Ezra 4:11
Ezra 4:11 in Multiple Translations
(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates:
¶ This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.
This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men beyond the River, and so forth.
This is a copy of the letter which they sent to Artaxerxes the king: Your servants living across the river send these words:
The following is a copy of the letter they sent to him. To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, men beyond the River Euphrates:
This is the copie of the letter that they sent vnto King Artahshashte, THY SERVANTS the men beyond the Riuer and Cheeneth, salute thee.
This [is] a copy of a letter that they have sent unto him, unto Artaxerxes the king: 'Thy servants, men beyond the river, and at such a time;
This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men on this side of the river, and at such a time.
(This is the copy of the letter, which they sent to him:) To Artaxerxes the king, thy servants, the men that are on this side of the river, send greeting.
This is what they wrote in the letter: “To King Artaxerxes, From the officials who serve you who live in the province west of the Euphrates River.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 4:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דְּנָה֙
פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן
אִגַּרְתָּ֔/א
דִּ֚י
שְׁלַ֣חוּ
עֲל֔וֹ/הִי
עַל
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֖שְׂתְּא
מַלְכָּ֑/א
עַבְדָ֛י/ךְ
אֱנָ֥שׁ
עֲבַֽר
נַהֲרָ֖/ה
וּ/כְעֶֽנֶת
דְּנָה֙
dên
H1836
this
Adj
פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן
parshegen
H6573
copy
Adj
אִגַּרְתָּ֔/א
ʼiggᵉrâʼ
H104
letter
Adj | Art
דִּ֚י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
שְׁלַ֣חוּ
shᵉlach
H7972
to send
Adj
עֲל֔וֹ/הִי
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֖שְׂתְּא
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
Artaxerxes
Adj
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
עַבְדָ֛י/ךְ
ʻăbad
H5649
servant/slave
Adj | Suff
אֱנָ֥שׁ
ʼĕnâsh
H606
man
Adj
עֲבַֽר
ʻăbar
H5675
beyond
Adj
נַהֲרָ֖/ה
nᵉhar
H5103
river
Adj | Art
וּ/כְעֶֽנֶת
kᵉʻeneth
H3706
now
Adj | Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 4:11
דְּנָה֙
dên
H1836
"this"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.
פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן
parshegen
H6573
"copy"
Adj
This Aramaic word is also a copy or transcript, similar to its Hebrew counterpart. It refers to a written document or record, often used in official or important contexts. The term is used to describe a precise duplication.
Definition: copy Aramaic of pat.she.gen (פַּתְשֶׁ֫גֶן "copy" H6572B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: copy. See also: Ezra 4:11; Ezra 4:23; Ezra 5:6.
אִגַּרְתָּ֔/א
ʼiggᵉrâʼ
H104
"letter"
Adj | Art
A letter is a written message, like the ones sent by the prophets in the Old Testament. This word is used to describe formal messages or documents, often carried by a courier or postman. It can also refer to a written command or instruction.
Definition: letter, missive (Aramaic loan-word used in last OT books) Aramaic of ig.ge.ret (אִגֶּ֫רֶת "letter" H0107)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: letter. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:11; Ezra 5:6.
דִּ֚י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
שְׁלַ֣חוּ
shᵉlach
H7972
"to send"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to send something or someone away, like in Genesis when God sent Abraham to a new land. It can also mean to put or dispatch something. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God sending prophets or angels.
Definition: 1) to send 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to send, send out 1a2) to be sent
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: put, send. See also: Ezra 4:11; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:23.
עֲל֔וֹ/הִי
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj | Suff
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֖שְׂתְּא
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
"Artaxerxes"
Adj
Artaxerxes was a title given to several Persian kings, including the one who ruled during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.7 Also named: ar.tach.shash.ta (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתְּא "Artaxerxes" H0783B) § Artaxerxes = "I will make the spoiled to boil: I will stir myself (in) winter" son and successor of Xerxes as emperor of Persia, 465-424 BC
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Artaxerxes. See also: Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11; Nehemiah 13:6.
מַלְכָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
עַבְדָ֛י/ךְ
ʻăbad
H5649
"servant/slave"
Adj | Suff
A servant or slave is the meaning of this word, which is used to describe someone who serves another person or God, as seen in the story of the Israelites serving God. It is a term that implies a relationship of service or subordination. The word is used in the KJV to describe social roles and relationships.
Definition: servant, slave Aramaic of e.ved (עֶ֫בֶד "servant/slave" H5650)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: servant. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:7; Daniel 6:21.
אֱנָ֥שׁ
ʼĕnâsh
H606
"man"
Adj
A human being or mankind, used to describe people in general, as seen in Psalm 8 and Isaiah 52. This word refers to humans as individuals or collectively.
Definition: 1) man, human being 2) mankind (collective) Aramaic of e.nosh (אֱנוֹשׁ "human" H0582)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: man, [phrase] whosoever. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 7:13.
עֲבַֽר
ʻăbar
H5675
"beyond"
Adj
This word means beyond or on the other side, often referring to a region across a river, like the Jordan, and is used to describe a location or direction.
Definition: region beyond or across Aramaic of e.ver (עֵ֫בֶר ": side" H5676)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: beyond, this side. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 5:6; Ezra 7:25.
נַהֲרָ֖/ה
nᵉhar
H5103
"river"
Adj | Art
The Hebrew word for a river, especially the Euphrates, describes a flowing body of water. In the Bible, it often symbolizes life and abundance.
Definition: river Aramaic of na.har (נָהָר "river" H5104H)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: river, stream. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 5:6; Daniel 7:10.
וּ/כְעֶֽנֶת
kᵉʻeneth
H3706
"now"
Adj | Adv
This word is similar to H3705, also meaning 'now', but used in a formula to show a sequence of events, like in Ezra. It's about what's happening at a specific time. It's used to show when something is happening in a sequence.
Definition: now, and now Aramaic of ke.an (כְּעַן "now" H3705)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: at such a time. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 4:17; Ezra 7:12.
Study Notes — Ezra 4:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Ezra 4:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:11
Context — Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes
9From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa,
10and the rest of the peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and elsewhere west of the Euphrates.
11(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates:
12Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations. 13Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer.Ezra 4:11 Summary
Ezra 4:11 is a verse about a group of people, the men west of the Euphrates, who are writing a letter to their king, Artaxerxes, to inform him about the Jews who have returned to Jerusalem. This verse shows how the men west of the Euphrates are trying to influence the king's decisions, and it reminds us that our words and actions can have a big impact on those around us, as seen in James 3:9-10. As followers of God, we are called to be wise and discerning in our relationships with others, as described in Proverbs 27:17, and to use our words and actions to build each other up, rather than to tear each other down, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was King Artaxerxes and why was he important in the biblical narrative?
King Artaxerxes was a Persian king who played a significant role in the history of the Jewish people, as seen in Ezra 4:11 and other passages like Ezra 7:11-26, where he allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
What is the significance of the Euphrates River in the Bible?
The Euphrates River was an important geographical boundary in the ancient world, marking the western edge of the Persian Empire, as mentioned in Ezra 4:11, and is also referenced in other biblical passages like Genesis 2:14 and Revelation 16:12.
Who were the men west of the Euphrates and what was their relationship to the king?
The men west of the Euphrates were subjects of King Artaxerxes, living in the western provinces of the Persian Empire, and they are identified as his servants in Ezra 4:11, indicating their subordinate relationship to the king, similar to the relationship described in Romans 13:1-7.
Why did the men west of the Euphrates write a letter to King Artaxerxes?
The men west of the Euphrates wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes to inform him about the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem and were rebuilding the city, as seen in Ezra 4:12-13, and to express their concerns about the potential consequences of this rebuilding, similar to the concerns expressed in Nehemiah 4:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the men west of the Euphrates, might be influenced by my surroundings and the people around me, and how can I ensure that I am not swayed by negative influences, as warned in Proverbs 22:24-25?
- How can I, like King Artaxerxes, be a wise and just leader in my own sphere of influence, making decisions that honor God and promote the well-being of those around me, as described in Proverbs 29:2 and 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
- What are some ways that I can, like the Jewish people in Ezra 4:11, be a faithful witness for God in my own community, even in the face of opposition or adversity, as encouraged in Matthew 5:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:12?
- How can I balance my desire to fit in with the people around me with my need to stand out as a follower of God, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:17-18?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:11
This is the copy of the letter they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king,.... Which Ezra brought with him from Babylon, and is contained in the five following verses: thy servants the men on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:11
And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:11
Ezra 4:11 This [is] the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, [even] unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.Ver. 11. Thy servants] Not thy subjects only, but thine officers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:11
(11) On this side the river.—Literally, beyond the river Euphrates, as written for the Persian court. And at such a time.—Rather, and so forth; meaning, “Thy servants, as aforesaid,” alluding to the superscription.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:11
Verse 11. And at such a time.] The word וכענת ucheeneth has greatly perplexed all commentators and critics. The versions give us no light; and the Vulgate translates it et dicunt salutem, "and they wish prosperity." Some translate it and so forth; and our translators supposed that it referred to the date, which however is not specified, and might have been as easily entered as the words and at such a time. In our first translation of the Bible, that by Coverdale, in 1535, the passage stands thus: "And other on this syde the water, and in Canaan." In that by Becke, 1549, it is thus: "And other on this syde the water, and in Ceneeth:" and in the margin he enters "or peace," "or health." In Cardmarden's Bible, printed at Rouen, 1566, it stands thus: "And other that are nowe on thys syde the water." In that printed by Barker, 1615, we find the text thus: "AND OTHER that are beyond the river, and Cheeneth;" on which is the following marginal note: "To wit, Euphrates: and he meaneth in respect of Babel, that they dwelt beyond it." And the note on Cheeneth is, "Which were a certain people that envied the Jews." All this is merely guessing, in the midst of obscurity; most of these having considered the original word כענת Ceeneth as the name of a people; and in this they follow the Syriac, which uses the word Acaneth. Calmet thinks we should read ובעת ubaeth, "and at this time; " as if they had said, "We wish thee to enjoy the same health and prosperity at all future times, which thou dost at present." This is not remote from the meaning of the Chaldee original.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:11
11. unto him, even unto Artaxerxes] R.V. unto Artaxerxes the king.the men on this side the river] R.V. beyond the river. The A.V. does not recognize that the senders of the letter place themselves in the position of the recipient; the expression “beyond the river” applied to a country would to a Persian subject convey as distinct an idea of a particular district as ‘Cisalpine and Transalpine Gaul’ would to a Roman subject whether living in Italy or Gaul. and at such a time] R.V. ‘and so forth’, i.e. ‘et cætera’. See note on Ezra 4:10. Probably a long and wearisome salutation is thus briefly dispatched.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:11
11. This is the copy — After this verse (Ezra 4:12-16) we seem to have an exact transcript of the substance of the letter that they sent. What precedes in Ezra 4:9-10 was a sort of paraphrase of the introduction to the letter.