KJV ORIGINAL
We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
We also asked for their names so we could report back to you and write down the names of their leaders.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The officials are explaining that they gathered the names of the Jewish leaders to provide a complete report to the king.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of a letter sent by Persian officials to King Darius, reporting on the Jewish rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The officials had questioned the Jews about their authority to rebuild and wanted to provide the king with detailed information, including the names of those in charge of the construction project.
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