Ezra 5:16 So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed."

◄ Ezra 5:16 ►

New International Version
“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.”

New Living Translation
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.’

English Standard Version
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.’

Berean Standard Bible
So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
Then that Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not yet completed.’

NASB 1995
Then that Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not yet completed.’

NASB 1977
‘Then that Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction, and it is not yet completed.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Then that Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it is being rebuilt, and it is not yet finished.’

Amplified Bible
Then that Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and is not yet completed.’

Christian Standard Bible
Then this same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of God’s house in Jerusalem. It has been under construction from that time until now, but it has not been completed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then this same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of God’s house in Jerusalem. It has been under construction from that time until now, yet it has not been completed.

American Standard Version
Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations 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 completed.

Contemporary English Version
Sheshbazzar then went to Jerusalem and laid the foundation for the temple, and the work is still going on.

English Revised Version
Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations 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 completed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Sheshbazzar laid the foundation of God's temple in Jerusalem. The temple has been under construction from that time until now, but it still isn't finished."

Good News Translation
So Sheshbazzar came and laid its foundation; construction has continued from then until the present, but it is still not finished.'

International Standard Version
"Then this very same Sheshbazzar arrived and laid the foundations for the Temple of God in Jerusalem. Since that time until now the Temple has been under construction and is not yet completed."

Majority Standard Bible
So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.”

NET Bible
Then this Sheshbazzar went and laid the foundations of the temple of God in Jerusalem. From that time to the present moment it has been in the process of being rebuilt, although it is not yet finished.'

New Heart English Bible
Then the same Sheshbazzar came, and laid the foundations of God's house which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet it is not completed.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been being built, and yet it is not completed.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Then this Sheshbazzar has come—he has laid the foundations of the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem, and from there even until now it has been building, and is not finished.

Young's Literal Translation
Then hath this Sheshbazzar come -- he hath laid the foundations of the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and from thence even till now it hath been building, and is not finished.

Smith's Literal Translation
Then this Sheshbazzar came, he set the foundations of the house of God that is in Jerusalem: and from that time even till now, being built and not finished.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then came this same Sassabasar, and laid the foundations of the temple of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it is in building, and is not yet finished.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so this same Sheshbazzar then came and set the foundations of the temple of God in Jerusalem. And from that time, even until now, it is being built, and it is not yet completed.’

New American Bible
Then this same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem. Since that time to the present the building has been going on, and is not yet completed.’

New Revised Standard Version
Then this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from that time until now it has been under construction, and it is not yet finished.’

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then the same Sheshmazzar came and laid the foundation of this temple which is in Jerusalem; and since that time even until now it has been in building, and yet it is not finished.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But Shishmatsar came and laid the foundation of the house in Jerusalem, and from then and unto now it is being built and is not finished.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations 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 completed.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then that Sabanazar came, and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem: and from that time even until now it has been building, and has not been finished.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Tattenai's Letter to Darius
…15and instructed, ‘Take these articles, put them in the temple in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its original site.’ 16So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.” 17Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Ezra 1:2-3
“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 his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.

Ezra 3:8-10
In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD. / So Jeshua and his sons and brothers, Kadmiel and his sons (descendants of Yehudah), and the sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all Levites—joined together to supervise those working on the house of God. / When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed.

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,

Zechariah 4:9
“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you.

Nehemiah 2:8
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

Nehemiah 2:18
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.

1 Chronicles 22:2
So David gave orders to gather the foreigners in the land of Israel, from whom he appointed stonecutters to prepare finished stones for building the house of God.

1 Chronicles 28:10
Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”

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.”

Daniel 9:25
Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

John 2:19-21
Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” / But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body.

Acts 7:47-49
But it was Solomon who built the house for Him. / However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: / ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be?

Treasury of Scripture

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 has it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

Sheshbazzar

Ezra 5:14
And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;

laid

Ezra 5:2
Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

Ezra 3:8,10
Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD…

Haggai 1:12-14
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD…

Ezra 6:15
And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

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Ezra 5

1. Zerubbabel and Jeshua, incited by Haggai and Zechariah, set forward to building
3. Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai are not able to hinder the Jews
6. Their letter to Darius against the Jews

Berean Study Bible

So this Sheshbazzar
The name "Sheshbazzar" is of Babylonian origin, possibly meaning "Sin (the moon god) protect the father." Sheshbazzar is identified as a leader of the first group of exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. His role is significant as he represents the continuity of God's promise to restore His people and their worship in Jerusalem. Historically, Sheshbazzar is often equated with Zerubbabel, though some scholars see them as distinct individuals. His leadership underscores the divine orchestration in the return and rebuilding efforts, fulfilling prophecies such as those in Isaiah and Jeremiah.

came and laid the foundations
The act of laying the foundations is symbolic of new beginnings and restoration. In the Hebrew context, laying a foundation is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, signifying the re-establishment of God's presence among His people. This foundational work is a fulfillment of God's promises and a testament to His faithfulness. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of a strong spiritual foundation in the life of believers, as emphasized throughout Scripture.

of the house of God
The "house of God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. The temple symbolizes God's dwelling among His people and His covenant relationship with them. In the broader biblical narrative, the temple points to the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament. The rebuilding of the temple is a physical manifestation of God's desire to restore and renew His covenant with Israel.

in Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds a special place in biblical history as the city chosen by God for His temple and the capital of His chosen people, Israel. It is a city of great spiritual significance, often representing the heart of God's redemptive plan. The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem signifies the restoration of worship and the re-establishment of God's order. It also foreshadows the New Jerusalem described in Revelation, where God will dwell with His people eternally.

From that day until now
This phrase indicates the ongoing nature of the construction process. It reflects the perseverance and faith required to continue God's work despite opposition and challenges. Historically, the rebuilding of the temple faced numerous obstacles, including political resistance and resource shortages. This perseverance is a powerful lesson for believers, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and mission, trusting in God's timing and provision.

it has been under construction
The continuous construction of the temple highlights the process of restoration and renewal. In a spiritual sense, it mirrors the believer's journey of sanctification, where God is continually at work in their lives, shaping and refining them. The construction process also emphasizes the communal effort required in building God's kingdom, as each person contributes their gifts and talents to the work.

but it has not yet been completed
The incomplete state of the temple serves as a reminder of the "already but not yet" aspect of God's kingdom. While the foundation has been laid and work is ongoing, the final completion awaits God's perfect timing. This reflects the Christian hope in the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, where believers look forward to the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. It encourages patience and faithfulness, trusting that God will bring His work to completion in His time.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) Since that time.--No account is taken of the long interruption. Whether these words are part of the answer given to Tatnai by the Jewish leaders, or his own statement to Darius, it is evident that the unfinished building of a house decreed to be built by Cyrus is regarded as demanding investigation as to the nature and validity of the decree itself.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - Since that time even until now hath it been in building. It is not quite clear whether these words are part of the answer given by the Jews to Tatnai, which he reports to Darius (see ver. 11), or Tatnai's own statement of what he believes to have been the fact. Perhaps the latter view is the more probable; and we may suppose Tatnai not to have been aware that from the second year of Cyrus to the commencement of the reign of Smerdis, and again during the latter part of this reign and the first eighteen months of the reign of Darius, the work had been suspended.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So
אֱדַ֙יִן֙ (’ĕ·ḏa·yin)
Adverb
Strong's 116: Then, thereupon

this
דֵּ֔ךְ (dêḵ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1791: This

Sheshbazzar
שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּ֣ר (šê·šə·baṣ·ṣar)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8340: Sheshbazzar -- a prince of Judah

came
אֲתָ֗א (’ă·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 858: To arrive

and laid
יְהַ֧ב (yə·haḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3052: To give, to put, imperatively, come

the foundation
אֻשַּׁיָּ֛א (’uš·šay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 787: A foundation

of
דִּי־ (dî-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

the house
בֵ֥ית (ḇêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1005: A house

of God
אֱלָהָ֖א (’ĕ·lā·hā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 426: God

in Jerusalem,
בִירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם (ḇî·rū·šə·lem)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3390: Jerusalem -- the capital city of all Israel

and from
וּמִן־ (ū·min-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

that time
אֱדַ֧יִן (’ĕ·ḏa·yin)
Adverb
Strong's 116: Then, thereupon

until
וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5705: Even to, until

now
כְּעַ֛ן (kə·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3705: Now

it has been under construction,
מִתְבְּנֵ֖א (miṯ·bə·nê)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1124: To build

but is not
וְלָ֥א (wə·lā)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809: Not, no

yet completed.”
שְׁלִֽם׃ (šə·lim)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 8000: To complete, to restore

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OT History: Ezra 5:16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar and laid (Ezr. Ez)