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1 Esdras 4:9 kjva — If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant.

King James Version with Apocrypha

“If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant.”

— 1 Esdras 4:9, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

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5 of 21 translations

1 Esdras 4:9 in Other Translations

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1 Esdras 4 — Context

6

Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do with wars, but use husbandry, when they have reaped again that which they had sown, they bring it to the king, and compel one another to pay tribute unto the king.

7

And yet he is but one man: if he command to kill, they kill; if he command to spare, they spare;

8

If he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they build;

9

If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant.

10

So all his people and his armies obey him: furthermore he lieth down, he eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest:

11

And these keep watch round about him, neither may any one depart, and do his own business, neither disobey they him in any thing.

12

O ye men, how should not the king be mightiest, when in such sort he is obeyed? And he held his tongue.

1 Esdras 4:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Esdras 4:9 say?
1 Esdras 4:9 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant.”
Where is 1 Esdras 4:9 in the Bible?
1 Esdras 4:9 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 1 Esdras, chapter 4, verse 9.
Who wrote 1 Esdras?
1 Esdras is traditionally attributed to Anonymous Hellenistic Jewish author. Greek composition (or compilation) that retells material from 2 Chronicles 35–36, Ezra, and Nehemiah 7:38–8:12. Called "3 Esdras" in the Vulgate. It was written c. 200–100 BC.
What is the book of 1 Esdras about?
1 Esdras parallels the closing chapters of Chronicles, the book of Ezra, and the early chapters of Nehemiah, recounting Josiah's Passover, the fall of Jerusalem, and the return from exile to rebuild the Temple. Its most distinctive material is the "Contest of the Three Guardsmen" (3:1–5:6), where Zerubbabel wins a debate before King Darius by declaring that truth is mightier than wine, kings, or women — earning the king's favor and the right to return.
What are the major themes of 1 Esdras?
1 Esdras explores themes including Restoration, Temple, Truth, Exile and Return, Divine Sovereignty. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Esdras 4:9.
What translation should I read 1 Esdras 4:9 in?
1 Esdras 4:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Esdras 4:9?
1 Esdras 4:9 reads (KJVA): “If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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