Ezra 5:4

KJV

Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} said {H560} we unto them after this manner {H3660}, What {H4479} are {H581} the names {H8036} of the men {H1400} that make {H1124} this {H1836} building {H1147}?

Complete Jewish Bible

What are the names of the men putting up this building?"

Berean Standard Bible

They also asked, “What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?”

American Standard Version

Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the men were that were making this building.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:4 captures a pivotal moment of administrative inquiry from the Persian officials, Tatnai and Shethar-Bozenai, to the Jewish elders supervising the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Following their initial challenge regarding the authority behind the construction, the officials escalated their scrutiny by demanding the specific names of the individuals responsible for the building project. This direct question underscores the bureaucratic oversight and underlying opposition faced by the returned exiles, yet it also subtly highlights God's sovereign hand at work, positioning this inquiry as a catalyst for the temple's ultimate completion and imperial endorsement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:4 is situated at a critical juncture in the post-exilic narrative, marking the renewed effort to rebuild the temple after a significant delay. The book of [Ezra](/ezra/1 "The Book of Ezra") begins with King Cyrus's decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return and commence temple construction ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Cyrus's Decree")). However, the work faced formidable opposition, leading to its cessation for many years, as detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple"). By [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Resumption of Temple Building"), the powerful prophetic ministries of [Haggai](/haggai/1 "Haggai's Call to Rebuild") and [Zechariah](/zechariah/1 "Zechariah's Vision for Restoration") invigorated the community, prompting them to resume construction with renewed zeal and faith. This resurgence of activity naturally drew the attention of the regional Persian authorities, specifically Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his associate, Shethar-Bozenai. Their initial inquiry in [Ezra 5:3](/ezra/5-3 "Tatnai's Initial Question") regarding the builders' authority is immediately followed by the demand for names in Ezra 5:4, signifying a formal administrative investigation. The narrative then progresses to detail the Jewish leaders' confident and faithful response, culminating in an appeal to King Darius, which ultimately results in a favorable imperial decree that ensures the temple's completion ([Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1-12 "Darius's Decree for Temple Completion")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire was renowned for its efficient and extensive administrative system, overseeing a vast dominion through a network of satrapies and governors. Tatnai, as the governor of Trans-Euphrates (the region west of the Euphrates River, including Judah), was responsible for maintaining order, collecting tribute, and ensuring compliance with imperial mandates. Any large-scale public works, particularly those initiated by a distinct ethnic or religious group, would inevitably attract official scrutiny. The request for "names" was not a casual query but a standard bureaucratic procedure for accountability. It allowed authorities to create official records, identify individuals for taxation, conscription, or potential legal action if the project was deemed unauthorized or subversive. For the Jewish people, recently returned from seventy years of Babylonian exile, the temple was not merely a religious edifice but a potent symbol of their national identity and religious autonomy. Its rebuilding, therefore, carried significant political implications, making it a sensitive issue in the eyes of both imperial authorities and local adversaries who had previously hindered the work.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 5:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence amidst Human Governance**. The Persian officials are exercising their legitimate administrative authority, yet their actions are ultimately orchestrated by God to serve His purposes. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and empires, even those seemingly opposed to His people's work, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"). Secondly, the verse underscores the persistent theme of **Opposition and Scrutiny** faced by God's people when undertaking His work. The demand for names, while administrative, is a direct consequence of underlying suspicion and the previous attempts by adversaries to halt the construction ([Ezra 4:4-5](/ezra/4-4-5 "Adversaries Frustrate the Work")). This constant challenge necessitates perseverance and unwavering faith. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Use of Adversity for Advancement**. What appears to be a potential hindrance or threat ultimately becomes the very mechanism through which God's plan for the temple's completion is not only reaffirmed but also receives unprecedented imperial funding and protection ([Ezra 6:8-12](/ezra/6-8-12 "Darius's Decree to Fund the Temple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"names" (Aramaic, _shum'_):** This word (H8036) refers to an appellation, a mark or memorial of individuality, and by implication, honor, authority, or character. In the context of Ezra 5:4, the demand for "names" was far more than a simple request for identification. In ancient Near Eastern bureaucracy, knowing someone's name was foundational for accountability, record-keeping, and initiating legal or administrative proceedings. By asking for the names of the men, the Persian officials were seeking to identify the specific individuals responsible for the building project, thereby establishing a basis for official oversight, taxation, or potential prosecution if the work was deemed unauthorized.
* **"make" (Aramaic, _bᵉnâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb (H1124), corresponding to the Hebrew _banah_, means "to build" or "to construct." The KJV's use of "make" in "make this building" captures the active, ongoing nature of the construction. It emphasizes that the officials were concerned with the present activity—the actual physical erection of the temple structure. This word highlights the direct object of their inquiry: the visible, resumed building work that had attracted their attention and required immediate clarification regarding its legality and leadership.
* **"building" (Aramaic, _binyân'_):** This Aramaic noun (H1147) refers to an edifice or structure, specifically the temple in this context. It signifies the physical object of construction. The officials' question is precisely focused on "this building," indicating their direct concern with the specific temple project in Jerusalem. The use of this term underscores the concrete, tangible nature of the work that was drawing imperial scrutiny, emphasizing that the inquiry was about a significant, visible public work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said we unto them after this manner":** This introductory clause sets the scene, indicating a direct report from the Jewish leaders' perspective. The phrase "after this manner" (Aramaic, _kᵉnêmâʼ_) signifies that what follows is a formal and specific line of questioning, not a casual conversation. It implies a structured and official inquiry from the Persian authorities, following their initial challenge regarding the authority for the work.
* **"What are the names of the men":** This is the core of the officials' second, more specific question. Having already inquired about the overarching authority for the building in [Ezra 5:3](/ezra/5-3 "Tatnai's Initial Question"), they now seek to identify the specific individuals—the leaders, foremen, and perhaps even key workers—who were actively engaged in and responsible for the construction. This demand for names was a crucial step in their administrative investigation, aiming to establish accountability and a formal record of those involved.
* **"that make this building?":** This concluding phrase precisely defines the scope of their inquiry: the ongoing construction of the temple. The officials were not asking about past events but about the current, visible activity. This highlights their intent to understand who was directly responsible for the resumed building project, which had evidently come to their attention and required immediate governmental oversight and verification.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 5:4 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and advance the narrative. The most prominent is **Interrogation**, as the verse presents a direct question from the Persian officials. This interrogation serves as a plot device, creating immediate tension and setting the stage for the Jewish leaders' faithful response and the subsequent appeal to King Darius. There is also a subtle element of **Foreshadowing** present; while the inquiry appears to be a challenge, the narrative's progression reveals that this very scrutiny ultimately leads to a positive outcome for the Jewish people, hinting at God's sovereign control over seemingly adverse circumstances. Furthermore, one can discern a degree of **Irony** in the situation: what initially seems like an attempt to halt or hinder the work through administrative means inadvertently becomes the very catalyst through which the temple project receives greater imperial sanction, funding, and protection, demonstrating God's ability to use even the actions of human authorities to advance His redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:4 serves as a potent reminder that God's work often unfolds not in an environment of unchallenged ease, but amidst external scrutiny and opposition. The demand for names reflects a world that operates on principles of accountability, often viewing spiritual endeavors through a secular lens of legality, control, and potential threat. Yet, this very scrutiny becomes a divine opportunity for God to manifest His faithfulness and sovereignty. The Jewish leaders' subsequent willingness to engage transparently and confidently with the authorities, grounded in God's decree and past promises, exemplifies a courageous faith that trusts in divine oversight. This incident profoundly illustrates that God's plans are not thwarted by human investigation; rather, they can be advanced through it, revealing His hand even in the bureaucratic machinations of earthly governments.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1-2 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advancing the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our contemporary context, believers frequently encounter scrutiny when engaging in public expressions of faith, whether through establishing ministries, constructing places of worship, or simply living out Christian values in a secular society. Ezra 5:4 provides a timeless lesson: we should anticipate such inquiries and respond with integrity, transparency, and unwavering confidence in God's overarching plan. It reminds us that our work for God is not conducted in secrecy but often under the watchful eye of a world that may not comprehend or even approve of our motivations. Rather than succumbing to fear or defensiveness in the face of investigation, we are called to be prepared to give a reasoned account for the hope that is within us ([1_peter/3-15](/1-peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")) and to articulate the divine authority under which we operate. This passage encourages us to trust that God can sovereignly utilize even the bureaucratic processes and investigative efforts of human authorities to ultimately further His purposes, transforming potential obstacles into platforms for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when my faith or Christian activities are questioned or scrutinized by those in positions of authority?**
* **In what specific ways might God be using seemingly challenging situations or "investigations" in my life to ultimately advance His divine purposes?**
* **Am I adequately prepared to articulate the "names" (i.e., the divine authority, calling, and purpose) behind my actions as a follower of Christ?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a spirit of transparency, integrity, and confident reliance on God in my daily Christian walk, recognizing that my life is a testimony to others?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Persian officials ask for the names of the builders?**

Answer: The Persian officials, Tatnai and Shethar-Bozenai, were representatives of a highly organized and centralized empire. Their request for the "names of the men that make this building" was a standard administrative procedure, not merely casual curiosity. It was a formal inquiry designed to establish accountability, identify the specific individuals leading and participating in the construction, and verify the legality of the entire project. This information was crucial for their official report to King Darius, allowing them to determine whether the temple construction was authorized by previous imperial decree or if it was an unauthorized, potentially rebellious, undertaking. Such identification enabled proper record-keeping and oversight within the vast Persian administration, ensuring compliance with imperial law across their satrapies.

**Did the Jewish leaders provide the names, and what was the outcome of this inquiry?**

Answer: While Ezra 5:4 specifically records the officials' question, the subsequent narrative in [Ezra 5:5-17](/ezra/5-5-17 "Jewish Leaders Respond to Tatnai") reveals that the Jewish leaders, empowered by God's watchful eye, responded with confidence and wisdom. Instead of simply providing a list of names, they asserted their divine mandate and appealed to the original decree of King Cyrus ([Ezra 5:13-15](/ezra/5-13-15 "Jewish Leaders' Appeal to Cyrus's Decree")). This led the officials to send a formal letter to King Darius, detailing the situation and requesting a search of the royal archives for Cyrus's original decree ([Ezra 5:6-17](/ezra/5-6-17 "Tatnai's Letter to King Darius")). The outcome was profoundly positive and divinely orchestrated: Darius indeed found the decree, reaffirmed it, and astonishingly, commanded that imperial funds and resources be provided for the temple's completion, with severe penalties for anyone who dared to hinder the work ([Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1-12 "Darius's Decree Supporting the Temple")). Thus, what began as an investigative challenge ultimately resulted in unprecedented imperial support and provision for the temple's rebuilding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:4, with its focus on the scrutiny of a physical building project, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ, who is the true builder and the living temple of God. The questions posed to the Jewish leaders about who was "making this building" and under what authority powerfully foreshadow the ultimate questions posed to Jesus regarding His own authority and identity. Just as the temple in Ezra's day was a tangible structure symbolizing God's presence among His people, Christ is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the very Word made flesh who tabernacled among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He boldly declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the physical edifice but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). The intense scrutiny faced by the temple builders in Ezra's time mirrors the constant questioning, opposition, and even legal inquiries Christ endured from both religious and political authorities concerning His claims and actions ([Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Jesus' Authority Questioned")). Yet, just as the Persian inquiry ultimately led to the temple's completion and imperial support, the cross, the ultimate act of human opposition and scrutiny against Christ, paradoxically led to His glorious resurrection and the establishment of the spiritual temple—the Church—built upon Him as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The "names of the men that make this building" ultimately point to the one Name above all names, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are created, sustained, and brought to completion ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). He is the true and eternal builder of His Church, and not even the gates of hell shall prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")).

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.