Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now I, King Artaxerxes, decree that all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates are to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, the teacher of the Law of the God of heaven, may ask of you— New Living Translation “I, Artaxerxes the king, hereby send this decree to all the treasurers in the province west of the Euphrates River: ‘You are to give Ezra, the priest and teacher of the law of the God of heaven, whatever he requests of you. English Standard Version “And I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers in the province Beyond the River: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence, Berean Standard Bible I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, Berean Literal Bible And by me—I, Artaxerxes the king—is made a decree to all treasurers who are beyond the River, that all that Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of the heavens, may ask of you⁺, let it be done diligently. King James Bible And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily, New King James Version And I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the region beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, let it be done diligently, New American Standard Bible “I myself, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the provinces beyond the Euphrates River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it shall be done diligently, NASB 1995 “I, even I, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the provinces beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it shall be done diligently, NASB 1977 “And I, even I King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the provinces beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it shall be done diligently, Legacy Standard Bible “So I, even I, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the provinces beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, may ask of you, it shall be done with all diligence, Amplified Bible “And I, Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree to all the treasurers in the provinces west of the [Euphrates] River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it shall be done diligently and at once— Berean Annotated Bible I, King Artaxerxes (I will make the spoiled to boil), decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates (beyond the River): Whatever Ezra (help) the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you⁺, it must be provided promptly, Christian Standard Bible I, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers in the region west of the Euphrates River: Whatever Ezra the priest, an expert in the law of the God of the heavens, asks of you must be provided in full, Holman Christian Standard Bible I, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers in the region west of the Euphrates River: Whatever Ezra the priest, an expert in the law of the God of heaven, asks of you must be provided promptly, American Standard Version And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers that are beyond the River, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence, Contemporary English Version Ezra, you are a priest and an expert in the laws of the God of heaven, and I order all treasurers in Western Province to do their very best to help you. English Revised Version And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence, GOD'S WORD® Translation I, King Artaxerxes, order all the treasurers [in the province] west of the Euphrates River to do exactly what Ezra the priest, a scribe for the Teachings of the God of Heaven, asks you to do. Good News Translation "I command all the treasury officials in West-of-Euphrates Province to provide promptly for Ezra, the priest and scholar in the Law of the God of Heaven, everything he asks you for, International Standard Version I, Artaxerxes, in my capacity as king, hereby decree to all royal treasuries beyond the Euphrates River that whatever Ezra the priest-scribe of the Law of the God of Heaven, may require of you are to be performed with all due diligence, NET Bible "I, King Artaxerxes, hereby issue orders to all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates, that you precisely execute all that Ezra the priestly scribe of the law of the God of heaven may request of you-- New Heart English Bible I, even I Artachshasta the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence, Webster's Bible Translation And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the river, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, World English Bible I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, requires of you, it shall be done with all diligence, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd by me—I Artaxerxes the king—is made a decree to all treasurers who [are] beyond the river, that all that Ezra the priest, scribe of the Law of the God of the heavens, asks of you, be done speedily: Berean Literal Bible And by me—I, Artaxerxes the king—is made a decree to all treasurers who are beyond the River, that all that Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of the heavens, may ask of you⁺, let it be done diligently. Young's Literal Translation And by me -- I Artaxerxes the king -- is made a decree to all treasurers who are beyond the river, that all that Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, doth ask of you, be done speedily: Smith's Literal Translation And from me, I Arthasatha the king, a decree was set up to all the treasurers that are beyond the river, that all which Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of the heavens, shall ask of you, shall be done speedily, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI Artaxerxes the king have ordered and decreed to all the keepers of the public chest, that are beyond the river, that whatsoever Esdras the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, you give it without delay, Catholic Public Domain Version and by me. I, king Artaxerxes, have appointed and decreed to all the keepers of the public treasury, those who are beyond the river, that whatever Ezra, the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall ask of you, you shall provide it without delay, New American Bible I, Artaxerxes the king, issue this decree to all the treasurers of West-of-Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, requests of you, let it be done with all diligence, New Revised Standard Version “I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers in the province Beyond the River: Whatever the priest Ezra, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd I, Artakhshisht the king, do make a decree to all treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe learned in the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, you shall do it speedily, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated I, Artakhshesht the King, I have appointed the law to all the Treasurers who are at the Crossing of the River: ‘Everything that Azra the Priest the Scribe, Scribe of the law of the God of Heaven, will ask you, you shall diligently do OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers that are beyond the River, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence, Brenton Septuagint Translation and from me, whatever it shall seem good to thee to give. I king Arthasastha have made a decree for all the treasuries that are in the country beyond the river, that whatever Esdras the priest and scribe of the God of heaven may ask you, it shall be done speedily, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Artaxerxes' Letter for Ezra…20And if anything else is needed for the house of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may pay for it from the royal treasury. 21 I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, 22up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit.… Cross References I, King Artaxerxes, decree Daniel 6:26 I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. Daniel 3:29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be cut into pieces and their houses reduced to rubble. For there is no other god who can deliver in this way.” Esther 8:8 Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.” to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Ezra 6:8 I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered. Nehemiah 2:7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. Ezra 4:20 And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them. Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, Nehemiah 8:2 On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. Nehemiah 8:1 At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. Nehemiah 8:8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. may require of you, Exodus 12:36 And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. Deuteronomy 15:8 Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. Esther 5:6 And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” it must be provided promptly, Proverbs 3:28 Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”—when you already have the means. Deuteronomy 23:21 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. Esther 8:14 The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa. Esther 3:12 On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. Treasury of Scripture And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily, Artaxerxes Ezra 7:12,13 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time… beyond the river Ezra 4:16,20 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river… Ezra 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: Ezra 6:6,10,11 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: … Jump to Previous Artaxerxes Ar-Ta-Xerx'es Decree Diligence Diligently Ezra Heaven Issue Law Order Priest Province Provinces Require Requires River Scribe Trans-Euphrates Treasurers Whatever WhatsoeverJump to Next Artaxerxes Ar-Ta-Xerx'es Decree Diligence Diligently Ezra Heaven Issue Law Order Priest Province Provinces Require Requires River Scribe Trans-Euphrates Treasurers Whatever WhatsoeverEzra 7 1. Ezra goes up to Jerusalem11. The gracious commission of Artaxerxes to Ezra 27. Ezra blesses God for this favor I, King Artaxerxes, decree This phrase introduces King Artaxerxes I of Persia, who reigned from 465-424 BC. His decree is significant as it shows the Persian policy of supporting local customs and religions within their empire, which included the Jewish community. Artaxerxes' support for Ezra reflects the broader Persian strategy of maintaining control by allowing a degree of religious and cultural autonomy. to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, Persons / Places / Events 1. King ArtaxerxesThe Persian king who issued the decree allowing Ezra to return to Jerusalem and provided him with resources to restore the temple and teach the Law of God. 2. Ezra A priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, tasked with leading the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem and teaching the people God's laws. 3. Treasurers of Trans-Euphrates Officials responsible for the financial and administrative affairs in the region beyond the Euphrates River, instructed to support Ezra's mission. 4. Trans-Euphrates A region within the Persian Empire, referring to the lands west of the Euphrates River, including parts of modern-day Syria and Israel. 5. The Law of the God of heaven Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which Ezra was to teach and enforce among the Israelites. Teaching Points Divine Providence through Secular AuthoritiesGod can use secular leaders to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Artaxerxes' support for Ezra. Believers should trust in God's sovereignty over all authorities. The Importance of God's Law Ezra's mission underscores the centrality of God's Word in the life of His people. Christians should prioritize studying and living according to Scripture. Prompt Obedience The decree emphasizes promptness in fulfilling God's work. Believers should be diligent and timely in their service to God. Resource Provision for God's Work Just as the treasurers were instructed to provide for Ezra, God equips His people with the necessary resources to fulfill His mission. Leadership and Responsibility Ezra's role as a leader and teacher highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide others in understanding and applying God's Word. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 7:21?2. How does Ezra 7:21 demonstrate God's provision through earthly authorities for His work? 3. What role does King Artaxerxes play in fulfilling God's plan in Ezra 7:21? 4. How can we trust God's provision in our ministries as seen in Ezra 7:21? 5. How does Ezra 7:21 connect with Romans 13:1 about authority and governance? 6. In what ways can we seek God's favor in our endeavors like Ezra? 7. How does Ezra 7:21 demonstrate God's provision for His people through earthly authorities? 8. What does Ezra 7:21 reveal about the relationship between faith and government? 9. How does Ezra 7:21 reflect God's sovereignty in influencing non-believers for His purposes? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 7? 11. In Ezra 7:21–24, does the decree’s broad tax exemption align with known Persian administrative policies, or is it historically implausible? 12. What is the publication date of Ezra? 13. Ezra 8:21–23 portrays a successful journey relying solely on divine protection; is there historical or archaeological evidence of such a safe passage without royal guards? 14. In Ezra 7:11–20, how could a foreign monarch have so willingly granted vast resources and freedom to a Jewish priest when such acts were uncommon in that era? What Does Ezra 7:21 Mean I, King Artaxerxes“I, King Artaxerxes” (Ezra 7:21) • A real, identifiable Persian monarch speaks. Scripture treats historical rulers as genuine figures (Ezra 6:14; Nehemiah 2:1), reminding us that God works through kings as easily as prophets (Proverbs 21:1). • The Lord’s sovereignty is highlighted: a pagan emperor is moved to support God’s people, echoing Cyrus in Ezra 1:1 and Darius in Ezra 6:7–12. • God’s faithfulness to His covenant people is on display; He had promised He would not abandon them in exile (Jeremiah 29:10–14). Decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates “issue a decree to all the treasurers in the region beyond the Euphrates” • The “treasurers” are Persian officials who controlled imperial revenues. Their compliance means material backing for God’s work comes from the empire’s coffers (Ezra 6:8–10). • “West of the Euphrates” identifies the larger province that included Judah. God secures favor not just locally but across a vast administrative area (Psalm 24:1). • Earthly resources are placed at divine disposal, illustrating Haggai 2:8: “The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts.” Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven “Whatever Ezra the priest, a scribe of the Law of the God of heaven” • Ezra’s dual role—priest and scribe—shows he is spiritually qualified (Ezra 7:10) and legally recognized by Persia (Ezra 7:12). • “Law of the God of heaven” affirms that the Torah is heaven-sent and authoritative (Psalm 19:7–9). Even a pagan king acknowledges its divine origin (Daniel 6:26). • The phrase “whatever Ezra …” grants broad latitude, paralleling Jesus’ later promise to the church that “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven” (Matthew 18:18)—God entrusts His servants with sweeping responsibility when they are centered on His Word. May require of you “may require of you” • Ezra is free to request whatever resources he deems necessary. God provides for His mission, as He did through Pharaoh’s subjects who gave valuables to Israel (Exodus 12:35–36) and through the Philippians who supplied Paul (Philippians 4:18–19). • This provision is not indulgent but purposeful: it supports temple worship and teaching (Ezra 7:24; 7:27–28). • Kingdom work is funded by God’s appointed means; believers can expect His supply when aligned with His purposes (2 Corinthians 9:8). It must be provided promptly “it must be done promptly” • The king orders swift obedience. Delayed cooperation would hinder worship, so urgency is mandated (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5). • Promptness reflects God’s own readiness to act (Isaiah 65:24) and teaches believers to respond quickly to His leading (Psalm 119:60). • With no cap on Ezra’s requests (addressed in verse 22), the decree guards against bureaucratic resistance, echoing Jesus’ instruction, “Do not hinder them” (Mark 10:14). summary Ezra 7:21 records Artaxerxes’ sweeping command that imperial treasurers supply Ezra without delay. God turns a powerful king’s heart to underwrite temple worship and Torah teaching, proving His control over history and resources. The verse assures believers that when God commissions a task, He moves even secular authorities to provide everything needed—and He expects His people to act promptly in faithful obedience. Hebrew I,אֲנָ֞ה (’ă·nāh) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 576: I King מַלְכָּא֙ (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 4430: A king Artaxerxes, אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא (’ar·taḥ·šast) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 783: Artaxerxes -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of Persia decree טְעֵ֔ם (ṭə·‘êm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2942: Flavor, judgment, account to all לְכֹל֙ (lə·ḵōl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every the treasurers גִּזַּֽבְרַיָּ֔א (giz·zaḇ·ray·yā) Noun - masculine plural determinate Strong's 1490: Treasurer west בַּעֲבַ֣ר (ba·‘ă·ḇar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side of the Euphrates: נַהֲרָ֑ה (na·hă·rāh) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 5103: A river, the Euphrates Whatever כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every Ezra עֶזְרָ֨א (‘ez·rā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5831: Ezra -- an Israelite the priest, כָהֲנָ֜ה (ḵā·hă·nāh) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 3549: Priest the scribe סָפַ֤ר (sā·p̄ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5613: A secretary, scribe of the Law דָּתָא֙ (dā·ṯā) Noun - feminine singular determinate Strong's 1882: A royal edict, statute of דִּ֣י (dî) Pronoun - relative Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because the God אֱלָ֣הּ (’ĕ·lāh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 426: God of heaven, שְׁמַיָּ֔א (šə·may·yā) Noun - masculine plural determinate Strong's 8065: The sky may require of you, יִ֠שְׁאֲלֶנְכוֹן (yiš·’ă·len·ḵō·wn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine plural Strong's 7593: To inquire, to request, to demand it must be provided יִתְעֲבִֽד׃ (yiṯ·‘ă·ḇiḏ) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5648: To do, make, prepare, keep promptly, אָסְפַּ֖רְנָא (’ā·sə·par·nā) Adverb Strong's 629: Thoroughly, with (all) diligence Links Ezra 7:21 NIVEzra 7:21 NLT Ezra 7:21 ESV Ezra 7:21 NASB Ezra 7:21 KJV Ezra 7:21 BibleApps.com Ezra 7:21 Biblia Paralela Ezra 7:21 Chinese Bible Ezra 7:21 French Bible Ezra 7:21 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 7:21 I even I Artaxerxes the king do (Ezr. 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