Ezra 4:16 akjv — We certify the king that, if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shall have no po…

American King James Version

"We certify the king that, if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shall have no portion on this side the river. ¶ "

— Ezra 4:16, American King James Version

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Ezra 4:16 in Other Translations

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Ezra 4 — Context

13

Be it known now to the king, that, if this city be built, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so you shall damage the revenue of the kings.

14

Now because we have maintenance from the king’s palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore have we sent and certified the king;

15

That search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so shall you find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.

16

We certify the king that, if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shall have no portion on this side the river. ¶

17

Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

18

The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.

19

And I commanded, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

Ezra 4:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ezra 4:16 say?
Ezra 4:16 in the American King James Version reads: “We certify the king that, if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shall have no portion on this side the river. ¶ ”
Where is Ezra 4:16 in the Bible?
Ezra 4:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ezra, chapter 4, verse 16.
Who wrote Ezra?
Ezra is traditionally attributed to Ezra (traditional). It was written c. 457–440 BC.
What is the book of Ezra about?
Ezra records the return of Judah from Babylonian exile in two waves — first under Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple, and second under Ezra himself to restore the Law. It is a story of restored worship and renewed obedience.
What are the major themes of Ezra?
Ezra explores themes including Return, Rebuilding the Temple, Restoration, Reform, Repentance. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ezra 4:16.
What translation should I read Ezra 4:16 in?
Ezra 4:16 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 Ezra 4:16?
Ezra 4:16 reads (AKJV): “We certify the king that, if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shall have no portion on this side the river. ¶ ” 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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