maintenance is of the law of nature, Genesis 47:22. Jezebel provided for her priests; idolatrous Micah for his Levite; the Papists for their shavelings, granting them many and great immunities, and being so free to them, that there was need of a statute of Mortmain providing that men should give no more to the Church. But tempera mutantur, &c. Seasons be changed.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:24

(24) We certify you.—The exemption of so large a number as the entire ministry of the Temple from all kinds of taxation is emphatically introduced.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 7:24

Verse 24. It shall not be lawful to impose toll] As these persons had no private revenues, it would have been unreasonable to have laid them under taxation.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:24

24. Nethinims] R.V. Nethinim, cf. Ezra 2:43. ministers] R.V. servants. The word in the original connected with that rendered “service” (Ezra 7:19). The expression “or servants” would cover any other branch (e.g. Solomon’s servants, Ezra 2:55) of attendants on the Temple. toll, tribute, or custom] R.V. tribute, custom, or toll. See on Ezra 5:13. Compare immunity from all taxation described by Josephus as having been granted to the priests and Levites by Antiochus the Great (Ant. XII. 3. 3), “And let the senate and the priests and the scribes of the Temple and the sacred singers be discharged from all poll-money and he crown tax, and other taxes also.” (Tran. Whiston.)

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 7:24

The decree of Artaxerxes was more favorable to the Jews than those of all previous Persian monarchs. We hear of a similar exemption of ecclesiastics from tribute, only to a less extent, under the Seleucidae.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 7:24

24. Toll, tribute, or custom — See note on Ezra 4:13.

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