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◄ Ezra 7:24►

New International Version
You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God.

New Living Translation
I also decree that no priest, Levite, singer, gatekeeper, Temple servant, or other worker in this Temple of God will be required to pay tribute, customs, or tolls of any kind.’

English Standard Version
We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

Berean Standard Bible
And 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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tax, tribute, or custom on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God.

New American Standard Bible
We also inform you that it is not allowed to impose tax, tribute, or tollon any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, orother servants of this house of God.

NASB 1995
“We also inform you that it is not allowed to impose tax, tribute or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim or servants of this house of God.

NASB 1977
“We also inform you that it is not allowed to impose tax, tribute or tollon any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
We also make known to you that it is not allowed to impose tribute, custom, or tollon any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, orother servants of this house of God.

Amplified Bible
We also inform you that it is not authorized to impose tax, tribute, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants orother servants of this house of God.

Christian Standard Bible
Be advised that you do not have authority to impose tribute, duty, and land tax on any priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Be advised that tribute, duty, and land tax must not be imposed on any priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

American Standard Version
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, upon them.

Contemporary English Version
We want you to know that no priests, Levites, musicians, guards, temple servants, or any other temple workers will have to pay any kind of taxes.

English Revised Version
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, upon them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Furthermore, we are notifying you that you are forbidden to make any priest, Levite, singer, gatekeeper, servant, or worker in the temple of this God pay any taxes, fees, or tolls.

Good News Translation
You are forbidden to collect any taxes from the priests, Levites, musicians, guards, workers, or anyone else connected with this Temple.

International Standard Version
Furthermore, we decree that with respect to any of the priests, descendants of Levi, singers, gatekeepers, Temple Servants, or other servants of this Temple of God, it is not to be lawful to impose any tribute, tax, or toll on them.

NET Bible
Furthermore, be aware of the fact that you have no authority to impose tax, tribute, or toll on any of the priests, the Levites, the musicians, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or the attendants at the temple of this God.

New Heart English Bible
Also we inform you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, on them.

Webster's Bible Translation
Also we certify you, that concerning 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.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
And 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.

World English Bible
Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And to you we are making known, that on any of the priests and Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, and servants of the house of God, tribute and custom there is no authority to lift up.

Young's Literal Translation
'And to you we are making known, that upon any of the priests and Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, and servants of the house of God, tribute and custom there is no authority to lift up.

Smith's Literal Translation
And making known to you that all the priests and Levites, the players, the porters, the Nethinims, and those serving this house of God, tribute, excise and toll, not being permitted to be lifted up upon them.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
We give you also to understand concerning all the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nathinites, and ministers of the house of this God, that you have no authority to impose toll or tribute, or custom upon them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, we would make known to you, about all the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the temple servants, and the ministers of the house of this God, that you have no authority to impose tax, or tribute, or duty upon them.

New American Bible
We also inform you that it is not permitted to impose taxes, tributes, or tolls on any priest, Levite, singer, gatekeeper, temple servant, or any other servant of that house of God.

New Revised Standard Version
We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Also we inform you that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, and the workers of the house of God, it is unlawful for you to interfere with them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And to you we disclose that to all the Priests and the Levites and the Trumpeters and the Servants of the house of God, it is not legal for you to say anything to them.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Also we announce to you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, impost, or toll, upon them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Also this has been declared to you, with respect to all the priests, and Levites, the singers, porters, Nathinim and ministers of the house of God, let no tribute bepaid to thee; thou shalt not have power to oppress them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Artaxerxes' Letter for Ezra
…23Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons?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.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Nehemiah 10:39
For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.”

Nehemiah 13:10-12
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, / and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms.

Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Numbers 18:21-24
Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. / The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. ...

Deuteronomy 18:1-5
The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. / This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach. ...

2 Chronicles 31:4-6
Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. / As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.

Matthew 10:10
Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.

Luke 10:7
Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Hebrews 7:5
Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

Leviticus 27:30-33
Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. ...

2 Kings 12:16
The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings was not brought into the house of the LORD; it belonged to the priests.

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.

1 Chronicles 9:33
Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night.

Treasury of Scripture

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, on them.

touching any

Ezra 7:7
And there went upsome of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

Ezra 2:36-55
The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three…

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Addition Allowed Announce Authority Certify Clear Custom Door-Keepers Duty Forced Gatekeepers Goods House Impose Impost Inform Levites Ministers Music-Makers Nethinim Nethinims Payment Porters Priests Servants Singers Tax Taxes Toll Touching Tribute Workers

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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

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll
This phrase reflects the decree issued by King Artaxerxes of Persia, granting religious freedom and financial exemption to those serving in the temple. The historical context is significant, as the Persian Empire was known for its administrative efficiency and respect for local customs and religions. This decree ensured that the temple workers could perform their duties without the burden of taxes, which aligns with the broader biblical principle of supporting those dedicated to God's service (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). The exemption from taxes also highlights the importance of the temple in Jewish society and the recognition of its significance by a foreign ruler.

on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants,
These groups represent the various roles within the temple service. The priests and Levites were responsible for the sacrifices and rituals, maintaining the spiritual life of Israel. The singers played a crucial role in worship, as music was integral to temple ceremonies (1 Chronicles 25:1-7). Doorkeepers ensured the security and order of the temple, while temple servants, or Nethinim, assisted the Levites in their duties. This structure reflects the organized and communal nature of worship in ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of each role in maintaining the sanctity and function of the temple.

or other servants of this house of God.
The phrase "house of God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The inclusion of "other servants" indicates a comprehensive exemption for all who contributed to the temple's operation, underscoring the value placed on their work. This provision ensured that the temple could function smoothly and that those serving were not hindered by financial burdens. The temple's significance is further highlighted in the New Testament, where it is seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest and the true temple (John 2:19-21,Hebrews 9:11).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Ezra
A scribe and priest who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and was instrumental in re-establishing the Law of Moses among the people.

2.Artaxerxes
The Persian king who issued the decree allowing Ezra to return to Jerusalem and provided support for the temple and its services.

3.Priests and Levites
Religious leaders responsible for temple worship and sacrifices, exempted from taxes to focus on their spiritual duties.

4.Singers and Gatekeepers
Individuals assigned specific roles in temple worship, ensuring the proper conduct of services and security.

5.Temple Servants
Also known as Nethinim, these were assistants to the Levites, helping with various tasks in the temple.

Teaching Points

Support for Spiritual Leaders
Just as the priests and Levites were exempt from taxes to focus on their duties, modern believers should ensure that those who serve in ministry are supported and able to focus on their spiritual responsibilities.

The Importance of Worship
The roles of singers and gatekeepers highlight the importance of organized and reverent worship, reminding us to prioritize worship in our own lives.

God's Provision
The decree from Artaxerxes demonstrates God's provision for His people through unexpected means, encouraging us to trust in God's ability to provide for our needs.

Separation for Service
The exemption from taxes signifies a separation for service, reminding believers of the call to be set apart for God's purposes in their own lives.

Community Responsibility
The community's role in supporting the temple workers underscores the collective responsibility of believers to contribute to the work of the church.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Ezra 7:24?

2.How does Ezra 7:24 emphasize the importance of supporting religious leaders financially?

3.What does Ezra 7:24 teach about respecting God's appointed servants and their duties?

4.How can we apply Ezra 7:24's principles to modern church financial practices?

5.In what ways does Ezra 7:24 connect to New Testament teachings on church support?

6.How can Ezra 7:24 inspire us to prioritize God's work in our lives?

7.How does Ezra 7:24 reflect the relationship between church and state in biblical times?

8.Why were temple workers exempt from taxes according to Ezra 7:24?

9.What does Ezra 7:24 reveal about the Persian Empire's policy towards religious institutions?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 7?

11.Should Ezra have ordered abandoning foreign wives and children?

12.In Ezra 7:21–24, does the decree’s broad tax exemption align with known Persian administrative policies, or is it historically implausible?

13.Why do some priestly and Levitical genealogies in Ezra 2:36-42 appear inconsistent with other biblical records?

14.Why does Nehemiah 7:61-65 reference priests unable to prove their lineage, and does this contradict earlier genealogical records found in Ezra?

What Does Ezra 7:24 Mean

And be advised

The royal letter pauses here to command undivided attention. Artaxerxes wants every official west of the Euphrates to recognize that what follows carries the full weight of Persian law (cf.Esther 8:8;Daniel 6:8). God’s providence is on display: the king’s words end up preserved in Scripture so that Judah’s exiles know Heaven itself backs their return and worship (Proverbs 21:1).

that you have no authority

Artaxerxes deliberately limits his own satraps. In effect he says, “Hands off God’s servants.” WhileRomans 13:1 reminds us earthly rulers possess genuine authority, this verse shows their power has borders when it comes to God’s work (seeActs 5:29 for the higher authority believers obey).

to impose tribute, duty, or toll

The three words cover every normal tax category:

• Tribute – a property or land tax (compare1 Samuel 8:15).

• Duty – customs on goods in transit (Nehemiah 13:16-21 highlights this practice).

• Toll – road or head taxes (Matthew 17:24-27 mentions the temple tax Jesus paid).

By canceling them, the king removes financial burdens that could strangle worship. God had already provided tithes for the Levites (Numbers 18:21); now He moves a pagan monarch to add further protection.

on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants,

Each ministry group receives explicit exemption:

• Priests offered sacrifices and taught the Law (Leviticus 10:11).

• Levites assisted, carried, and guarded holy things (1 Chronicles 23:24-32).

• Singers led praise (1 Chronicles 25:1-7).

• Doorkeepers (gatekeepers) secured the entrances (1 Chronicles 9:17-27).

• Temple servants (the Nethinim) handled labor-intensive tasks (Ezra 2:43-54).

All were essential to daily worship, so the decree shields every layer of service, echoing God’s own instruction that those who serve the altar should live from the altar (1 Corinthians 9:13).

or other servants of this house of God

The phrase catches anyone not already named—woodcutters, water carriers, scribes, craftsmen—completing a legal umbrella over the entire ministry team (compareJoshua 9:27 and1 Chronicles 9:2). By safeguarding resources and personnel, God ensures uninterrupted sacrifice, teaching, and praise in Jerusalem.

summary

Ezra 7:24 records God moving a pagan emperor to forbid every tax on temple workers, guaranteeing their freedom to focus on worship. The verse demonstrates God’s care for those who serve Him, His power to overrule earthly authorities, and His commitment to see His house flourish without hindrance—then and now.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(24)We certify you.--The exemption of so large a number as the entire ministry of the Temple from all kinds of taxation is emphatically introduced.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 24. -Wecertify you. The use of the plural is curious. Hitherto the king has made every permission and command to rest on his own sole authority (see vers. 12, 13, 21). Now that he reaches the most important point in the whole of his decree - the permanent exemption of a large part of the people from liability to taxation of any kind, his style changes, and he says, "We certify you." Perhaps he speaks in the name of himselfand his successors; or possibly he means to say that in this matter he has asked and obtained the assent and consent of his council (compare ver. 28). Or ministers. Rather, "and ministers." It is generally allowed that the word here translated "ministers" is not applied to the Nethinim, but to that still lower grade of attendants in the sanctuary called "Solomon's servants" inEzra 2:55-58, andNehemiah 7:57-60.It shall not be lawfulto impose toll, tribute, or custom upon them It may be suspected from this proviso that the Persians exempted from taxation their own (Magian) priests, though of this there is no other evidence. But they would scarcely have placed a foreign priesthood on a higher level of favour than their own.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And
וּלְכֹ֣ם(ū·lə·ḵōm)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

be advised
מְהוֹדְעִ֗ין(mə·hō·wḏ·‘în)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3046:To know

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

you have no
לָ֥א(lā)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809:Not, no

authority
שַׁלִּ֖יט(šal·lîṭ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7990:Mighty, permission, a premier

to impose
לְמִרְמֵ֥א(lə·mir·mê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7412:To throw, set, assess

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

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

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

on
עֲלֵיהֹֽם׃(‘ă·lê·hōm)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5922:Above, over, upon, against

any
כָל־(ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606:The whole, all, any, every

of the priests,
כָּהֲנַיָּ֣א(kā·hă·nay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 3549:Priest

Levites,
וְ֠לֵוָיֵא(wə·lê·wā·yê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3879:Levites -- descendants of Levi

singers,
זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤א(zam·mā·ray·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 2171:An instrumental musician

doorkeepers,
תָרָֽעַיָּא֙(ṯā·rā·‘ay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 8652:A doorkeeper

temple servants,
נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔א(nə·ṯî·nay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 5412:The Nethinim, Temple-servants

or other servants
וּפָ֣לְחֵ֔י(ū·p̄ā·lə·ḥê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6399:To pay reverence to, serve

of this
דְנָ֑ה(ḏə·nāh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 1836:This

house
בֵּ֖ית(bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1005:A house

of God.
אֱלָהָ֣א(’ĕ·lā·hā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 426:God

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OT History: Ezra 7:24 Also we inform you that touching any (Ezr. Ez)