Ezra 4:21 nasb — "So, now issue a decree to make these men stop work, that this city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me.

NASB

""So, now issue a decree to make these men stop work, that this city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me."

— Ezra 4:21, NASB

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Ezra 4:21 in Other Translations

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Ezra 4 — Context

18

the document which you sent to us has been translated and read before me.

19

"A decree has been issued by me, and a search has been made and it has been discovered that that city has risen up against the kings in past days, that rebellion and revolt have been perpetrated in it,

20

that mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem, governing all the provinces beyond the River, and that tribute, custom and toll were paid to them.

21

"So, now issue a decree to make these men stop work, that this city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me.

22

"Beware of being negligent in carrying out this matter; why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?"

23

Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes' document was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their colleagues, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and stopped them by force of arms.

24

Then work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it was stopped until 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 NASB reads: “"So, now issue a decree to make these men stop work, that this city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by 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 (NASB): “"So, now issue a decree to make these men stop work, that this city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by 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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