Ezra 5 16

Ezra 5:16 kjv

Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

Ezra 5:16 nkjv

Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem; but from that time even until now it has been under construction, and it is not finished."

Ezra 5:16 niv

"So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem. From that day to the present it has been under construction but is not yet finished."

Ezra 5:16 esv

Then this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been in building, and it is not yet finished.'

Ezra 5:16 nlt

So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the Temple of God in Jerusalem. The people have been working on it ever since, though it is not yet completed.'

Ezra 5 verses

Ezra 5 16 Meaning

Ezra 5:16 explains that Sheshbazzar, the appointed leader, initiated the rebuilding of God's house in Jerusalem by laying its foundation. It further reports that the construction project, though ongoing since that initial action, remained unfinished at the time this account was given to the Persian authorities, highlighting a period of significant delay.

Ezra 5 16 Context

This verse is part of a letter written by Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, and his associates, to King Darius (Ezra 5:6-17). They were investigating the legality of the Jews' rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, which had recommenced after a long halt. The Jewish elders responded to Tattenai's inquiry (Ezra 5:11-15) by explaining their identity as servants of the God of heaven and earth, recounting the destruction of their temple, and asserting that Cyrus the king of Persia had decreed their return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the house of God. Verse 16 specifically details the first step taken by their original leader, Sheshbazzar, acting on Cyrus's decree, thereby establishing the legitimacy of the ongoing work despite its prolonged nature. This historical account aims to prove their legal right to continue construction.

Ezra 5 16 Word analysis

• Then came (אֱדַיִן אֲתָה - ʼĕdayin ʼătăh, Aramaic): Signifies the initiation of an action within a sequence of events. It marks the commencement of the physical work, highlighting that this step followed the earlier decrees and appointments.
• the same Sheshbazzar (שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּר דֵּךְ - Sheshbazzar dēḵ, Aramaic): The Aramaic dēḵ (that one, the very one) emphasizes Sheshbazzar's distinct identity and authority as the first governor appointed by Cyrus to lead the exiles back to Judah (Ezra 1:8, 1:11). This highlights the legal continuity of the rebuilding from its divinely mandated start.
• and laid the foundations (וְיַהַשְׁתֵּית - wəyahaštēyt, Aramaic): To lay a foundation (šûṯ) is the fundamental and initial step in constructing any building. This signifies not just the start of construction, but the establishment of a secure and proper basis, indicating a serious and authorized beginning of the sacred project.
• of the house of God (בֵּית־אֱלָהָא - bêṯ-ʼĕlāhâ, Aramaic): Explicitly identifies the building as the Temple, the dedicated place for Yahweh's presence and worship. This reinforces the spiritual and sacred nature of the endeavor, emphasizing its divine purpose and ultimate owner.
• which is in Jerusalem (דִּי בִירוּשְׁלֶם - dî bîrûšlem, Aramaic): Pinpoints the exact location. Jerusalem was the prophesied and sacred city for God's dwelling, establishing the fulfillment of divine promise and its significance as the spiritual center.
• and since that time even until now (וּמִן־אֱדַיִן עַד־כְּעַן - ûmin-ʼĕdayin ʽad-kəʽan, Aramaic): Denotes the considerable passage of time. This phrase "until now" confirms the long duration and the present reality of the construction project during Tattenai's investigation. It indicates years of delay since the foundation was laid.
• hath it been in building (מִתְבְּנֵא - mitbənê, Aramaic): An active participle signifying an ongoing, continuous process, even if slow or intermittent. It indicates that work was not completely abandoned, but remained a continuous endeavor in principle.
• and yet it is not finished (וְלָא שְׁלִים - wəlāʼ šəlîm, Aramaic): Shəlîm means complete, perfect. This direct statement indicates that despite the efforts and duration, the work was still incomplete. It highlights the challenges, opposition, and apathy that led to the prolonged construction period for the second temple.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations of the house of God which is in Jerusalem": This phrase underlines the divinely appointed initiation of the sacred Temple project in its prophesied location. It signifies the tangible beginning of restoration after the exile, emphasizing legitimate authority and purposeful action towards rebuilding God's dwelling.
• "and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished": This crucial declaration conveys the significant timeline and persistent challenges faced by the exiles in rebuilding. It illustrates that God's great works, though initiated, often involve lengthy periods of difficulty and human perseverance before their ultimate completion. It reflects a state of suspended progress and the continued faithfulness needed to see the divine purpose through.

Ezra 5 16 Bonus section

The debate surrounding the exact relationship between Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel has intrigued scholars. Some propose they might be the same person or close relatives with successive leadership roles. Regardless, Ezra 5:16 clarifies that Sheshbazzar held the original commission from Cyrus and laid the initial foundation, with Zerubbabel continuing the work later. This emphasis in the Jews' testimony to Tattenai legitimizes the current work by tracing its origin back to a fully sanctioned royal decree and a divinely commissioned leader. The ongoing construction also testifies to God's patience and sovereignty, demonstrating His persistent will to have His dwelling among His people despite decades of interruption. The unfinished state implicitly invited investigation, ultimately leading to Darius's affirmation of Cyrus's decree in Ezra 6, proving that God orchestrates events for the completion of His purpose.

Ezra 5 16 Commentary

Ezra 5:16 is a foundational statement of the Jews to Persian authorities, substantiating the legitimacy of the Temple rebuilding project in Jerusalem. It underscores the importance of proper beginnings, identifying Sheshbazzar as the divinely appointed initial leader under King Cyrus's decree, who faithfully laid the sacred foundation. This foundational act confirmed God's plan for His house to be re-established in Jerusalem, central to the identity and worship of the covenant people. However, the verse's closing phrase, "and yet it is not finished," reveals the considerable challenges and protracted delays the community faced. It signifies the reality that divine projects, though initiated with authority and clear purpose, often encounter periods of discouragement, opposition, or apathy. Despite the slow progress, the continuity, "hath it been in building," underscores a persistent effort and unwavering divine purpose. The very report, as part of an official inquiry, demonstrates God's continued oversight and a rekindling of the building effort under Haggai and Zechariah's prophetic encouragement. This verse subtly shows how God works through historical events and human agents, ensuring His plans unfold despite temporal setbacks.