Ezra 1:5 So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites--everyone whose spirit God had stirred--prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

◄ Ezra 1:5 ►

New International Version
Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

New Living Translation
Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the LORD.

English Standard Version
Then rose up the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible
So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

King James Bible
Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

New King James Version
Then the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirits God had moved, arose to go up and build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites rose up, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites arose, even everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites arose, even everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites arose, that is of everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
Then the heads of the fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites, all those whose spirits God had stirred up, arose to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

Christian Standard Bible
So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—everyone whose spirit God had roused —prepared to go up and rebuild the LORD’s house in Jerusalem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the family leaders of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—everyone God had motivated—prepared to go up and rebuild the LORD’s house in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version
Then rose up the heads of fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
Many people felt that the LORD God wanted them to help rebuild his temple, and they made plans to go to Jerusalem. Among them were priests, Levites, and leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

English Revised Version
Then rose up the heads of fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, told the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, the priests, and the Levites-everyone God had inspired-came forward to rebuild the LORD's temple in Jerusalem.

Good News Translation
Then the heads of the clans of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and Levites, and everyone else whose heart God had moved got ready to go and rebuild the LORD's Temple in Jerusalem.

International Standard Version
In response, the heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and descendants of Levi, and all those who had been prompted by God, prepared to travel to rebuild the Temple of the LORD, which was in Jerusalem.

Majority Standard Bible
So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites?everyone whose spirit God had stirred?prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

NET Bible
Then the leaders of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and the Levites--all those whose mind God had stirred--got ready to go up in order to build the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
Then the heads of ancestral houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up rose up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then arose the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

World English Bible
Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and the Levites, all whose spirit God had stirred to go up, rose up to build Yahweh’s house which is in Jerusalem.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And heads of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin rise, and the priests and the Levites, even everyone whose spirit God has awoken, to go up to build the house of YHWH, that [is] in Jerusalem;

Young's Literal Translation
And heads of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin rise, and the priests and the Levites, even every one whose spirit God hath waked, to go up to build the house of Jehovah, that is in Jerusalem;

Smith's Literal Translation
And there will rise up the heads to the fathers to Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites to all God roused up his spirit, to go up to build the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Juda and Benjamin, and the priests, and Levites, and every one whose spirit God had raised up, to go up to build the temple of the Lord, which was in Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the leaders of the fathers from Judah and from Benjamin, with the priests, and the Levites, and all those whose spirit was stirred by God, rose up, so that they might ascend to build the temple of the Lord, which was in Jerusalem.

New American Bible
Then the heads of ancestral houses of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites—everyone, that is, whose spirit had been stirred up by God—prepared to go up to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

New Revised Standard Version
The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—got ready to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then rose up the chiefs of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with every one whose spirit God had stirred, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Chiefs of the fathers of Yehuda rose up, and Benjamin and the Priests and the Levites and everyone whose spirit God awakened to go up to build the house of LORD JEHOVAH, the God who is in Jerusalem.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then rose up the heads of fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then the chiefs of the families of Juda and Benjamin arose, and the priests, and the Levites, all whose spirit the Lord stirred up to go up to build the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Proclamation of Cyrus
…4And let every survivor, wherever he lives, be assisted by the men of that region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ ” 5So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites— everyone whose spirit God had stirred— prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. 6And all their neighbors supported them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuables, in addition to all their freewill offerings.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Nehemiah 2:5
and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

Haggai 1:14
So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God,

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”

Isaiah 44:28
who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’”

Isaiah 45:13
I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”

Jeremiah 29:10
For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.

Jeremiah 50:4-5
“In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and will seek the LORD their God. / They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten.

Zechariah 1:16
Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’

Zechariah 2:6-7
“Get up! Get up! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the LORD, “for I have scattered you like the four winds of heaven,” declares the LORD. / “Get up, O Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the Daughter of Babylon!”

Zechariah 6:15
Even those far away will come and build the temple of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”

Acts 15:16
‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,

Romans 11:5
In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

2 Corinthians 8:16-17
But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you. / For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.

Treasury of Scripture

Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

whose spirit

Ezra 1:1
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

2 Chronicles 36:22
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

Nehemiah 2:12
And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

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Ezra 1

1. The proclamation of Cyrus for the building of the temple
5. The people provide for their return
7. Cyrus restores the vessels of the temple to Sheshbazzar

Berean Study Bible

So the family heads
The phrase "family heads" refers to the leaders or patriarchs of the families or clans within the tribes. In the Hebrew context, the term used is "rosh," meaning "head" or "chief." These individuals held significant authority and responsibility within their communities. Historically, the family structure was central to Jewish society, and the heads of families played a crucial role in decision-making and leadership. Their involvement in the return to Jerusalem underscores the communal and organized nature of this significant event.

of Judah and Benjamin
Judah and Benjamin were two of the twelve tribes of Israel. After the division of the united kingdom, these two tribes formed the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The mention of these tribes highlights the remnant of Israel that remained faithful and were now returning from exile. Historically, these tribes had a special connection to Jerusalem, with Judah being the tribe of King David and the lineage of the Messiah, and Benjamin being closely associated with the city due to its proximity.

along with the priests and Levites
The priests and Levites were integral to the religious life of Israel. The priests, descendants of Aaron, were responsible for performing sacrifices and rituals in the temple, while the Levites assisted them and took care of the temple's maintenance. Their inclusion in the return to Jerusalem emphasizes the restoration of proper worship and religious practices, which had been disrupted during the Babylonian exile. This return was not just a physical journey but a spiritual renewal for the people of Israel.

everyone whose spirit God had stirred
This phrase indicates divine intervention and inspiration. The Hebrew word for "stirred" is "ʿûr," which means to awaken or incite. It suggests that God actively moved in the hearts of these individuals, prompting them to take action. This divine stirring is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises through His chosen people. It also reflects the theme of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of prophecy, as He had promised to bring His people back to their land.

prepared to go up
The phrase "prepared to go up" signifies readiness and determination. The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was not merely a physical ascent but also a spiritual one. The Hebrew word "ʿālâ" means to ascend or rise, often used in the context of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, which was situated on a hill. This preparation involved both logistical planning and spiritual readiness, as the people were returning to rebuild not just a city, but their identity and relationship with God.

and rebuild the house of the LORD
Rebuilding the "house of the LORD" refers to the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. The temple was the center of Jewish worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Hebrew word for "house" is "bayith," which can mean both a physical structure and a household or family. This rebuilding was a significant act of restoration, symbolizing the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

in Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds a central place in Jewish history and theology. It is the city chosen by God for His temple and the capital of the Davidic kingdom. The return to Jerusalem was not just a return to a geographical location but a return to the heart of their faith and identity. Historically, Jerusalem had been the focal point of Jewish worship and governance, and its restoration was essential for the re-establishment of the nation of Israel. The city's name, meaning "foundation of peace," reflects the hope and promise of God's presence and blessing upon His people.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5-11) Immediate result of the decree.

(5) With all them whose spirit God had raised.--Namely, all is the more exact rendering. The same influence that prompted the decree of Cyrus was necessary to overcome the inertness of the captives: many preferred to remain in Babylon.--The people were enumerated as tribes, families, and fathers' houses; the second and third orders of classification are not here distinguished from each other.

(6) Precious things.--The Hebrew equivalent is a rare word, which, when it occurs, is connected only with the precious metals.

Willingly offered.--Although it is not so said, the people of Cyrus were "stirred up" like himself: how much he gave, and how much he valued the worship of the Temple, we shall hereafter see.

(7) His gods.--Rather, his god. Merodach, to wit, whom he called "his lord" (Daniel 1:2). From 2Kings 25:13-17 it appears that much had been taken away which Cyrus had not been able to find.

(8) Mithredath.--"Dedicated to Mithra," the sun god of the Persians, whose worship among the Vedic Indians had thus early reached Persia.

Sheshbazzar.--The Chaldee name of Zerubbabel, whose title, however, as Prince of Judah is given him from the Hebrew side. He was the legal heir of Jehoiachin, being the son of Pedaiah (1Chronicles 3:19), who possibly married the widow of Salathiel or Shealtiel. And the title "Prince of Judah," or "Prince of the captivity," was specially given to him in common with a very few others. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - Then rose up the chief of the fathers. The "chief of the fathers" are the hereditary heads of the families recognized as distinct and separate (see Ezra 2:3-19).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So the family
הָאָב֗וֹת (hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

heads
רָאשֵׁ֣י (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of Judah
לִֽיהוּדָה֙ (lî·hū·ḏāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

and Benjamin,
וּבִנְיָמִ֔ן (ū·ḇin·yā·min)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

along with the priests
וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (wə·hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

and Levites—
וְהַלְוִיִּ֑ם (wə·hal·wî·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

everyone
לְכֹ֨ל (lə·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

whose spirit
רוּח֔וֹ (rū·ḥōw)
Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

God
הָאֱלֹהִים֙ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

had stirred—
הֵעִ֤יר (hê·‘îr)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

prepared
וַיָּק֜וּמוּ (way·yā·qū·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

to go up
לַעֲל֣וֹת (la·‘ă·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and rebuild
לִבְנ֔וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1129: To build

the house
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

in Jerusalem.
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

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OT History: Ezra 1:5 Then rose up the heads of fathers' (Ezr. Ez)