Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. New Living Translation Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you! English Standard Version Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. Berean Standard Bible Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Berean Literal Bible Who is among you⁺ of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of YHWH, God of Israel—He is the God who is in Jerusalem. King James Bible Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. New King James Version Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. New American Standard Bible Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. NASB 1995 ‘Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. NASB 1977 ‘Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Legacy Standard Bible Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of Yahweh, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Amplified Bible Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is God who is in Jerusalem. Berean Annotated Bible Whoever among you⁺ belongs to His people, may his God {Elohaw} be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem (city of peace) in Judah (praised) and build the house of the LORD {YHWH}, the God of Israel (he wrestles with God); He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Christian Standard Bible Any of his people among you, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. Holman Christian Standard Bible Whoever is among His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. American Standard Version Whosoever there is among you of all his people, his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Jehovah, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem. English Revised Version Whosoever there is among you of all his people, his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel, (he is God,) which is in Jerusalem. GOD'S WORD® Translation May God be with all of you who are his people. You may go to Jerusalem (which is in Judah) and build a temple for the LORD God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Good News Translation May God be with all of you who are his people. You are to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is worshiped in Jerusalem. International Standard Version Therefore, who among the LORD's people trusts in his God? Whoever among this group wishes to do so may travel to Jerusalem of Judah to rebuild the Temple of the LORD God of Israel, the God of Jerusalem. NET Bible Anyone from his people among you (may his God be with him!) may go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and may build the temple of the LORD God of Israel--he is the God who is in Jerusalem. New Heart English Bible Whoever there is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem. Webster's Bible Translation Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) who is in Jerusalem. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. World English Bible Whoever there is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Yahweh, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionwho [is] among you of all His people? His God is with him, and he goes up to Jerusalem, that [is] in Judah, and builds the house of YHWH, God of Israel (He [alone is] God), that [is] in Jerusalem. Berean Literal Bible Who is among you⁺ of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of YHWH, God of Israel—He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Young's Literal Translation who is among you of all His people? His God is with him, and he doth go up to Jerusalem, that is in Judah, and build the house of Jehovah, God of Israel -- He is God -- that is in Jerusalem. Smith's Literal Translation Who among you from all his people? His God shall be with him, and he shall go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and he shall build the house of Jehovah God of Israel, (he is the God) Which is in Jerusalem. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho is there among you of all his people? His God be with him. Let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Jndert, and build the house of the Lord the God of Israel: he is the God that is in Jerusalem. Catholic Public Domain Version Who among you is from his entire people? May his God be with him. Let him ascend to Jerusalem, which is in Judea, and let him build the house of the Lord, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem. New American Bible Those among you who belong to any part of his people, may their God be with them! Let them go up to Jerusalem in Judah to build the house of the LORD the God of Israel, that is, the God who is in Jerusalem. New Revised Standard Version Any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them!—are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWho is there among you of all his people? His God be with him, let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house to the LORD the God of Israel, he is the God who is in Jerusalem. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Who is there among you of all the people, and his God is with him? He shall go up to Jerusalem which is in Yehuda, and he shall build the house of LORD JEHOVAH God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Whosoever there is among you of all His people--his God be with him--let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel, He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Brenton Septuagint Translation Who is there among you of all his people? for his God shall be with him, and he shall go up to Jerusalem that is in Judea, and let him build the house of the God of Israel: he is the God that is in Jerusalem. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Proclamation of Cyrus…2“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. 4And let every survivor, wherever he lives, be assisted by the men of that region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ ”… Cross References Whoever among you belongs to His people, Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 14:2 for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. may his God be with him, Haggai 1:13 Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people: “I am with you,” declares the LORD. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Genesis 28:15 Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah 2 Chronicles 36:23 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” Nehemiah 2:5 and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” Psalm 122:1 A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” and build the house of the LORD, 1 Kings 6:1 In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 2:4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever. 1 Chronicles 28:10 Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.” the God of Israel; Exodus 24:10 and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. 2 Kings 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. 1 Kings 18:36 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. He is the God who is in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 6:6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ Treasury of Scripture Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. his God Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 1 Chronicles 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. he is the God Deuteronomy 32:31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. Psalm 83:18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. Isaiah 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: Jump to Previous Build Building Hand House Israel Jerusalem Judah Rebuild TempleJump to Next Build Building Hand House Israel Jerusalem Judah Rebuild TempleEzra 1 1. The proclamation of Cyrus for the building of the temple5. The people provide for their return 7. Cyrus restores the vessels of the temple to Sheshbazzar Whoever among you belongs to His people This phrase identifies the Israelites, specifically those who are part of the covenant community. It emphasizes the continuity of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The call is inclusive, inviting all who identify with God's people to participate in the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. This echoes the covenantal language found in Genesis 17:7, where God promises to be the God of Abraham's descendants. may his God be with him and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD the God of Israel He is the God who is in Jerusalem Persons / Places / Events 1. Cyrus the GreatThe Persian king who issued the decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His role is pivotal as a Gentile ruler used by God to fulfill His purposes. 2. The Israelites Specifically, those who were in exile in Babylon. They are the recipients of the decree and are called to return to their homeland to rebuild the temple. 3. Jerusalem The city in Judah where the temple of the LORD is to be rebuilt. It holds significant spiritual and historical importance for the Israelites. 4. The Temple of the LORD The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Its reconstruction is a key focus of the book of Ezra. 5. Judah The region where Jerusalem is located, representing the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod can use anyone, even a pagan king, to fulfill His divine purposes. This reminds us that God is in control of history and can work through unexpected means. Call to Action The decree is an invitation for the Israelites to participate in God's plan. Similarly, we are called to respond to God's invitations in our lives with obedience and faith. Restoration and Hope The rebuilding of the temple symbolizes restoration and hope for the future. In our lives, God offers restoration and new beginnings through His grace. Community and Identity The call to return to Jerusalem is also a call to re-establish community and identity centered around worship. We are reminded of the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Faithfulness to God's Promises The fulfillment of prophecy through Cyrus's decree underscores God's faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 1:3?2. How does Ezra 1:3 encourage us to participate in God's restoration work today? 3. What does Ezra 1:3 reveal about God's faithfulness to His promises? 4. How can we apply the call to "go up" in our own lives? 5. In what ways does Ezra 1:3 connect to the theme of divine providence? 6. How does Ezra 1:3 inspire us to support others in their spiritual journeys? 7. How does Ezra 1:3 demonstrate God's sovereignty in fulfilling prophecy? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Ezra 1:3? 9. How does Ezra 1:3 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 1? 11. In Ezra 4:1–2, how can we reconcile the reference to “the enemies of Judah and Benjamin” with archaeological evidence that suggests more complex local alliances? 12. Zechariah 2:12 - Given the centuries of exile and conflict, what archaeological or historical records confirm that the Lord truly 'took possession of Judah' in a lasting, literal sense? 13. (Ezra 3:8-9) Why would Levites, rather than skilled foremen or Persian officials, be in charge of supervising construction under Persian rule? 14. (Psalm 147:2) The text references rebuilding Jerusalem--what evidence exists that this rebuilding happened precisely as described, and does the historical record match the biblical timeline? What Does Ezra 1:3 Mean Whoever among you belongs to His people• The decree opens wide to every Israelite, underscoring that covenant identity transcends geography (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33). • God kept His promise to preserve a remnant during exile (Isaiah 10:20-21; Romans 11:5), proving the exile never severed the bond between Him and His people. • The wording invites voluntary response, echoing how Moses called any willing Israelite to follow the LORD out of Egypt (Exodus 32:26). may his God be with him • Cyrus recognizes that safe return hinges on divine presence, the same assurance God gave Joshua (Joshua 1:9) and the returning exiles through Isaiah (Isaiah 41:10). • “His God” affirms a personal, covenant relationship rather than a distant deity (Psalm 23:1; Hebrews 13:5). • The phrase anticipates the New-Covenant promise of Christ’s abiding presence (Matthew 28:20), showing continuity in God’s plan. and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah • The journey is geographical and spiritual, a movement from captivity to freedom, mirroring Abraham’s call to the land (Genesis 12:1). • Jerusalem remains God’s chosen city (Psalm 132:13-14), even after judgment, demonstrating His unchanging purposes. • The call also honors Jeremiah’s prophecy of a seventy-year exile ending in return (Jeremiah 29:10). and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel • Rebuilding the temple restores worship at the center of national life (Deuteronomy 12:5-6). • God stirs the people to prioritize His house over personal comfort (Haggai 1:4-8). • The physical temple foreshadows the greater dwelling of God among His people in Christ (John 2:19-21; 1 Corinthians 3:16). He is the God who is in Jerusalem • The statement affirms God’s unique, covenantal presence there (Psalm 48:1-2; Zechariah 8:3), not a concession to pagan notions of localized deities. • By declaring this truth, Cyrus publicly distinguishes the LORD from Persian gods, reflecting Isaiah’s prophecy that foreign kings would acknowledge Israel’s God (Isaiah 45:1-6). • The verse anticipates the eschatological vision where God’s glory fills the New Jerusalem eternally (Revelation 21:22-23). summary Ezra 1:3 records a royal invitation that spotlights God’s faithfulness. Every Israelite is free to leave exile, travel to Jerusalem, and rebuild the temple, confident that the LORD is with them. The verse affirms covenant identity, God’s abiding presence, obedience in returning, the centrality of true worship, and the exclusive glory of the God who dwells in Jerusalem—a promise fulfilled historically and ultimately realized in Christ’s eternal kingdom. Verse 3. - Who (is there) among you of all his people? Cyrus does not limit his address to the Jews, or even to Judah and Benjamin, but extends it to the whole people of Jehovah, i.e. to all the tribes equally. Gozan and Media, to which the ten tribes had been transported by the Assyrian monarchs, were within his dominions no less than Babylonia. That many non-Jewish Israelites did return appears from 1 Chronicles 9:3. His God be with him. A pious wish, almost a blessing, indicative of the deep religious feeling and great goodness of heart which characterized Cyrus alone of Persian monarchs. Among the Greeks, AEschylus, who first speaks of him, calls him kindly" or "gracious" (εὔφραιν); Herodotus says he ruled his subjects like a father; Xenophon makes him a model prince; Plutarch observes that "in wisdom and virtue and greatness of soul he excelled all other kings;" Diodorus ascribes to him a remarkable power of self-command, together with good feeling and gentleness. The Latin writers, Cicero and others, add their meed of praise; and altogether it may be said that, so far as the evidence reaches, no nobler character appears in ancient history. The Scriptural notices, whether in this book or in Isaiah, are in remarkable accord. Let him go up. Jerusalem was on a much higher level than Babylon, and the travellers would consequently have to ascend considerably. And build the house. The "charge" to Cyrus did not require him to take a personal share in the building. He was simply to "say to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid" (Isaiah 44:28). He is therefore content to assign the actual work to others. He is the God. The Septuagint and the Vulgate attach the last clause of the verse to these words, and render "He is the God who is in Jerusalem," which greatly weakens the force of the expression. According to this punctuation, Cyrus makes Jehovah a mere local Deity; according to the far preferable arrangement of the A. V., he declares emphatically that Jehovah is the one true God, beside whom there is no other. Compare the very similar confession of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 6:26).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whoeverמִֽי־ (mî-) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix among you בָכֶ֣ם (ḇā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew belongs to מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every His people, עַמּ֗וֹ (‘am·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock may his God אֱלֹהָיו֙ (’ĕ·lō·hāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative be יְהִ֤י (yə·hî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be with him, עִמּ֔וֹ (‘im·mōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with and may he go וְיַ֕עַל (wə·ya·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively to Jerusalem לִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם (lî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel in Judah בִּיהוּדָ֑ה (bî·hū·ḏāh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites and build וְיִ֗בֶן (wə·yi·ḇen) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular Strong's 1129: To build the house בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of the LORD, יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the God אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel; יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc He [is] ה֥וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are the God הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative who אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that is in Jerusalem. בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (bî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel Links Ezra 1:3 NIVEzra 1:3 NLT Ezra 1:3 ESV Ezra 1:3 NASB Ezra 1:3 KJV Ezra 1:3 BibleApps.com Ezra 1:3 Biblia Paralela Ezra 1:3 Chinese Bible Ezra 1:3 French Bible Ezra 1:3 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 1:3 Whoever there is among you of all (Ezr. 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