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Bible >Ezra >Chapter 4 > Verse 13
◄ Ezra 4:13►
New International Version
Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and eventually the royal revenues will suffer.

New Living Translation
And the king should know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, it will be much to your disadvantage, for the Jews will then refuse to pay their tribute, customs, and tolls to you.

English Standard Version
Now be it known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and the royal revenue will be impaired.

Berean Standard Bible
Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer.

King James Bible
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set upagain, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, andso thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.

New King James Version
Let it now be known to the king that, if this city is built and the walls completed, they will not pay tax, tribute, or custom, and the king’s treasury will be diminished.

New American Standard Bible
Now let it be known to the king, that if that city is rebuilt and the walls are finished, they will not pay tribute, custom tax, or toll, and it will be detrimental to the revenue of the kings.

NASB 1995
“Now let it be known to the king, that if that city is rebuilt and the walls are finished, they will not pay tribute, custom or toll, and it will damage the revenue of the kings.

NASB 1977
“Now let it be known to the king, that if that city is rebuilt and the walls are finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and it will damage the revenue of the kings.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now let it be known to the king, that if that city is rebuilt and the walls are completed, they will not give tribute, custom, or toll, and it will damage the revenue of the kings.

Amplified Bible
Now let it be known to the king, that if that city is rebuilt and the walls are finished, then they will not pay tax, custom, or toll, and the revenue of the kings will be diminished.

Christian Standard Bible
Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, they will not pay tribute, duty, or land tax, and the royal revenue will suffer.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, they will not pay tribute, duty, or land tax, and the royal revenue will suffer.

American Standard Version
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful unto the kings.

Contemporary English Version
You should also know that if the walls are completed and the city is rebuilt, the Jews won't pay any kind of taxes, and there will be less money in your treasury.

English Revised Version
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will endamage the kings.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You should also know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, the Jews will no longer pay taxes, fees, and tolls. Ultimately, this will hurt the king's income.

Good News Translation
Your Majesty, if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the people will stop paying taxes, and your royal revenues will decrease.

International Standard Version
May the king be further advised that if this city is rebuilt and its walls erected, its citizens will refuse to pay tributes, taxes, and tariffs, thereby restricting royal revenues.

NET Bible
Let the king also be aware that if this city is built and its walls are completed, no more tax, custom, or toll will be paid, and the royal treasury will suffer loss.

New Heart English Bible
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.

Webster's Bible Translation
Be it known now to the king, that, if this city shall be built, and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou wilt endamage the revenue of the kings.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer.

World English Bible
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Now let it be known to the king, that if this city is built and the walls finished, that they do not give toll, tribute, and custom; and at length it causes loss [to] the kings.

Young's Literal Translation
Now, be it known to the king, that if this city be builded, and the walls finished, toll, tribute, and custom they do not give; and at length to the kings it doth cause loss.

Smith's Literal Translation
Now to be known to the king that if this city shall be built and the walls be completed, tribute, excise, and toll, they will not give, and in the end it will endamage the kings.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And now be it known to the king, that if this city be built up, and the walls thereof repaired, they will not pay tribute nor toll, nor yearly revenues, and this loss will fail upon the kings.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now let be it known to the king, that if this city will have been built up, and its walls repaired, they will not pay tribute, nor tax, nor yearly revenues, and this loss will affect even the kings.

New American Bible
Now let it be known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls completed, they will no longer pay taxes, tributes, or tolls; eventually the throne will be harmed.

New Revised Standard Version
Now may it be known to the king that, if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and the royal revenue will be reduced.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Be it known now to the king that, if this city is built and the walls are completed, then you will have no tribute, toll, and custom, and so you shall endanger the revenue of the kings.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Thus let it be known, oh King, that if it is that this city will be built and its walls will be completed, there is no tax for you, also you shall not know this counsel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, impost, or toll, and so thou wilt endamage the revenue of the kings.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now then be it known to the king, that if that city be built up, and its walls completed, thou shalt have no tribute, neither will they payanything, and this injures kings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes
…12Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem. And they are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls, and repairing its foundations.13Let it nowbeknownto the kingthatifthatcityis rebuiltand its wallsare restored,they will notpaytribute,duty,or toll,and the royaltreasurywill suffer.14Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king…

Cross References
Nehemiah 5:4
Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards.

Nehemiah 9:37
Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.

Esther 10:1
Now King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the land, even to its farthest shores.

2 Kings 23:35
So Jehoiakim paid the silver and gold to Pharaoh Neco, but to meet Pharaoh’s demand he taxed the land and exacted the silver and the gold from the people, each according to his wealth.

2 Kings 24:20
For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.

2 Chronicles 36:3
And the king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

2 Chronicles 36:20-21
Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 25:11
And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.

Jeremiah 27:8
As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation by sword and famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I have destroyed it by his hand.

Jeremiah 52:3
For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.

Daniel 6:2
and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss.

Matthew 17:24-27
After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” / “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” / “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ...

Matthew 22:17-21
So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? / Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. ...

Mark 12:14-17
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” / But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” / So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ...

Luke 20:22-25
Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them, / “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Be it known now to the king, that, if this city be built, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so you shall damage the revenue of the kings.

if this city

Nehemiah 5:4
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute,and that upon our lands and vineyards.

Psalm 52:2
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.

Psalm 119:69
The proud have forged a lie against me:but I will keep thy precepts withmy whole heart.

pay.

Ezra 7:24
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

Matthew 9:9
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Matthew 17:25
He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

revenue.

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Ezra 4
1.The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews,
4.endeavor to hinder it
7.Their letter to Artaxerxes
17.The answer and decree of Artaxerxes
23.The building is hindered














Let it now be known to the king
This phrase indicates a formal communication to the Persian king, likely Artaxerxes I. The context is a letter from adversaries of the Jews who were rebuilding Jerusalem. Such letters were common in the ancient Near East as a means of influencing royal policy. The phrase underscores the political tension and the use of diplomacy to halt the rebuilding efforts.

that if that city is rebuilt
The city in question is Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was a significant event for the Jewish people, symbolizing the restoration of their national and religious identity. The opponents feared that a rebuilt Jerusalem would become a center of power and rebellion against Persian rule.

and its walls are restored
Walls were crucial for the defense and autonomy of ancient cities. The restoration of Jerusalem's walls would signify not only physical security but also political independence. Nehemiah later undertakes this task, highlighting its importance in the narrative of Israel's restoration.

they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll
Tribute, duty, and toll were forms of taxation imposed by empires on their subject territories. The concern expressed here is economic; a fortified Jerusalem might resist paying these taxes, which were vital for the maintenance of the Persian Empire. This reflects the broader theme of economic control as a means of imperial dominance.

and the royal treasury will suffer
The mention of the royal treasury emphasizes the financial implications of the city's potential independence. The Persian Empire relied on the wealth of its provinces to sustain its vast bureaucracy and military. The letter's authors appeal to the king's economic interests, suggesting that a strong Jerusalem could disrupt the flow of resources to the empire.

This passage highlights the intersection of political, economic, and religious factors in the post-exilic period. It also foreshadows the challenges faced by the Jewish community in re-establishing their homeland, a theme that resonates throughout the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Persons / Places / Events
1.King Artaxerxes
The Persian king to whom the letter is addressed, expressing concern over the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

2.Jerusalem
The city in question, whose rebuilding is seen as a threat to the Persian Empire's control and revenue.

3.Rebuilders of Jerusalem
The Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem with the intent to rebuild the city and the temple.

4.Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin
The people who opposed the rebuilding efforts and wrote to the king to halt the progress.

5.Persian Empire
The ruling empire at the time, under which the Jews were allowed to return to their homeland.
Teaching Points
Opposition to God's Work
Expect resistance when undertaking God's work. Just as the Jews faced opposition, believers today may encounter challenges when following God's call.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Remain faithful despite opposition. The Jews' determination to rebuild Jerusalem serves as an example of steadfastness in the face of adversity.

God's Sovereignty
Trust in God's sovereignty. Despite the opposition, God's plans ultimately prevail, as seen in the eventual completion of Jerusalem's walls.

The Cost of Disobedience
Consider the cost of disobedience. The adversaries feared losing revenue, highlighting how earthly concerns can conflict with spiritual obedience.

Community and Support
Seek community support. The Jews worked together to rebuild, emphasizing the importance of unity and support among believers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ezra 4:13?

2.How does Ezra 4:13 highlight the importance of obeying governing authorities today?

3.What consequences did the king fear from Jerusalem's rebuilding in Ezra 4:13?

4.How can we discern when opposition is a test of faith like in Ezra?

5.How does Ezra 4:13 connect with Romans 13:1-2 on authority?

6.How should we respond to opposition when pursuing God’s work, as seen in Ezra?

7.Why did the adversaries oppose the rebuilding of Jerusalem in Ezra 4:13?

8.How does Ezra 4:13 reflect the political tensions of the time?

9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Ezra 4:13?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4?

11.In Ezra 4:23-24, how can the abrupt cessation of the rebuilding project be fully attributed to local opposition without considering wider Persian imperial policy?

12.Why does Ezra 4:6-7 mention Persian kings in a sequence that appears to conflict with known historical Persian records?

13.Why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence supporting the exact timing of the decree mentioned in Daniel 9:25?

14.What is the Great Reset?
What Does Ezra 4:13 Mean
Let it now be known to the king

The enemies of Judah address Artaxerxes with a tone of urgent warning, implying they act for his good. By opening with “Let it now be known,” they frame their accusation as loyal counsel (Ezra 4:11). Similar courtly language appears when Haman warns Ahasuerus about the Jews inEsther 3:8. The tactic is intimidation by information: set the king on alert so he will intervene.Acts 17:7 shows the same strategy centuries later when accusers claim, “They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees.”

that if that city is rebuilt

The city in view is Jerusalem, long recognized as the center of Israel’s worship and identity (2 Chronicles 6:6;Psalm 48:1–3). Rebuilding it would revive national life and covenant purpose, just as God promised throughIsaiah 44:26. The adversaries treat this restoration as a political threat rather than a fulfillment of divine mandate (compare1 Kings 8:44, where Jerusalem’s divine choice is central). Their wording reveals fear that a restored Jerusalem would regain influence beyond mere bricks and mortar.

and its walls are restored

City walls in the ancient world meant security, autonomy, and military strength (Nehemiah 1:3;Psalm 51:18). Without walls, a city is vulnerable (Proverbs 25:28). By spotlighting the fortifications, the letter-makers suggest imminent rebellion, stoking the king’s fear of lost control. The irony is that God had already moved Cyrus to decree this rebuilding (Ezra 1:2), so opposing the walls is opposing the Lord’s clear directive.

they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll

Three kinds of tax are listed:

• Tribute – periodic assessments on subject peoples (2 Kings 23:35).

• Duty – customs fees on goods (Nehemiah 5:4 hints at such burdens).

• Toll – road or transit taxes (Numbers 20:19 shows earlier examples).

The charge is that a fortified Jerusalem will refuse these payments. YetEzra 7:24 later exempts temple workers from exactly such taxes, showing God’s favor. Like the accusation against Jesus inLuke 23:2 (“forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar”), this claim is more slander than reality.

and the royal treasury will suffer.

The ultimate appeal is to the king’s pocketbook. Nabonidus Chronicles and other records show Persian rulers guarding revenue closely, so the threat seems plausible.Daniel 6:2 notes that satraps were set “so that the king would not suffer loss,” echoing this very concern. The accusers know financial fear motivates swift imperial action. Still, the true Sovereign had already pledged to supply His house (Haggai 2:8), so earthly treasuries are secondary.

summary

Ezra 4:13 is a calculated warning meant to halt God’s rebuilding work by portraying Jerusalem as a fiscal and political danger. Each phrase piles up concern—first for royal awareness, then for potential rebellion, finally for lost revenue. The accusation twists truth, ignoring God’s command given through Cyrus and flaunted again through later decrees. The passage reminds believers that opposition often masks itself as prudent counsel, but the Lord’s purposes stand firm despite slander and fearmongering (Psalm 2:1–6).

(13)Toll, tribute, and custom.--Toll for the highways; custom, a provision in kind; tribute, the money tax.

The revenue.--Rather,at length; literallyand at length damage will be done to the kings.

Verse 13. -Then will they not pay toll, tribute,and custom. This was plausible reasoning. In Greece, if a subject city set to work to fortify itself, rebellion was immediately anticipated, not unfairly. But the circumstances of the Persian empire were different. In the remoter parts of that empire the central government was weak, and disorders frequently occurred. A city might need fortifications to protect it against its immediate neighbours, when it had not the slightest intention of asserting independence. Judging from the later history, which shows no revolt of the Jews against Persia, we may say that the accusation now alleged was unfounded, though perhaps it was not made in bad faith.Toll,tribute, and custom represent the chief heads of Persian taxation, which, however, did not include "custom" in our sense of the word. The three terms used by the Samaritans really represent, respectively, "tribute," or the money payment required from each province, "provision," or the payment in kind equally required (Herod., 1:192; 3:91), and "toll," or contributions from those who made use of the Persian highways. According to the Samaritans, none of these would be paid by the Jews if Jerusalem was once fortified.And so thou shalt endamage the revenue. The general meaning is given correctly enough by this rendering, but "revenue" is not expressly mentioned.Aphthom, the word so translated, means really "at length," "at last." Translate, "And soat last thou shalt endamage the kings."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Let it now
כְּעַ֗ן(kə·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3705:Now

be
לֶהֱוֵ֣א(le·hĕ·wê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1934:To become, come to pass, be

known
יְדִ֙יעַ֙(yə·ḏî·a‘)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 3046:To know

to the king
לְמַלְכָּ֔א(lə·mal·kā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430:A king

that
דִּ֠י(dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768:Who, which, that, because

if
הֵ֣ן(hên)
Conjunction
Strong's 2006:Lo!, there, less, whether, but, if

that
דָךְ֙(ḏāḵ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 1791:This

city
קִרְיְתָ֥א(qir·yə·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 7149:Building

is rebuilt
תִּתְבְּנֵ֔א(tiṯ·bə·nê)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1124:To build

and its walls
וְשׁוּרַיָּ֖ה(wə·šū·ray·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 7792:A wall

are restored,
יִֽשְׁתַּכְלְל֑וּן(yiš·taḵ·lə·lūn)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3635:To complete

they will not
לָ֣א(lā)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809:Not, no

pay
יִנְתְּנ֔וּן(yin·tə·nūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5415:To give

tribute,
מִנְדָּֽה־(min·dāh-)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4061:Tribute in money

duty,
בְל֤וֹ(ḇə·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1093:Tribute

or toll,
וַהֲלָךְ֙(wa·hă·lāḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1983:A journey, toll on goods at a, road

and the royal
מַלְכִ֖ים(mal·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4430:A king

treasury
וְאַפְּתֹ֥ם(wə·’ap·pə·ṯōm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 674:Revenue, others at the last

will suffer.
תְּהַנְזִֽק׃(tə·han·ziq)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5142:To suffer injury


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OT History: Ezra 4:13 Be it known now to the king (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 4:12
Ezra 4:14
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