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 records a direct inquiry from the Persian officials, Tatnai and Shethar-Bozenai, to the Jewish elders overseeing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Following their initial question regarding the authority for the construction, the officials pressed further, demanding to know the specific names of the individuals responsible for the building project. This pivotal question highlights the administrative scrutiny and underlying opposition faced by the returned exiles, even as God's sovereign hand was at work to ensure the temple's completion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:4 is embedded within a crucial turning point in the post-exilic narrative. [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree") details King Cyrus's decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the temple, and initial work began. However, [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding") describes significant opposition from local adversaries, leading to a prolonged halt in construction. By [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Temple Rebuilding Resumes"), under the powerful prophetic encouragement of [Haggai](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Call to Rebuild the Temple") and [Zechariah](/zechariah/1 "Zechariah 1 - Call to Repentance and Rebuild"), the Jewish community resumed the work with renewed zeal. This renewed activity naturally drew the attention of the regional Persian authorities, specifically Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai, his associate. Their inquiry in Ezra 5:3-4 represents the official administrative response to the resumed construction, seeking to verify its legality and identify those involved. The narrative then proceeds to detail the Jewish leaders' confident response and the subsequent appeal to King Darius, which ultimately results in a favorable decree for the temple's completion ([Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-12 - Darius's Decree")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire, at this time, was a vast and highly organized administrative entity. Governors like Tatnai were responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and ensuring compliance with imperial decrees within their satrapies. Any large-scale construction project, especially one involving a potentially rebellious or religiously distinct group, would naturally fall under official scrutiny. The inquiry for "names" was not merely casual curiosity; it was a standard bureaucratic procedure for accountability, record-keeping, and potentially for identifying individuals for taxation, conscription, or legal action if the project was deemed unauthorized. The Jewish people, having recently returned from seventy years of Babylonian exile, were a minority group in a land now governed by a foreign power. Their temple, while a religious structure, also served as a symbol of their national identity and religious autonomy, making its rebuilding a politically sensitive matter in the eyes of the imperial authorities and local adversaries.

* **Key Themes:** Ezra 5:4 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Authority and Governance**. The Persian officials are exercising their legitimate administrative authority, seeking to understand the basis and leadership of the building project. This highlights the reality of God's people living under foreign rule and navigating secular governance. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Opposition and Scrutiny** faced by God's people when undertaking His work. While the inquiry is administrative, it is prompted by underlying suspicion and the previous attempts by adversaries to hinder the work ([Ezra 4:5](/ezra/4-5 "Ezra 4:5 - Adversaries Hire Counselors")). This constant challenge requires perseverance and faith. Finally, and most importantly, it subtly points to the theme of **Divine Oversight and Sovereignty**. Despite the appearance of a potential threat, this official inquiry ultimately serves God's purposes. The investigation leads directly to a re-examination of Cyrus's decree by King Darius, resulting in not only the reaffirmation of the building permit but also imperial funding and protection for the project ([Ezra 6:8-12](/ezra/6-8 "Ezra 6:8-12 - Darius's Support for the Temple")). This demonstrates God's ability to use even the actions of seemingly opposing human authorities to advance His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"after this manner" (Aramaic, _kedein'_):** This Aramaic adverb means "thus" or "in this way," indicating that the following statement is a direct report or a specific manner of speech. In the KJV's phrasing of Ezra 5:4, it signifies that the officials' question about names was a continuation of their formal inquiry, following their initial challenge regarding the authority for the building. It emphasizes the structured and official nature of their interrogation, not a casual conversation.
* **"names" (Aramaic, _shemahat'_):** The plural form of "name," this word signifies more than mere identification. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, a name often represented a person's identity, reputation, and legal standing. To demand "names" was to demand accountability, to create a register, and to identify individuals responsible for the project. This was a crucial step in any official investigation, allowing the authorities to track, question, or potentially prosecute specific individuals.
* **"make this building" (Aramaic, _banayin denah'_):** This phrase refers to the ongoing act of building or constructing the temple. The use of the present participle ("make" or "building") emphasizes that the work was actively in progress. The officials were not inquiring about a past event but about a current, visible activity that required immediate clarification and oversight. It highlights the directness of their concern regarding the continued construction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said we unto them after this manner":** This clause, from the perspective of the Jewish leaders reporting the event, introduces the specific follow-up question posed by the Persian officials (Tatnai and Shethar-Bozenai) to them. The phrase "after this manner" indicates the formal and direct nature of the inquiry.
* **"What are the names of the men":** This is the core of the officials' second question. Having already inquired about the authority for the building in Ezra 5:3, they now seek to identify the specific individuals leading and participating in the construction. This demand for names signifies a move towards greater accountability and potentially legal action, as it allows for a formal record and investigation into those directly involved.
* **"that make this building?":** This final clause specifies the object of their inquiry: the ongoing construction of the temple. The question is precise, targeting the individuals actively engaged in the work, underscoring the officials' intent to understand who was responsible for the visible and resumed building project.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 5:4 employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Interrogation**, as the verse presents a direct question from the Persian officials. This interrogation serves to advance the plot, creating tension and setting the stage for the Jewish leaders' response and the subsequent appeal to King Darius. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this seemingly challenging inquiry ultimately leads to a positive outcome for the Jewish people, hinting at God's sovereign control over seemingly adverse circumstances. Furthermore, one could identify a subtle **Irony** in the situation: what appears to be an attempt to halt or hinder the work becomes the very mechanism through which the work receives greater imperial sanction and support. The officials, intending to scrutinize, inadvertently facilitate divine provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:4 is a powerful reminder that God's work often proceeds not in a vacuum of ease, but amidst scrutiny and opposition. The demand for names signifies a world that requires accountability and often views spiritual endeavors through a secular lens of legality and control. Yet, this very scrutiny becomes an opportunity for God to demonstrate His faithfulness and sovereignty. The Jewish leaders' willingness to engage transparently and confidently with the authorities, relying on God's decree and past promises, exemplifies a spirit of courageous faith. This incident underscores that God's plans are not thwarted by human investigation but can, in fact, be advanced through it, revealing His hand even in the machinations of earthly governments.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our contemporary world, believers often face scrutiny when engaging in public acts of faith, whether it's building a church, establishing a ministry, or simply living out Christian values in a secular environment. Ezra 5:4 teaches us to expect such inquiries and to respond with integrity and confidence in God's overarching plan. It reminds us that our work for God is not done in secret, but often under the watchful eye of a world that may not understand or even approve. Instead of fearing investigation, we are called to be transparent, ready to give an account for our hope ([1_peter/3-15](/1-peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Be Ready to Give an Answer")) and the divine authority under which we operate. This passage encourages us to trust that God can use even the bureaucratic processes and investigative efforts of human authorities to ultimately further His purposes, turning potential obstacles into platforms for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when my faith or Christian activities are questioned or scrutinized by those in authority?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly challenging situations or "investigations" in my life to ultimately advance His purposes?**
* **Am I prepared to articulate the "names" (i.e., the divine authority and purpose) behind my actions as a follower of Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of transparency and integrity in my Christian walk, knowing 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 empire. Their request for the "names of the men that make this building" was a standard administrative procedure. It was not merely casual curiosity but a formal inquiry to establish accountability, identify the leaders and workers involved, and verify the legality of the construction project. This information would be crucial for their official report to King Darius and for determining whether the project was authorized by imperial decree or was an unauthorized, potentially rebellious, undertaking. Such identification allowed for proper record-keeping and oversight within the vast Persian administration, ensuring that all activities within their satrapies were compliant with imperial law.

**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 verses (Ezra 5:5-17) show that the Jewish leaders, under the watchful eye of God, confidently responded by appealing to the original decree of King Cyrus ([Ezra 5:13-15](/ezra/5-13 "Ezra 5:13-15 - Jewish Leaders' Response")). They did not simply give a list of names but asserted their divine mandate and the historical precedent. 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 "Ezra 5:6-17 - Tatnai's Letter to Darius")). The outcome was profoundly positive: Darius found the decree, reaffirmed it, and even commanded that imperial funds and resources be provided for the temple's completion, with severe penalties for anyone who hindered the work ([Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-12 - Darius's Decree Supporting the Temple")). Thus, what began as an investigative challenge ultimately resulted in greater imperial support for the temple's rebuilding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:4, with its focus on the scrutiny of a building project, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the true builder and the living temple. The questions posed to the Jewish leaders about who was "making this building" and under what authority foreshadow the ultimate questions posed to Jesus regarding His authority and identity. Just as the temple in Ezra's day was a physical structure representing God's presence among His people, Christ is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). The scrutiny faced by the temple builders in Ezra mirrors the constant questioning and opposition Christ endured from religious and political authorities regarding His claims and actions ([Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Jesus' Authority Questioned")). Yet, just as the Persian inquiry led to the temple's completion, the cross, the ultimate act of opposition, led to Christ's resurrection and the establishment of the spiritual temple—the Church—built upon Him as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "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, through whom all things are built and sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). He is the true 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.