Ezra 4:17
Ezra 4:17 in Multiple Translations
Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of your associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: Greetings.
¶ Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.
Then the king sent an answer to Rehum, the chief ruler, and Shimshai the scribe, and their friends living in Samaria, and to the rest of those across the river, saying, Peace to you:
The king replied as follows: “To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and fellow officers living in Samaria and in other areas west of the Euphrates: Greetings.
The King sent an answere vnto Rehum the Chauncelour, and Shimshai the Scribe, and so the rest of their companions that dwelt in Samaria, and vnto the other beyond the Riuer, Shelam and Cheeth.
An answer hath the king sent unto Rehum counsellor, and Shimshai scribe, and the rest of their companions who are dwelling in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, 'Peace, and at such a time:
Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who live in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace.
Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
The king sent word to Reum Beelteem and Samsai the scribe, and to the rest that were in their council, inhabitants of Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, sending greeting and peace.
After the king read this letter, he sent this reply to them: “To Rehum, the high commissioner, and Shimshai, the provincial secretary, and their colleagues in Samaria and in other parts of the province that is west of the Euphrates River: I ◄send you my greetings/wish that things will go well for you►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 4:17
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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פִּתְגָמָ֞/א
שְׁלַ֣ח
מַלְכָּ֗/א
עַל
רְח֤וּם
בְּעֵל
טְעֵם֙
וְ/שִׁמְשַׁ֣י
סָֽפְרָ֔/א
וּ/שְׁאָר֙
כְּנָוָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן
דִּ֥י
יָתְבִ֖ין
בְּ/שָֽׁמְרָ֑יִן
וּ/שְׁאָ֧ר
עֲבַֽר
נַהֲרָ֛/ה
שְׁלָ֖ם
וּ/כְעֶֽת
פִּתְגָמָ֞/א
pithgâm
H6600
edict
Adj | Art
שְׁלַ֣ח
shᵉlach
H7972
to send
Adj
מַלְכָּ֗/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
רְח֤וּם
Rᵉchûwm
H7348
Rehum
Adj
בְּעֵל
bᵉʻêl
H1169
commander
Adj
טְעֵם֙
ṭᵉʻêm
H2942
command
Adj
וְ/שִׁמְשַׁ֣י
Shimshay
H8124
Shimshai
Adj | N-proper
סָֽפְרָ֔/א
çâphêr
H5613
scribe
Adj | Art
וּ/שְׁאָר֙
shᵉʼâr
H7606
remainder
Adj | N-ms
כְּנָוָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן
kᵉnâth
H3675
associate
Adj | Suff
דִּ֥י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
יָתְבִ֖ין
yᵉthib
H3488
to dwell
Adj
בְּ/שָֽׁמְרָ֑יִן
Shomrayin
H8115
Samaria
Adj | N-proper
וּ/שְׁאָ֧ר
shᵉʼâr
H7606
remainder
Adj | N-ms
עֲבַֽר
ʻăbar
H5675
beyond
Adj
נַהֲרָ֛/ה
nᵉhar
H5103
river
Adj | Art
שְׁלָ֖ם
shᵉlâm
H8001
peace
Adj
וּ/כְעֶֽת
kᵉʻeneth
H3706
now
Adj | Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 4:17
פִּתְגָמָ֞/א
pithgâm
H6600
"edict"
Adj | Art
A pithgam is a command or decree, like a letter or official word from someone in authority.
Definition: 1) command, work, affair, decree 1a) word, report 1b) decree
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: answer, letter, matter, word. See also: Ezra 4:17; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 4:14.
שְׁלַ֣ח
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.
מַלְכָּ֗/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.
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.
רְח֤וּם
Rᵉchûwm
H7348
"Rehum"
Adj
Rehum was a Persian and Israelite name, meaning compassion. One notable Rehum was a commander who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes, as mentioned in Nehemiah 10:25.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.25 § Rehum = "compassion" a commander who wrote a letter to the king Artaxerxes in which he opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Rehum. See also: Ezra 2:2; Ezra 4:23; Nehemiah 12:3.
בְּעֵל
bᵉʻêl
H1169
"commander"
Adj
Means commander or lord, similar to H1167, and is used in the book of Daniel to describe a high-ranking official.
Definition: owner, lord Aramaic of ba.al (בַּעַל ": master" H1167)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] chancellor. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:9; Ezra 4:17.
טְעֵם֙
ṭᵉʻêm
H2942
"command"
Adj
This word is about having a command or report, and can also mean a taste or flavor. In the Bible, it can refer to a decree or wisdom, like in the book of Proverbs. It is about perceiving or understanding something.
Definition: 1) report, taste 1a) taste 1b) report
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] chancellor, [phrase] command, commandment, decree, [phrase] regard, taste, wisdom. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 6:27.
וְ/שִׁמְשַׁ֣י
Shimshay
H8124
"Shimshai"
Adj | N-proper
Shimshai was a Samaritan scribe who worked for the Persian government during the Exile and Return period, as seen in Ezra 4:8. His name means sunny. He assisted Rehum, the satrap of Judea.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.8 § Shimshai = "sunny" the scribe for Rehum, the satrap of Judea for the Persian government
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shimshai. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:17; Ezra 4:23.
סָֽפְרָ֔/א
çâphêr
H5613
"scribe"
Adj | Art
A scribe was a person who wrote or copied documents, often serving as a secretary or record-keeper. In biblical times, scribes played a crucial role in preserving sacred texts. They are mentioned in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Definition: scribe, secretary Aramaic of so.pher (סֹפֵר "secretary" H5608B)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: scribe. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:23; Ezra 7:21.
וּ/שְׁאָר֙
shᵉʼâr
H7606
"remainder"
Adj | N-ms
A remainder or what is left, as in Ezra 9:8. It can also mean a residue or rest, like the remaining people in Jeremiah 6:9. This word is used to describe the leftovers of a nation or people.
Definition: rest, remainder Aramaic of she.ar (שְׁאָר "remnant" H7605)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] whatsoever more, residue, rest. See also: Ezra 4:9; Ezra 7:20; Daniel 7:19.
כְּנָוָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן
kᵉnâth
H3675
"associate"
Adj | Suff
This word is similar to H3674, also meaning a companion or associate, and is used in Aramaic sections of the Bible. It refers to someone who is a colleague or friend, sharing a common bond or title.
Definition: companion, associate Aramaic of ke.nat (כְּנָת "associate" H3674)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: companion. See also: Ezra 4:9; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:13.
דִּ֥י
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.
יָתְבִ֖ין
yᵉthib
H3488
"to dwell"
Adj
To dwell means to sit or live in a place, like the Israelites dwelling in the Promised Land. It can also mean to cause someone to live somewhere.
Definition: 1) to sit, dwell 1a) (P'al) to sit, be seated 1b) (Aphel) to cause to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: dwell, (be) set, sit. See also: Ezra 4:10; Daniel 7:9; Daniel 7:26.
בְּ/שָֽׁמְרָ֑יִן
Shomrayin
H8115
"Samaria"
Adj | N-proper
Samaria refers to a region in northern Palestine, also known as the watch mountain, where the northern kingdom of Israel was located. It was the capital city, 30 miles north of Jerusalem. The region was part of the kingdom of Israel after it split from Judah.
Definition: Aramaic of sho.me.ron (שֹׁמְרוֹן "Samaria" H8111) § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israelwhich split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 4:17.
וּ/שְׁאָ֧ר
shᵉʼâr
H7606
"remainder"
Adj | N-ms
A remainder or what is left, as in Ezra 9:8. It can also mean a residue or rest, like the remaining people in Jeremiah 6:9. This word is used to describe the leftovers of a nation or people.
Definition: rest, remainder Aramaic of she.ar (שְׁאָר "remnant" H7605)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] whatsoever more, residue, rest. See also: Ezra 4:9; Ezra 7:20; Daniel 7:19.
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.
נַהֲרָ֛/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.
שְׁלָ֖ם
shᵉlâm
H8001
"peace"
Adj
This word means peace or prosperity, and it's used in the Bible to describe a state of well-being or happiness. It's often translated as 'peace' in the KJV, and it's related to the Hebrew word shalom.
Definition: welfare, prosperity, peace, well-being Aramaic of sha.lom (שָׁלוֹם ": peace" H7965)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: peace. See also: Ezra 4:17; Daniel 3:31; Daniel 6:26.
וּ/כְעֶֽת
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 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 4:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:17
- Sermons on Ezra 4:17
Context — The Decree of Artaxerxes
15that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.
16We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.
17Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of your associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: Greetings.
18The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence. 19I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 1:7 | To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 2 | Ezra 5:7 | The report they sent him read as follows: To King Darius: All peace. |
| 3 | Ezra 4:9–11 | From 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, and 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. (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: |
| 4 | Ezra 7:12 | Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. |
| 5 | Acts 23:26 | Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. |
| 6 | Luke 10:5 | Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ |
| 7 | Ezra 4:7 | And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. |
Ezra 4:17 Summary
This verse, Ezra 4:17, shows us how the king responded to a letter from some of his officials, Rehum and Shimshai, who were trying to stop the Israelites from rebuilding their city. The king's reply marked the beginning of an investigation, as we see in the next verses (Ezra 4:18-19). This reminds us that, like the king, we should seek wisdom and truth before making decisions, as advised in Proverbs 11:14. We can also learn from the Israelites' experience that patience and perseverance are essential when facing opposition, as encouraged in Romans 5:3-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the king's reply in Ezra 4:17?
The king's reply was in response to the letter sent by Rehum and Shimshai, and it marked the beginning of the king's investigation into the matter, as seen in Ezra 4:18-19, where the king issued a decree and a search was conducted to verify the claims made against the city.
Who were Rehum and Shimshai, and what were their roles?
Rehum was a commander, and Shimshai was a scribe, as mentioned in Ezra 4:17, and they were likely officials in the region west of the Euphrates, similar to the roles described in Esther 3:12 and Ezra 7:21.
What region did the king's reply address?
The king's reply was addressed to Rehum, Shimshai, and their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates, as stated in Ezra 4:17, which was a significant area of the king's dominion, as mentioned in Ezra 4:16 and Esther 1:1.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' return from exile, as described in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, and it reflects the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their neighbors, as seen in other passages such as Genesis 12:3 and Zechariah 2:7-9.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the king's response to the letter from Rehum and Shimshai, and how can we apply that to our own lives when faced with opposition or criticism?
- How does this verse demonstrate the importance of seeking wisdom and counsel from others, as advised in Proverbs 11:14 and 24:6?
- What role does patience and perseverance play in the face of adversity, as seen in the Israelites' experience in Ezra 4:17 and other passages like Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4?
- How can we, like the king, seek to understand the truth and make informed decisions, as encouraged in Proverbs 23:23 and 2 Timothy 2:15?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:17
Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe,.... This affair, upon examination, being found to be of importance, the king of Persia thought fit to send an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:17
Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:17
Ezra 4:17 [Then] sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and [to] Shimshai the scribe, and [to] the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and [unto] the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.Ver. 17. Peace, and at such a time] As the Latins saluting say, Ave, or Salve, the Greeks ÷áéñå, so the Hebrews and Syrians say, Shalom lach, that is, Peace be to thee (Hieron.). The Turks’ salutation at this day also is, Salaam aleek, the reply, Aleek Salaum, peace is a complexive blessing (Blount).
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:17
(17) Peace, and at such a time.—Salutation, and so forth. The account of the reply and the beginning of it are strangely blended, as before.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:17
Verse 17. Peace, and at such a time] The word וכעת ucheeth is like that which we have already considered on Ezra 4:10, and probably has the same meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:17
17. an answer] Another Persian word in the original, ‘pithgama’, used also in Esther 1:20, a ‘decree’, and Ecclesiastes 8:11, ‘sentence’. The LXX. omits. Vulg. ‘verbum’. Here = a royal rescript. Rehum &c.] see Ezra 4:9. that dwell in Samaria] A detail not mentioned with such directness in Ezra 4:10. A comparison with that verse shows that the city, not the district, is intended. unto the rest beyond the river] So margin of R.V.—R.V. text in the rest of the country beyond the river. See Ezra 4:10, where the application of the word ‘rest’ is clearly the same. There it follows after the verb ‘set in’ (lit. ‘cause to dwell’), here after the verb ‘dwell’. The district or territory, not the population, is referred to. and at such a time] R.V. and so forth. Cf.
Ezra 4:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:17
17. An answer — The original word (ôúâí) conveys the idea not only of an answer, but also of a decree: an edict. Peace, and at such a time — Rather, peace, and so forth.
Sermons on Ezra 4:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life (Cd Version) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about his mission to spread his message by going door to door and giving lectures. He mentions a man named Zagarki who he believes will surpass C |
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My Joy, My Peace and My Victory - Part 2 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the last message that Jesus gave to his disciples before his crucifixion. The disciples were feeling sad and struggling to understand why the |
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It Is God That Justifieth by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches about the comprehensive justification provided by God through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the triumph of redeeming love over sin, death, and hell. He highlig |
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Marks of Saintliness by Elmer Ellsworth Shelhamer | Elmer Ellsworth Shelhamer emphasizes the importance of maturity in the Christian faith, highlighting that while initial salvation can be instantaneous, becoming an advanced saint r |
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker introduces the theme of the conference, which is "faith unto enlargement through adversity." The speaker refers to Psalm 118 as the Passover Hosanna Son |
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Spiritual Sickness and Health by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of soul-prosperity, drawing from 3 John 2 where John wishes Gaius to prosper and be in health as his soul prospers. Philpot explains the dif |
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Things Unshakable - an Unshakable Home by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of building an unshakable home based on the teachings of Jesus. He refers to the parable of the two builders in Matthew 7:24-2 |