Ezra 4:21 kjva — Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall…

King James Version with Apocrypha

"Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me."

— Ezra 4:21, King James Version with Apocrypha

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Ezra 4:21 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ezra 4 — Context

18

The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.

19

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

20

There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

21

Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.

22

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

23

Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

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.

Ezra 4:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ezra 4:21 say?
Ezra 4:21 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.”
Where is Ezra 4:21 in the Bible?
Ezra 4:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ezra, chapter 4, verse 21.
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 4:21.
What translation should I read Ezra 4:21 in?
Ezra 4:21 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 4:21?
Ezra 4:21 reads (KJVA): “Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.” 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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