Ezra 3:7
New International Version
Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and gave food and drink and olive oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar logs by sea from Lebanon to Joppa, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia.

New Living Translation
Then the people hired masons and carpenters and bought cedar logs from the people of Tyre and Sidon, paying them with food, wine, and olive oil. The logs were brought down from the Lebanon mountains and floated along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Joppa, for King Cyrus had given permission for this.

English Standard Version
So they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

Berean Standard Bible
They gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia.

King James Bible
They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

New King James Version
They also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

New American Standard Bible
Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar wood from Lebanon to the sea at Joppa, according to the permission they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

NASB 1995
Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food, drink and oil to the Sidonians and to the Tyrians, to bring cedar wood from Lebanon to the sea at Joppa, according to the permission they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

NASB 1977
Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and to the Tyrians, to bring cedar wood from Lebanon to the sea at Joppa, according to the permission they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and to the Tyrians, to bring cedar wood from Lebanon to the sea at Joppa, according to the permission they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

Amplified Bible
They gave money to the masons and to the carpenters, and gave food, drink, and [olive] oil to the people from Sidon and Tyre, to bring cedar wood from Lebanon to the seaport of Joppa, in accordance with the authorization they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

Christian Standard Bible
They gave money to the stonecutters and artisans, and gave food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so they would bring cedar wood from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, according to the authorization given them by King Cyrus of Persia.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They gave money to the stonecutters and artisans, and gave food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so they could bring cedar wood from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, according to the authorization given them by King Cyrus of Persia.

American Standard Version
They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and food, and drink, and oil, unto them of Sidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar-trees from Lebanon to the sea, unto Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Contemporary English Version
King Cyrus of Persia had said the Israelites could have cedar trees brought from Lebanon to Joppa by sea. So they sent grain, wine, and olive oil to the cities of Tyre and Sidon as payment for these trees, and they gave money to the stoneworkers and carpenters.

English Revised Version
They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, unto Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So they gave money to the stonecutters and carpenters. Then they gave food, drink, and olive oil to the men from Sidon and Tyre in exchange for cedar, which the men would bring by sea from Lebanon to Joppa as King Cyrus of Persia had authorized them to do.

Good News Translation
The people gave money to pay the stonemasons and the carpenters and gave food, drink, and olive oil to be sent to the cities of Tyre and Sidon in exchange for cedar trees from Lebanon, which were to be brought by sea to Joppa. All this was done with the permission of Emperor Cyrus of Persia.

International Standard Version
They paid masons and carpenters in cash. They paid the residents of Sidon and Tyre with food, drink, and oil, for them to bring cedar trees by sea from Lebanon to Joppa in accordance with the order they had obtained from Cyrus, king of Persia.

Majority Standard Bible
They gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia.

NET Bible
So they provided money for the masons and carpenters, and food, beverages, and olive oil for the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar timber from Lebanon to the seaport at Joppa, in accord with the edict of King Cyrus of Persia.

New Heart English Bible
They also gave money to the masons, and to the carpenters. They also gave food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Kurush King of Persia.

Webster's Bible Translation
They gave money also to the masons, and to the carpenters; and provisions, and drink, and oil, to them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

World English Bible
They also gave money to the masons and to the carpenters. They also gave food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus King of Persia.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they give money to hewers and to craftsmen, and food, and drink, and oil to Zidonians and to Tyrians, to bring in cedar-trees from Lebanon to the Sea of Joppa, according to the permission of Cyrus king of Persia concerning them.

Young's Literal Translation
and they give money to hewers and to artificers, and food, and drink, and oil to Zidonians and to Tyrians, to bring in cedar-trees from Lebanon unto the sea of Joppa, according to the permission of Cyrus king of Persia concerning them.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will give silver to those hewing, and to those graving, and food and drink and oil to the Zidonians, and the Tyrians, to bring cedar woods from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa according to the permit of Cyrus king of Persia to them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they gave money to hewers of stones and to masons: and meat and drink, and oil to the Sidonians and Tyrians, to bring cedar trees from Libanus to the sea of Joppe, according to the orders which Cyrus king of the Persians had given them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so they gave money to those who cut and laid stones. Similarly, they gave food, and drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians, so that they would bring cedar wood, from Lebanon to the sea at Joppa, in accord with what had been commanded of them by Cyrus, the king of the Persians.

New American Bible
Then they hired stonecutters and carpenters, and sent food and drink and oil to the Sidonians and Tyrians that they might ship cedar trees from the Lebanon to the port of Joppa, as Cyrus, king of Persia, had authorized.

New Revised Standard Version
So they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from King Cyrus of Persia.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They gave money to the masons and to the carpenters; and for the food and drink and oil to the Syrians and the Zidonians, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon by the sea to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they gave money to the Stone Masons and to the Carpenters, and for food and for drink, and oil for the Tyrians and for the Tsidonians, to bring trees of cedar from Lebanon on the sea to Yoppa, just as Kurash, King of Persia, wrote to them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
They gave money also unto the hewers, and to the carpenters; and food, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar-trees from Lebanon to the sea, unto Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they gave money to the stone-hewers and carpenters, and meat and drink, and oil, to the Sidonians, and Tyrians, to bring cedar trees from Libanus to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant of Cyrus king of the Persians to them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sacrifices Restored
6On the first day of the seventh month, the Israelites began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, although the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid. 7They gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia.

Cross References
1 Kings 5:6-11
Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.” / When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!” / Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber. ...

2 Chronicles 2:8-10
Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber there. And indeed, my servants will work with yours / to prepare for me timber in abundance, because the temple I am building will be great and wonderful. / I will pay your servants, the woodcutters, 20,000 cors of ground wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of olive oil.”

1 Kings 5:18
So Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone for the construction of the temple.

2 Chronicles 2:16
We will cut logs from Lebanon, as many as you need, and we will float them to you as rafts by sea down to Joppa. Then you can take them up to Jerusalem.”

1 Kings 5:9
My servants will haul the logs from Lebanon to the Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate the logs, and you can take them away. And in exchange, you can meet my needs by providing my household with food.”

2 Chronicles 2:3
Then Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre: “Do for me as you did for my father David when you sent him cedars to build himself a house to live in.

1 Kings 5:17
And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.

2 Chronicles 2:7
Send me, therefore, a craftsman skilled in engraving to work with gold and silver, with bronze and iron, and with purple, crimson, and blue yarn. He will work with my craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided.

1 Kings 5:10
So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,

2 Chronicles 2:15
Now let my lord send to his servants the wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine he promised.

1 Kings 5:6
Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.”

2 Chronicles 2:2
So he conscripted 70,000 porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors.

1 Kings 5:8
Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber.

2 Chronicles 2:12
And Hiram added: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made the heavens and the earth! He has given King David a wise son with insight and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself.

1 Kings 5:11
and year after year Solomon would provide Hiram with 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, as well as 20,000 baths of pure olive oil.


Treasury of Scripture

They gave money also to the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, to them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

gave money

2 Kings 12:11,12
And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD, …

2 Kings 22:5,6
And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house, …

2 Chronicles 24:12,13
And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD…

carpenters.

1 Kings 5:6,9-11
Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians…

2 Chronicles 2:10-15
And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil…

Ezekiel 27:17
Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.

Ezra 3:12
But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

2 Chronicles 2:16
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

Jonah 1:3
But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

according

Ezra 6:3-5
In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; …

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Carpenters Cedar Cedar-Trees Cyrus Drink Food Grant Hewers Joppa Lebanon Masons Meat Money Oil Persia Provisions Sea Sidon Trees Tyre Zidon
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Carpenters Cedar Cedar-Trees Cyrus Drink Food Grant Hewers Joppa Lebanon Masons Meat Money Oil Persia Provisions Sea Sidon Trees Tyre Zidon
Ezra 3
1. The altar is set up
4. Offerings renewed
7. Workmen employed in preparing materials
8. The foundations of the temple are laid in great joy and mourning














They gave money
This phrase indicates the practical and necessary steps taken by the Israelites to ensure the rebuilding of the temple. The Hebrew root for "money" (כֶּסֶף, keseph) often signifies silver, a common medium of exchange. This act of giving reflects a commitment to stewardship and the prioritization of God's work, emphasizing the importance of investing resources into spiritual endeavors.

to the stonecutters and artisans
The stonecutters and artisans were skilled laborers essential for the temple's construction. The Hebrew word for "artisans" (חָרָשׁ, charash) implies craftsmanship and skill. This highlights the value of God-given talents and the importance of using one's skills for divine purposes. It also reflects the collaborative effort required in the body of Christ, where each member contributes uniquely to the work of God.

and food and drink and oil
These provisions were necessary for sustaining the workers and those involved in the transportation of materials. The mention of "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) is significant, as oil was a valuable commodity in ancient times, used for anointing and as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This provision underscores the need for physical and spiritual sustenance in the work of the Lord.

to the people of Sidon and Tyre
Sidon and Tyre were prominent Phoenician cities known for their maritime trade and skilled labor in timber. Historically, these cities had a reputation for providing materials for significant building projects, including Solomon's temple (1 Kings 5:1-10). This collaboration with non-Israelite cities demonstrates God's sovereignty in using all nations to fulfill His purposes and the importance of peaceful cooperation.

so that they would bring cedar logs by sea from Lebanon to Joppa
Cedar logs from Lebanon were renowned for their quality and durability, making them ideal for temple construction. The transportation "by sea" indicates the logistical planning involved in the project. The mention of "Joppa" (modern-day Jaffa) as the port city highlights its historical role as a gateway for materials destined for Jerusalem. This reflects the meticulous preparation and divine provision in the rebuilding process.

as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia
Cyrus's authorization is a fulfillment of God's promise and prophecy (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1). The Persian king's decree underscores God's control over world leaders and events, using them to accomplish His divine will. This serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance that He can use any circumstance or authority to advance His kingdom purposes.

(7) They gave money.--Their own workmen were paid in money; the Phoenicians, as in Solomon's days (1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2), were paid in kind. This illustrates and is illustrated by Acts 12:20.

The sea of Joppa.--The Jewish port to which the cedar-trees were sent by sea, and thence thirty-five miles inland to Jerusalem.

The grant.--The authority of Cyrus over Ph?nicia seems not to have been doubtful.

Verse 7. - They gave money also unto the masons. The exiles had no doubt been employed by the Babylonian monarchs to a large extent in building, as their ancestors had been during their sojourn in Egypt (Exodus 1:2). Consequently, among those who returned there were many masons and carpenters. These were now set to work by Zerubbabel, and received their wages in money. And meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre. The Phoenicians, on the other hand, received their wages in kind. As Phoenicia was a narrow strip of country, and grew but little corn, it had always to depend mainly for its supplies of food on its neighbours, and generally drew the greater part from Palestine (see Acts 12:20). Hiram had furnished materials to Solomon for the first temple on condition of receiving wheat, barley, wine, and oil (2 Chronicles 2:15). Zerubbabel made a similar arrangement at the present time with the Tyrians and Sidonians. To bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa. Having cut the timber in the mountains, the Phoenicians conveyed it to the coast, perhaps sometimes letting it pass down the rivers, and, collecting it on the coast into large rafts or "flotes" (2 Chronicles 2:16), took these by sea to the roadstead of Joppa (Jaffa). Hence it was conveyed by land a distance of thirty-five miles to Jerusalem. Lebanon cedar was in great request in the East, and appears to have been cut and carried off both by the Egyptians and the Assyrians. The forests must in the ancient times have been far more extensive than at present. According to the grant that they had of Cyrus. A special grant of Phoenician timber, made by Cyrus, seems to be intended. Though Cyrus had not conquered Phoenicia ('Herod.,' 3:34), he might regard his conquest of Babylon as involving the submission of what had for some time been a Babylonian dependency.

CHAPTER 3:8-13

§ 3. REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE AND OPPOSITION MADE TO IT. LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE TEMPLE AND CEREMONIAL ON THE OCCASION (vers. 8-13). Seven months were occupied with preparations. The winter was past, and the spring had arrived. It was the second month, Zif, the month of "blossom," corresponding to our May - the same month in which Solomon had laid the foundation of the first temple (1 Kings 6:1) - when Zerubbabel judged that the time had come for commencing the foundation of the second. The correspondence of the month was no doubt intentional, like the correspondence of the foundations of the altar (ver. 3), and was to mark that all was to be as before, that nothing was to be wantonly changed. Zerubbabel and Jeshua presided; but to Zerubbabel is assigned the chief part in the work. "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house" are the words of God himself to Zechariah (Zechariah 4:9). It was arranged that the work should commence with a religious ceremonial, natural piety here suggesting what was not recorded of the "first house," though it may have occurred and not have been put on record. The ceremonial consisted chiefly of praise, and was accompanied with sacred music, according to the pattern set by David and Solomon in their sacred processions and ceremonies (1 Chronicles 15:19, 24; 1 Chronicles 16:5; 2 Chronicles 5:12, etc.). Their special parts in it were assigned beforehand to the priests, the Levites, and the people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They gave
וַיִּ֨תְּנוּ־ (way·yit·tə·nū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

money
כֶ֔סֶף (ḵe·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

to the masons
לַחֹצְבִ֖ים (la·ḥō·ṣə·ḇîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2672: To cut, carve, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

and carpenters,
וְלֶחָרָשִׁ֑ים (wə·le·ḥā·rā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2796: A fabricator, any material

and food
וּמַאֲכָ֨ל (ū·ma·’ă·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3978: An eatable

and drink
וּמִשְׁתֶּ֜ה (ū·miš·teh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast

and oil
וָשֶׁ֗מֶן (wā·še·men)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

to the people of Sidon
לַצִּֽדֹנִים֙ (laṣ·ṣi·ḏō·nîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6722: Sidonians -- an inhabitant of Sidon

and Tyre
וְלַצֹּרִ֔ים (wə·laṣ·ṣō·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6876: Tyrians -- inhabitants of Tyre

to bring
לְהָבִיא֩ (lə·hā·ḇî)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

cedar
אֲרָזִ֤ים (’ă·rā·zîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 730: A cedar tree

logs
עֲצֵ֨י (‘ă·ṣê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

Lebanon
הַלְּבָנוֹן֙ (hal·lə·ḇā·nō·wn)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3844: Lebanon -- a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joppa
יָפ֔וֹא (yā·p̄ō·w)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3305: Joppa -- a seaport city of Palestine

by sea,
יָ֣ם (yām)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

as authorized
כְּרִשְׁי֛וֹן (kə·riš·yō·wn)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7558: Permission

by King
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

Cyrus
כּ֥וֹרֶשׁ (kō·w·reš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3566: Cyrus -- a person king

of Persia.
פָּרַ֖ס (pā·ras)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6539: Persia -- a country in west Asia which conquered Babylon


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OT History: Ezra 3:7 They gave money also to the masons (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 3:6
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