Ezra 7:25
New International Version
And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them.

New Living Translation
“And you, Ezra, are to use the wisdom your God has given you to appoint magistrates and judges who know your God’s laws to govern all the people in the province west of the Euphrates River. Teach the law to anyone who does not know it.

English Standard Version
“And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach.

Berean Standard Bible
And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them.

King James Bible
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

New King James Version
And you, Ezra, according to your God-given wisdom, set magistrates and judges who may judge all the people who are in the region beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach those who do not know them.

New American Standard Bible
“And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges so that they may judge all the people who are in the province beyond the Euphrates River, that is, all those who know the laws of your God; and you may teach anyone who is ignorant of them.

NASB 1995
“You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges that they may judge all the people who are in the province beyond the River, even all those who know the laws of your God; and you may teach anyone who is ignorant of them.

NASB 1977
“And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges that they may judge all the people who are in the province beyond the River, even all those who know the laws of your God; and you may teach anyone who is ignorant of them.

Legacy Standard Bible
“And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges that they may judge all the people who are in the province beyond the River, even all those who know the laws of your God; and to anyone who does not know the laws, you shall make them known.

Amplified Bible
“You, Ezra, are to appoint magistrates and judges in accordance with the wisdom and instruction of your God which is in your hand, so that they may judge all the people who are in the province west of the [Euphrates] River; appoint those who know the laws of your God; and you may teach anyone who does not know them.

Christian Standard Bible
And you, Ezra, according to God’s wisdom that you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people in the region west of the Euphrates who know the laws of your God and to teach anyone who does not know them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And you, Ezra, according to God’s wisdom that you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people in the region west of the Euphrates who know the laws of your God and to teach anyone who does not know them.

American Standard Version
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God that is in thy hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye him that knoweth them not.

Contemporary English Version
Ezra, use the wisdom God has given you and choose officials and leaders to govern the people of Western Province. These leaders should know God's laws and have them taught to anyone who doesn't know them.

English Revised Version
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God that is in thine hand, appoint magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye him that knoweth them not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You, Ezra, using your God's wisdom-the Teachings you hold in your hands-will appoint judges and administrators for all the people who know your God's Teachings and live [in the province] west of the Euphrates River. In addition, you will teach anyone who doesn't know the Teachings.

Good News Translation
"You, Ezra, using the wisdom which your God has given you, are to appoint administrators and judges to govern all the people in West-of-Euphrates who live by the Law of your God. You must teach that Law to anyone who does not know it.

International Standard Version
And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom given to you by your God, are to appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people beyond the Euphrates River. All of them are to know the laws of your God, and you are to instruct those who do not know them.

Majority Standard Bible
And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them.

NET Bible
"Now you, Ezra, in keeping with the wisdom of your God which you possess, appoint judges and court officials who can arbitrate cases on behalf of all the people who are in Trans-Euphrates who know the laws of your God. Those who do not know this law should be taught.

New Heart English Bible
You, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God who is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach him who doesn't know them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thy hand, set magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

World English Bible
You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, who all know the laws of your God; and teach him who doesn’t know them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God, that [is] in your hand, appoint magistrates—even judges who may be judging—judging all the people who are beyond the river, to all knowing the Law of your God, and he who has not known, you cause to know;

Young's Literal Translation
And thou, Ezra, according to the wisdom of thy God, that is in thy hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may be judges to all the people who are beyond the river, to all knowing the law of thy God, and he who hath not known ye cause to know;

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou Ezra, according to the wisdom of thy God that is in thy hand, appoint judges and tribunals to be judging for all the people that are beyond the river, to all knowing the laws of thy God; and those not knowing ye shall cause to know.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thou Esdras according to the wisdom of thy God, which is in thy hand, appoint judges and magistrates, that may judge all the people, that is beyond the river, that is, for them who know the law of thy God, yea and the ignorant teach ye freely.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But as for you, Ezra, in accord with the wisdom of your God, which is in your hand, appoint judges and magistrates, so that they may judge the entire people, which is beyond the river, especially so that they may know the law of your God, but also so as to teach the ignorant freely.

New American Bible
“As for you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God which is in your possession, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people in West-of-Euphrates, to all, that is, who know the laws of your God. Instruct those who do not know these laws.

New Revised Standard Version
“And you, Ezra, according to the God-given wisdom you possess, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River who know the laws of your God; and you shall teach those who do not know them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you, Ezra, according to your wisdom which your God has given you, appoint governors and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the River, all such as know the law of your God; and him who does not know it, you shall teach.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you, Azra the Scribe, according to the wisdom that your God gave to you, make Princes and Judges that they will be judging all the people at the Crossing of the River, all who know the law of your God. He who does not know, teach him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God that is in thy hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye him that knoweth them not.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou, Esdras, as the wisdom of God is in thy hand, appoint scribes and judges, that they may judge for all the people beyond the river, all that know the law of the Lord thy God; and ye shall make it known to him that knows not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Artaxerxes' Letter for Ezra
24And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. 25And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates— all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. 26If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.…

Cross References
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.

Deuteronomy 1:13-15
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” / And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.” / So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.

1 Kings 3:9-12
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...

2 Chronicles 19:5-10
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” ...

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Daniel 1:17
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.

Exodus 18:21-22
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.

Psalm 119:99-100
I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:15
Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them

Romans 12:7
if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.


Treasury of Scripture

And you, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God, that is in your hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach you them that know them not.

the wisdom

Ezra 7:14
Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;

1 Kings 3:28
And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

1 Chronicles 22:12
Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

set magistrates

Exodus 18:21-25
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: …

Deuteronomy 16:18
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

1 Chronicles 23:4
Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:

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:

teach ye

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

2 Chronicles 17:7-9
Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah…

Nehemiah 8:1-3,7,8
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel…

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Ezra 7
1. Ezra goes up to Jerusalem
11. The gracious commission of Artaxerxes to Ezra
27. Ezra blesses God for this favor














And you, Ezra
This phrase directly addresses Ezra, a scribe and priest, emphasizing his personal responsibility and divine calling. Ezra's lineage traces back to Aaron, the brother of Moses, which underscores his authority and legitimacy in leading the Jewish people. Historically, Ezra is seen as a reformer who played a crucial role in re-establishing the Jewish community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

according to the wisdom of your God
The phrase highlights the divine source of Ezra's wisdom, which is not merely human insight but a gift from God. In Hebrew, "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) often refers to practical skills and moral understanding, suggesting that Ezra's leadership is grounded in a deep, God-given understanding of the law and life. This wisdom is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with figures like Solomon.

which you possess
This emphasizes that Ezra already holds this wisdom, indicating that he is well-prepared for the task at hand. It suggests a personal relationship with God, where wisdom is both a gift and a responsibility. The possession of wisdom implies that Ezra is expected to act upon it, reflecting the biblical principle that knowledge and action are intertwined.

appoint magistrates and judges
Ezra is instructed to establish a judicial system, which is crucial for maintaining order and justice. The Hebrew roots for "magistrates" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) and "judges" (דָּיָן, dayan) indicate roles of authority and decision-making. This reflects the biblical mandate for leaders to uphold justice, a theme prevalent throughout the Scriptures, from the Mosaic Law to the teachings of the prophets.

to judge all the people in the province beyond the River
The "province beyond the River" refers to the region west of the Euphrates, including Judah. This geographical reference situates Ezra's mission within the broader Persian Empire, highlighting the political and cultural context of his work. It underscores the expansive reach of his authority and the importance of establishing a legal system that aligns with God's laws.

all who know the laws of your God
This phrase distinguishes between those familiar with God's laws and those who are not, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and adherence to divine statutes. The "laws of your God" refers to the Torah, the foundational legal and ethical code for the Jewish people. This highlights the continuity of God's covenant and the centrality of the law in Jewish identity and community life.

And teach those who do not know them
Ezra's mission includes an educational component, underscoring the importance of teaching and discipleship. The Hebrew concept of teaching (לָמַד, lamad) involves not just imparting knowledge but also shaping character and behavior. This reflects the biblical emphasis on passing down God's commandments to future generations, ensuring that the community remains faithful to its covenantal obligations.

(25) All such as know.--The firman, or king's commission, returning directly to Ezra, makes him supreme in the province over the Jewish population.

And teach ye them that know them not.--That is, those Jews who had comparatively forsaken the law. Here he has absolute authority in religion.

Verse 25. - And thou, Ezra. This conclusion would be by itself sufficient to remove the document out of the ordinary category of "decrees" or "edicts," and to render it, what it is called in ver. 11, nish-tevan, "a letter." After the wisdom of thy God, that is in thy hand. i.e. "that is in thy possession." Set magistrates and judges. Both the words used are derived from roots signifying "to judge," and it is difficult to draw any distinction between them. The one translated "magistrates" is that which gives its title to the Book of "Judges." Which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God. The latter clause is probably intended to be limitative of the former, and to consign to Ezra's government only the Jewish portion of the population, in which, however, are to be reckoned the proselytes (see comment on Ezra 6:21). And teach ye them that know them not. As the other inhabitants of Syria were not Zoroastrians, but idolaters, Ezra was given free permission to spread his religion among them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And you,
וְאַ֣נְתְּ (wə·’ant)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 607: You

Ezra,
עֶזְרָ֗א (‘ez·rā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5831: Ezra -- an Israelite

according to the wisdom
כְּחָכְמַ֨ת (kə·ḥā·ḵə·maṯ)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2452: Wisdom

of your God
אֱלָהָ֤ךְ (’ĕ·lā·hāḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 426: God

which you possess,
דִּֽי־ (dî-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

are to appoint
מֶ֣נִּי (men·nî)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 4483: To count, appoint

magistrates
שָׁפְטִ֞ין (šā·p̄ə·ṭîn)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8200: To judge

and judges
וְדַיָּנִ֗ין (wə·ḏay·yā·nîn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1782: A judge, advocate

to judge
דָּאיְנִין֙ (dā·yə·nîn)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1778: To judge

all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

the people
עַמָּה֙ (‘am·māh)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5972: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

west
בַּעֲבַ֣ר (ba·‘ă·ḇar)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side

of the Euphrates—
נַהֲרָ֔ה (na·hă·rāh)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5103: A river, the Euphrates

all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

who know
יָדְעֵ֖י (yā·ḏə·‘ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3046: To know

the laws
דָּתֵ֣י (dā·ṯê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1882: A royal edict, statute

of your God.
אֱלָהָ֑ךְ (’ĕ·lā·hāḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 426: God

And
וְדִ֧י (wə·ḏî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

you are to teach [these laws]
יָדַ֖ע (yā·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3046: To know

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

does not
לָ֦א (lā)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809: Not, no

know them.
תְּהוֹדְעֽוּן׃ (tə·hō·wḏ·‘ūn)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3046: To know


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OT History: Ezra 7:25 You Ezra after the wisdom of your (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 7:24
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