Ezra 5:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} came {H858} the same {H1791} Sheshbazzar {H8340}, and laid {H3052} the foundation {H787} of the house {H1005} of God {H426} which is in Jerusalem {H3390}: and since {H4481} that time {H116} even until {H5705} now {H3705} hath it been in building {H1124}, and yet it is not {H3809} finished {H8000}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So this same Sheshbatzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Yerushalayim; it has been under construction ever since, and it isn't finished yet.

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.”

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:16 is a crucial declaration by the Jewish elders to Tatnai, the Persian governor, providing historical justification for their resumed work on the Jerusalem Temple. This verse precisely recounts the initial laying of the Temple's foundation by Sheshbazzar, acting under King Cyrus's original decree, and candidly acknowledges the significant, multi-decade delay in its construction. It underscores the arduous and interrupted nature of this sacred task, highlighting the unwavering perseverance required in God's work despite prolonged opposition and periods of inactivity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:16 is strategically placed within a formal letter from Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his colleagues to King Darius I (found in [Ezra 5:6-17](/ezra/5-6-17 "Ezra 5:6-17 - Tatnai's Letter to King Darius")). Tatnai had arrived in Jerusalem to investigate the unauthorized rebuilding of the Temple. The Jewish elders, in response to his inquiry, provided a detailed historical and legal defense for their actions. Verses 11-16 of their testimony, quoted by Tatnai, narrate their identity as servants of the God of heaven and earth, the destruction of the first Temple, King Cyrus's decree for rebuilding, and the pivotal role of Sheshbazzar in laying the foundation. This specific verse directly addresses the initial phase of construction, linking the current efforts to the original, divinely sanctioned mandate, thereby asserting the legitimacy of their continued work after the previous cessation documented in [Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - Work on the Temple Ceases"). It serves as a historical anchor for their appeal to Darius.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Ezra 5:16 is the post-exilic period under the vast Persian Empire, specifically during the reign of Darius I (522-486 BC). Decades earlier, following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the First Temple (586 BC), the Jewish people were exiled. King Cyrus the Great of Persia, after conquering Babylon, issued a remarkable decree around 538 BC, permitting the exiled Jews to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Temple Rebuilding")). Sheshbazzar, identified as the "prince of Judah" and a prominent leader, was commissioned by Cyrus to lead the first wave of returnees and initiate the Temple's reconstruction, even bringing back the sacred Temple vessels ([Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7-11 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Sheshbazzar's Commission and the Temple Vessels")). While the foundation was laid around 536 BC, significant local opposition, culminating in a royal decree from a later king, Artaxerxes (as recounted in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")), led to an approximate 18-year cessation of work. It was only through the powerful prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah, starting around 520 BC, that the people, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, were spiritually reawakened and spurred to resume the building, prompting Tatnai's official inquiry. The verse vividly encapsulates this extended period of interruption and renewed dedication.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 5:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **divine faithfulness and historical continuity** of God's redemptive plan for His people and their worship. The Temple's rebuilding was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely initiated and sustained task, rooted in God's covenant promises and King Cyrus's decree. Secondly, the phrase "not finished" centrally highlights the theme of **perseverance amidst protracted opposition and delay**. It reflects the immense obstacles, periods of apathy, and external interference that plagued the Temple's reconstruction, serving as a poignant testament to the enduring challenges inherent in God's work. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **accountability, legitimate authority, and the importance of remembering foundational acts**. By explicitly recalling Sheshbazzar's initial laying of the foundation, the elders not only provide crucial historical context but also firmly establish the legitimate, divinely sanctioned basis for their current efforts, reinforcing the conviction that God's purposes, though delayed, will ultimately prevail, culminating in the Temple's eventual completion as recorded in [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - The Temple Completed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheshbazzar (Aramaic, _Shêshᵉbatstsar'_):** This is the Aramaic transliteration of the Babylonian name given to the Jewish leader appointed by King Cyrus to oversee the initial return and the rebuilding of the Temple. As per [Ezra 1:8](/ezra/1-8 "Ezra 1:8 - Sheshbazzar, Prince of Judah"), he was the "prince of Judah" and the one entrusted with the sacred Temple vessels. His mention here emphasizes the direct, authoritative link to Cyrus's original decree and the critical first phase of the Temple's reconstruction, establishing the legitimacy and continuity of the entire project.
* **foundation (Aramaic, _ʼôsh'_):** This Aramaic term refers to the bedrock or base upon which a structure is built. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the laying of a foundation was a highly significant, often ceremonial, event marking the official commencement of a major construction project. For the "house of God," this act was profoundly symbolic, representing the re-establishment of God's dwelling place among His people in Jerusalem, signifying renewed hope, covenant, and the restoration of proper worship.
* **finished (Aramaic, _shᵉlam'_):** This Aramaic verb, often translated as "to complete," "to restore," or "to make whole," conveys the idea of bringing something to its intended conclusion or perfection. In Ezra 5:16, its negation ("not finished" using `lâʼ`) is crucial. It highlights the protracted and incomplete state of the Temple's construction at the time of Tatnai's inquiry, underscoring the significant period of interruption, the challenges faced, and the ongoing nature of the divinely mandated task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came the same Sheshbazzar":** This clause establishes the historical continuity and the authoritative beginning of the Temple's reconstruction. "Then" (Aramaic, `ʼĕdayin`) points back to the time immediately following Cyrus's decree. The phrase "the same Sheshbazzar" (Aramaic, `dêk Shêshᵉbatstsar`) emphasizes that the individual who initiated the work was indeed the one divinely commissioned and officially appointed by the Persian king, lending irrefutable legitimacy to the entire enterprise. It grounds the current efforts in a historically verifiable and authoritative origin.
* **"and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem":** This specifies the precise, foundational act performed by Sheshbazzar. It was not merely any building, but "the house of God" (Aramaic, `bayith ʼĕlâhh`), emphasizing its sacred purpose and profound significance as the central place of Israelite worship and the visible symbol of God's presence among His people. The location, "in Jerusalem" (Aramaic, `Yᵉrûwshâlêm`), firmly ties the rebuilding to the historical, spiritual, and prophetic capital of the Jewish nation, reinforcing its unique importance.
* **"and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished":** This crucial temporal statement conveys the immense duration and the interrupted, ongoing nature of the Temple's construction. "Since that time even until now" (Aramaic, `min ʼĕdayin ʻad kᵉʻan`) bridges the significant gap of nearly two decades between the initial foundation-laying and the present inquiry by Tatnai, highlighting the protracted period of delay. The concluding phrase, "and yet it is not finished" (Aramaic, `lâʼ shᵉlam`), serves as a factual, yet implicitly apologetic, statement explaining why the work was still ongoing when Tatnai arrived. It candidly acknowledges the challenges, opposition, and periods of inactivity, while also subtly implying a determined commitment to complete the divinely mandated task.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 5:16 employs several literary devices to convey its multifaceted message. It functions primarily as **Historical Narrative** within an official report, providing a concise yet critical chronological account of the Temple's rebuilding efforts. The elders' statement also serves as an **Apologia** or defense, as they are justifying their actions and the legitimacy of their work to a Persian official; by recounting the history, they establish the legal and divine basis for their continued construction. The phrase "since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished" utilizes **Chronological Markers** ("since that time," "until now") to emphasize the immense duration and the persistent challenges faced by the builders. The concluding "not finished" acts as a form of **Understatement**, subtly highlighting the arduous and protracted nature of the task, which had been plagued by significant delays and opposition. There is also an element of **Irony** in the fact that a divinely mandated and urgently needed project had been so long delayed and was still incomplete, underscoring the human obstacles God's work often encounters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:16 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His overarching purposes, even when human efforts falter or face immense opposition. The long delay in the Temple's construction, culminating in the declaration "not finished," serves as a poignant reminder that God's timing often differs from ours, and His work may involve seasons of waiting, testing, and renewed zeal. Yet, the very act of the elders recounting this history demonstrates their deep faith in the divine origin of the project and their steadfast conviction that it must be completed. It underscores the profound biblical truth that God's foundational plans for His people and His dwelling place will ultimately prevail, regardless of the obstacles or the passage of time. The perseverance of the faithful remnant, stirred by prophetic word, reflects God's faithfulness in raising up leaders and inspiring His people to complete what He has begun, ensuring His redemptive purposes are brought to fruition.

* [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "The People Had a Mind to Work")
* [Haggai 1:2-4](/haggai/1-2-4 "God's Rebuke for Delaying the Temple")
* [Zechariah 4:6-10](/zechariah/4-6-10 "Zerubbabel and the Spirit's Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 5:16 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that the work of God, whether in our personal lives, in the corporate body of Christ, or in broader societal transformation, is often a long-term endeavor marked by both foundational beginnings and periods of significant challenge. Just as the Temple's rebuilding faced decades of delay and fierce opposition, our spiritual journeys, ministry efforts, or even efforts to bring about God's kingdom on earth may encounter setbacks, apathy, or direct resistance. This verse encourages us to persevere, to faithfully remember the initial divine call and the spiritual "foundations" laid by God and by those who came before us. It challenges us to honestly assess whether our own spiritual "buildings" or God-given tasks are "not finished" due to neglect, fear, distraction, or discouragement, and to be re-stirred by God's Spirit to continue the good work He has given us, trusting in His ultimate faithfulness to bring His divine purposes to completion in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "foundations" has God laid in your life or in your community that may feel "not finished" or delayed, and how are you responding to this?**
* **How does the perseverance of the Jewish elders in Ezra 5:16 encourage you when facing long-term challenges or opposition in your faith journey or ministry?**
* **In what ways might we, like the post-exilic Jews, become complacent or distracted from God's ongoing work, and how can we be re-engaged by His Spirit?**
* **What does it mean to honor the spiritual "foundations" laid by previous generations in the church or in your personal faith, and how can you build upon them?**

### FAQ
**Who was Sheshbazzar, and what was his role in the Temple's rebuilding?**

Answer: Sheshbazzar was a pivotal figure in the initial return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem following King Cyrus's decree. He is identified in [Ezra 1:8](/ezra/1-8 "Ezra 1:8 - Sheshbazzar, Prince of Judah") as the "prince of Judah" and was personally entrusted by Cyrus with the sacred vessels of the former Temple, along with the crucial mandate to initiate its rebuilding. As stated in Ezra 5:16, his specific and foundational role was to "lay the foundation of the house of God." While his exact relationship to Zerubbabel (who later led the completion) is a subject of scholarly debate—some suggest he was an earlier governor, a title for Zerubbabel, or even Zerubbabel's Babylonian name—his significance lies in his being the divinely appointed and royally commissioned individual who initiated the physical reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, setting the stage for the later completion.

**Why did the Temple rebuilding take so long, and what caused the delays mentioned in "not finished"?**

Answer: The Temple rebuilding, which commenced around 536 BC with the laying of the foundation, faced significant and prolonged delays, ultimately taking approximately 18 years from the foundation to its resumption under Darius I, and then another four years to its eventual completion around 516 BC. The primary cause for the initial, extended halt was intense and persistent opposition from the local peoples inhabiting the land, particularly the Samaritans. These adversaries actively sought to hinder the work through intimidation, false accusations, and political maneuvering, as detailed in [Ezra 4:1-24](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"). This opposition eventually culminated in a royal decree from King Artaxerxes (a later king than Darius, but mentioned in the historical narrative of [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")) that officially stopped the construction. Furthermore, a degree of apathy, spiritual complacency, and misplaced priorities among the Jewish people themselves contributed to the delay, as powerfully highlighted by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, who rebuked the people for diligently building their own comfortable houses while God's house lay in ruins ([Haggai 1:2-4](/haggai/1-2-4 "God's Rebuke for Delaying the Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:16, with its focus on the physical Temple's foundation and its long, interrupted construction, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The earthly Temple, though a vital center of worship and God's presence, was always a shadow pointing to a greater, ultimate reality: Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus boldly declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the stone structure, but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He is the true and perfect "house of God," the very dwelling place of God among humanity, and the ultimate, unshakeable foundation upon which all spiritual reality is built ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation")). Furthermore, the "building" that was "not finished" in Ezra's day powerfully foreshadows the ongoing construction of God's spiritual house, the Church, of which Christ is the indispensable cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church, God's Dwelling")). Just as the physical temple was eventually completed, God's redemptive work in and through Christ is assured of its glorious completion. The "not finished" aspect of the earthly temple also resonates with the ongoing, progressive work of sanctification in believers' lives, where God, who began a good work in us, will faithfully bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Completes His Work")). Ultimately, the promise of God dwelling intimately with His people, partially realized in the Temple, finds its perfect, eternal, and glorious fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, where there is no need for a physical temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People") and [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Ezra 3:10

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

Ezra 3:8

¶ 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 2:18

Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth [month, even] from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider [it].

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.

Zechariah 4:10

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel [with] those seven; they [are] the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

Haggai 1:12

¶ 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.