What Does Ezra 6:6 Mean in the King James?

Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Ezra 6:6 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

THE KEY

Here, protection takes the form of distance: those who could interfere are commanded to stay away from the work.

THE MEANING

This verse draws a clear boundary around the work of rebuilding: those who could interfere are told to keep their distance. The space around the work is part of its protection, allowing it to continue without intrusion.

THE ROOT

רְחִיקִין

reḥiqin

GROWS FROM

רחק

To be far or distant; to put something far away.

The Aramaic says to remain far from there, making distance an active boundary rather than a passing description. The same root can name being distant or putting something at a distance, so the work is protected by keeping interference away.

ALSO GROWS

raḥoq: Far, distant.

רָחוֹק

It names the distance that surrounds and protects the work.

hirḥiq: To put or keep far away.

הִרְחִיק

It shows the root can describe creating distance, as the command does here.

THE PATTERN

A needed boundary creates distance from interference so that good work can continue.

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

Ezra 6:7 · KJVThe boundary becomes explicit: the work continues when interference is kept away.

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

Isaiah 54:14 · KJVBeing established is joined to distance from oppression and terror.

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 · KJVWithdrawing from disorder creates space for the community to remain ordered.

THE THREAD

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

Isaiah 54:14 · KJV

The word translated “far” comes from the same ⁨רחק⁩ (raḥaq) root as the Aramaic command here. Here, distance protects the work; in Isaiah, distance from oppression belongs to being established.

Read the SDV Bible.

Every verse has a Deep Dive in the app.

Get Selah Verse

The iPhone Bible app with the Selah Decoded Version.

Does something in this reading look wrong? Tell us