Ezra 5 10

Ezra 5:10 kjv

We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.

Ezra 5:10 nkjv

We also asked them their names to inform you, that we might write the names of the men who were chief among them.

Ezra 5:10 niv

We also asked them their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information.

Ezra 5:10 esv

We also asked them their names, for your information, that we might write down the names of their leaders.

Ezra 5:10 nlt

And we demanded their names so that we could tell you who the leaders were.

Ezra 5 verses

Ezra 5 10 Meaning

Ezra 5:10 records the Persian officials, Tatnai and Shethar-Bozenai, stating their request to the Jewish elders for the identities of their leaders. Their intent was to formalize an investigative report to King Darius. This act highlights the bureaucratic scrutiny and procedural challenges faced by the returning exiles during their reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple. It signifies an official effort to ascertain authority and responsibility for the ongoing work.

Ezra 5 10 Context

Ezra 5:10 falls within a crucial narrative section (Ezra 5:1–6:22) describing the re-commencement of the temple rebuilding and the ensuing renewed opposition from Persian officials in the Trans-Euphrates region. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah had recently encouraged the despondent Jews to resume construction after a lengthy pause. As the work restarts with zeal, Tatnai, the governor, and Shethar-Bozenai, an associate, arrive to investigate the activity. This verse is part of their interrogation of the Jewish leaders. Their query about names and leaders is not malicious but bureaucratic, seeking to confirm authority and legality for the official report they intend to send to King Darius. The historical context is post-exilic Judah, under Persian rule, with the Jewish people striving to re-establish their religious and communal life in Jerusalem after the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1). The tension between Persian administrative procedures and the Jewish divine mandate drives the plot.

Ezra 5 10 Word analysis

• We also asked them: This signifies a formal, structured inquiry by the Persian authorities. It wasn't an arbitrary demand but part of an official process of information gathering, characteristic of Persian imperial administration.
• their names (Aramaic: שׁוּם, šûm): This Aramaic word goes beyond a mere label; it can refer to identity, reputation, character, and legal designation. The officials required specific personal identification for their records, a vital step in ancient bureaucratic systems. To name someone was to identify their position, standing, and the legal basis for their actions.
• to inform you (Aramaic: מַהוְדַע, mahwĕdaʿ): Clearly states the purpose of the request: to convey accurate, verified information upwards to King Darius. It shows the officials were acting on a need to produce a report, not just curiosity.
• that we might write down (Aramaic: נִכְתּוֹב, nikh'tōv): Emphasizes the creation of an official, written record. This indicates a high level of formality and the desire for verifiable documentation in a formal report to the supreme ruler. Written decrees and records were paramount in Persian administration, affecting legal validity.
• the names of the men: Reiteration of the "names" reinforces the emphasis on precise individual identification. "Men" (gĕbarīn - גֻּבְרִין) refers to individuals, underscoring personal responsibility.
• who were at their head (Aramaic: רֵאשׁ, rē’š): This means "chief," "head," "leader." It denotes those in authority, in charge, and responsible for the rebuilding effort. The officials sought to identify the individuals holding primary leadership roles, who would therefore be accountable for the actions of the group.

Words-group analysis

• "We also asked them their names, to inform you": This phrase highlights the procedural, bureaucratic nature of the Persian inquiry. It underscores a clear chain of command and the intent to gather data for higher authorities. The objective was clarity and accountability through identification.
• "that we might write down the names of the men who were at their head": This phrase emphasizes documentation and identification of leadership. It demonstrates the imperial administrative practice of listing leaders, making them accountable for any undertakings. It also shows a distinction being made between the general workforce and those with responsibility and decision-making authority. This precision reflects Persian administrative thoroughness in legal and governmental matters.

Ezra 5 10 Bonus section

The Aramaic setting of Ezra 5 highlights the diverse linguistic tapestry of the Bible and the multi-ethnic environment of the Persian Empire. This particular passage (Ezra 4:8–6:18 and Ezra 7:12–26) is written in Imperial Aramaic, reflecting the lingua franca of the Achaemenid Empire. This choice of language lends authenticity to the legal documents and correspondence being referenced within the text, underscoring the formal nature of the proceedings. The Jewish leaders' response (Ezra 5:11-15), detailing their history and the Cyrus decree, demonstrates their understanding of Persian legal precedent and their skill in articulating their case within the administrative framework of the empire, ultimately pointing back to divine authorization rather than merely human ambition. The entire process, instigated by a demand for names, was ultimately for God's glory and the advancement of His people's restoration.

Ezra 5 10 Commentary

Ezra 5:10 serves as a pivotal administrative snapshot in the larger narrative of temple rebuilding. It shows that the initial opposition was not always one of outright malice but often bureaucratic diligence. Tatnai and Shethar-Bozenai, as regional governors, were performing their duty by investigating large-scale activities that could have political or economic implications. Their request for "names of the men who were at their head" was a standard investigative procedure to determine who held the authority and whether the work was sanctioned.

This demand implicitly sought to confirm if the builders possessed royal authorization or if they were engaging in an unsanctioned political uprising. For the Jewish exiles, this seemingly ordinary administrative request carried profound spiritual weight. It placed their divinely appointed leaders—Zerubbabel and Jeshua—directly in the spotlight of the Persian Empire. This very inquiry, intended to potentially halt the work, ultimately led to King Darius's decree (Ezra 6:1-12) that not only allowed the work to continue but provided financial support and protection, showcasing God's sovereign hand in seemingly ordinary administrative procedures.

Practical usage examples:

1. Facing bureaucratic hurdles: Even in the face of red tape or official inquiry, God can use secular structures to further His purposes.
2. Accountability in leadership: Leaders are always under scrutiny, whether by secular authorities or the watchful eye of God. Their identity and actions are subject to divine and human review.
3. The power of a written record: In God's economy and human systems, official records (like the book of remembrance or the Book of Life) hold profound significance.