Ezra 4:22

Take heed now that ye faile not to doe this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

"Beware of being negligent in carrying out this {matter;} why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?"
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
- American Standard Version (1901)

Be certain to do this with all care: do not let trouble be increased to the king's damage.
- Basic English Bible

and take heed that ye fail not to do this: why should harm grow to the damage of the kings?
- Darby Bible

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
- Webster's Bible

Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
- World English Bible

And beware ye of negligence in doing this; why doth the hurt become great to the loss of the kings?'
- Youngs Literal Bible

And take heed that ye be not slack herein; why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?'
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for Ezra 4:22

4:23 To cease. &c. - As they abused the king by their misinformations, in the obtaining of this order, so they abused him in the execution of it; for the order was only to prevent the walling of the city. But having power in their hands, they, on this pretence, stopt the building of the temple. See what need we have to pray, not only for kings, but for all in authority under them: because the quietness of our lives depends much on the integrity and wisdom of inferior magistrates as well as the supreme.

4:24 Darius - Darius the son of Hystaspes, successor of Cambyses.