Ezra 5:3
Ezra 5:3 in Multiple Translations
At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
¶ At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?
At the same time, Tattenai, ruler of the land across the river, and Shethar-bozenai, and their men, came to them and said, Who gave you orders to go on building this house and this wall?
Almost immediately Tattenai, the governor of the province west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their fellow officials arrived and asked, “Who gave you permission to rebuild this Temple and finish it?”
At the same time came to them Tatnai, which was captaine beyonde the Riuer, and Shether-boznai and their companions, and sayd thus vnto them, Who hath giuen you commandement to buylde this house, and to lay the foundations of these walles?
At that time come to them hath Tatnai, governor beyond the river, and Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, and thus they are saying to them, 'Who hath made for you a decree this house to build, and this wall to finish?'
At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this wall?”
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side of the river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
And at the same time came to them Thathanai, who was governor beyond the river, and Stharbuzanai, and their counsellors: and said thus to them: Who hath given you counsel to build this house, and to repair the walls thereof?
Then Tattenai the governor of the province west of the Euphrates River and Shethar-Bozenai his assistant and some of their officials went to Jerusalem and said to the people, “Who has permitted you to rebuild this temple and put furnishings in it?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 5:3
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 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֵּ/הּ
זִמְנָ/א֩
אֲתָ֨א
עֲלֵי/ה֜וֹן
תַּ֠תְּנַי
פַּחַ֧ת
עֲבַֽר
נַהֲרָ֛/ה
וּ/שְׁתַ֥ר
בּוֹזְנַ֖י
וּ/כְנָוָתְ/ה֑וֹן
וְ/כֵן֙
אָמְרִ֣ין
לְ/הֹ֔ם
מַן
שָׂ֨ם
לְ/כֹ֜ם
טְעֵ֗ם
בַּיְתָ֤/א
דְנָה֙
לִ/בְּנֵ֔א
וְ/אֻשַּׁרְנָ֥/א
דְנָ֖ה
לְ/שַׁכְלָלָֽה
בֵּ/הּ
Adj | Suff
זִמְנָ/א֩
zᵉmân
H2166
time
Adj | Art
אֲתָ֨א
ʼâthâh
H858
to come
Adj
עֲלֵי/ה֜וֹן
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj | Suff
תַּ֠תְּנַי
Tattᵉnay
H8674
Tattenai
Adj
פַּחַ֧ת
pechâh
H6347
governor
Adj
עֲבַֽר
ʻăbar
H5675
beyond
Adj
נַהֲרָ֛/ה
nᵉhar
H5103
river
Adj | Art
וּ/שְׁתַ֥ר
Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay
H8370
Shethar-bozenai
Adj | N-proper
בּוֹזְנַ֖י
Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay
H8370
Shethar-bozenai
Adj
וּ/כְנָוָתְ/ה֑וֹן
kᵉnâth
H3675
associate
Adj | N-ms | Suff
וְ/כֵן֙
kên
H3652
thus
Adj | Adv
אָמְרִ֣ין
ʼămar
H560
to say
Adj
לְ/הֹ֔ם
Adj | Suff
מַן
mân
H4479
who?
Adj
שָׂ֨ם
sûwm
H7761
to set
Adj
לְ/כֹ֜ם
Adj | Suff
טְעֵ֗ם
ṭᵉʻêm
H2942
command
Adj
בַּיְתָ֤/א
bayith
H1005
house
Adj | Art
דְנָה֙
dên
H1836
this
Adj
לִ/בְּנֵ֔א
bᵉnâʼ
H1124
to build
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/אֻשַּׁרְנָ֥/א
ʼushsharnâʼ
H846
wall
Adj | N-ms | Art
דְנָ֖ה
dên
H1836
this
Adj
לְ/שַׁכְלָלָֽה
kᵉlal
H3635
to complete
Adj | V-e-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 5:3
בֵּ/הּ
""
Adj | Suff
זִמְנָ/א֩
zᵉmân
H2166
"time"
Adj | Art
In the Bible, this word means a set time or season, like a scheduled event. It appears in books like Daniel and Ezra, referring to appointed times for festivals or ceremonies. This concept is key to understanding biblical timing.
Definition: a set time, time, season Aramaic of ze.man (זְמָ֑ן "time" H2165)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: season, time. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 4:33; Daniel 7:25.
אֲתָ֨א
ʼâthâh
H858
"to come"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to arrive or come, and is used in phrases like 'maranatha', which means 'Lord, come'. It appears in the New Testament and is translated as 'come' or 'bring'.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (P'al) to come 1b) (Aphel) to bring 1c) (Hophal) to be brought 2) used in the NT in the phrase "maranatha" -"Lord come" Aramaic of a.tah (אָתָה "to come" H0857)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (be-) come, bring. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 5:3; Daniel 7:22.
עֲלֵי/ה֜וֹן
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.
תַּ֠תְּנַי
Tattᵉnay
H8674
"Tattenai"
Adj
Tattenai was a Persian governor in Syria who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem during the time of Exile and Return, as seen in Ezra 5:3. His name means gift. He played a significant role in the history of Israel.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.5.3 § Tatnai = "gift" a Persian governor in Syria who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Tatnai. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:13.
פַּחַ֧ת
pechâh
H6347
"governor"
Adj
A governor or prefect is a high-ranking official who oversees a city or small district, as seen in the book of Ezra and Nehemiah. This person has authority and decision-making power. The term is also used in Daniel.
Definition: governor Aramaic of pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6346)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: captain, governor. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:13; Daniel 6:8.
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.
וּ/שְׁתַ֥ר
Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay
H8370
"Shethar-bozenai"
Adj | N-proper
Shethar-Bozenai was a Persian officer who played a role in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem during the reign of Darius. His name means star of splendor, and he is mentioned in the book of Ezra as someone who opposed the rebuilding efforts. He was a significant figure in the history of the Israelites' return from exile.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.5.3 § Shethar-boznai = "star of splendour" a Persian officer in the reign of Darius
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shetharboznai. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:13.
בּוֹזְנַ֖י
Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay
H8370
"Shethar-bozenai"
Adj
Shethar-Bozenai was a Persian officer who played a role in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem during the reign of Darius. His name means star of splendor, and he is mentioned in the book of Ezra as someone who opposed the rebuilding efforts. He was a significant figure in the history of the Israelites' return from exile.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.5.3 § Shethar-boznai = "star of splendour" a Persian officer in the reign of Darius
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shetharboznai. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:13.
וּ/כְנָוָתְ/ה֑וֹן
kᵉnâth
H3675
"associate"
Adj | N-ms | 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.
וְ/כֵן֙
kên
H3652
"thus"
Adj | Adv
This Aramaic word means 'thus' or 'so', similar to its Hebrew counterpart, and is used in the Bible to show agreement or confirmation. It appears in the book of Daniel, written in Aramaic. It is often translated as 'thus' in English Bibles.
Definition: thus, so, as follows Aramaic of ken (כֵּן "so" H3651C)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: thus. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 7:23.
אָמְרִ֣ין
ʼămar
H560
"to say"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say or speak, often used when God commands or declares something, as seen in many KJV translations. It is used with great flexibility, including to command, declare, or tell. This word appears in various contexts, including Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: (P'al) to say, to speak, to command, to tell, to relate Aramaic of a.mar (אָמַר "to say" H0559)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: command, declare, say, speak, tell. See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:28; Jeremiah 10:11.
לְ/הֹ֔ם
""
Adj | Suff
מַן
mân
H4479
"who?"
Adj
This word is used to ask questions, like 'who?' or 'what?'. It appears in Daniel 2:25, where the king asks, 'Who can tell me what my dream means?'
Definition: who?, what?, whoever, whosoever Aramaic of mah (מָה "what?" H4100)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: what, who(-msoever, [phrase] -so). See also: Ezra 5:3; Daniel 3:15; Daniel 5:21.
שָׂ֨ם
sûwm
H7761
"to set"
Adj
This word is similar to H7760, but is more focused on setting or appointing someone or something to a specific role or task. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's commands and appointments.
Definition: 1) to set, make, appoint 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to make, make decree, setout (decree) 1a2) to make, appoint 1a3) to set, fix 1b) (Ithp'al) to be made, be set, be laid
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] command, give, lay, make, [phrase] name, [phrase] regard, set. See also: Ezra 4:19; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:27.
לְ/כֹ֜ם
""
Adj | Suff
טְעֵ֗ם
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.
בַּיְתָ֤/א
bayith
H1005
"house"
Adj | Art
This Hebrew word for house is similar to H1004, but it primarily refers to a physical building, either a home or a temple. It is used in many passages, including those describing the construction of the temple in 1 Kings. The word emphasizes the idea of a physical structure.
Definition: 1) house (of men) 2) house (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: house. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:11.
דְנָה֙
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.
לִ/בְּנֵ֔א
bᵉnâʼ
H1124
"to build"
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to build or construct something, and is used in the Bible to describe physical construction. It appears in various forms, including 'build' and 'make', and is an important concept in biblical descriptions of creation and architecture.
Definition: 1) to build 1a) (P'al) to build 1b) (Ithp'il) to be built
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: build, make. See also: Ezra 4:12; Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:27.
וְ/אֻשַּׁרְנָ֥/א
ʼushsharnâʼ
H846
"wall"
Adj | N-ms | Art
This word refers to a wall or structure, derived from the Aramaic word for wall. It is used to describe a physical barrier or partition, like the walls of a building.
Definition: wall, panelling, beams, structure (precise meaning and derivation uncertain) Aramaic of shur (שׁוּר "wall" H7791A)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wall. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:9.
דְנָ֖ה
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.
לְ/שַׁכְלָלָֽה
kᵉlal
H3635
"to complete"
Adj | V-e-Inf-a
To complete means to finish or bring something to an end, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe tasks and projects. It is about finishing what was started.
Definition: 1) to finish, complete 1a) (Shaphel) to finish 1b) (Ishtaphel) to be completed
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: finish, make (set) up. See also: Ezra 4:12; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:14.
Study Notes — Ezra 5:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 5:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 5:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 5:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 5:3
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 5:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
- Sermons on Ezra 5:3
Context — Temple Rebuilding Resumes
1Later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them.
2Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
3At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
4They also asked, “What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?” 5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, so that they were not stopped until a report was sent to Darius and written instructions about this matter were returned.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 6:6 | Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! |
| 2 | Ezra 6:13 | In response, Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates diligently carried out what King Darius had decreed. |
| 3 | Ezra 5:9 | So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?” |
| 4 | Ezra 1:3 | Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. |
| 5 | Ezra 4:12 | Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem. And they are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls, and repairing its foundations. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 2:7–9 | I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. |
| 7 | Matthew 21:23 | When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” |
| 8 | Acts 4:7 | They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” |
| 9 | Ezra 7:21 | I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, |
| 10 | Ezra 5:6 | This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius. |
Ezra 5:3 Summary
In Ezra 5:3, we see that the governor Tattenai and his associates asked the Jews who gave them permission to rebuild the temple. This question was a challenge to the Jews' authority and a test of their faith. The Jews had been given permission by King Cyrus, as seen in Ezra 1:1-4, and they trusted in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. We can learn from their example to trust in God's plan and to be prepared to give an answer for our faith, even when faced with opposition or challenging questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tattenai and why did he care about the temple rebuilding?
Tattenai was the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, and as a representative of the Persian Empire, he was concerned about the potential threat of a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra 5:3, similar to the concerns of other foreign rulers in biblical history, such as in Daniel 6:1-5.
What was the significance of the question 'Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?'
The question asked by Tattenai and his associates in Ezra 5:3 was a challenge to the authority of the Jews to rebuild the temple, which was a matter of great importance, as seen in Ezra 1:1-4, where Cyrus' decree allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the temple.
How did the Jews respond to the inquiry from Tattenai and his associates?
Although the verse does not provide a direct response from the Jews, it is implied that they would have cited the decree of Cyrus, as mentioned in Ezra 1:1-4, which authorized the rebuilding of the temple, and trusted in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 21:1.
What can we learn from the interaction between Tattenai and the Jews about dealing with opposition?
The interaction in Ezra 5:3 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to be prepared to give an answer for our faith, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15, when faced with opposition or challenging questions from others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I face opposition or challenging questions in my own life, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty in those situations, as seen in Romans 8:28?
- How can I, like the Jews in Ezra 5:3, be prepared to give a clear and confident answer for my faith when faced with questions or criticism from others?
- In what ways can I, like the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, be a source of encouragement and support for others who are facing challenges or opposition, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25?
- What can I learn from the example of the Jews in Ezra 5:3 about perseverance and trust in the face of uncertainty or adversity, as seen in James 1:2-4?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 5:3
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions,.... These were new governors and officers under the king of Persia in those parts, the old ones, Rehum, Shimshai, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 5:3
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
Tatuai and Shethar-boznai; not Rehum and Shimshai &c., who were either dead, or removed from their offices by the new emperor Darius, as is very usual.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?Ver. 3. At the same time] So soon as ever they began but to build God’ s house they meet with opposition; which is still Evangelii Genius, guardian spirit of the truth, saith Calvin, the bad angel that haunts the cause of God, and dogs it at the heels. Satan, out of his inveterate envy and enmity, can in no wise brook the propagation of the truth and dilatation of Christ’ s curtains. No sooner is Israel out of Egypt, but Pharaoh pursueth them. No sooner had Hezekiah kept that solemn passover, but Sennacherib comes up against him. Esau began to jostle Jacob in the womb, that no time might be lost; and when he set his face homewards, Laban follows him with one troop, Esau meets him with another; both with hostile intentions. Dream not of a delicacy in God’ s ways, but suffer hardship, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. And their companions] Cum collegio suo (Junius), a company of captives combined to do mischief. See Ezra 4:9. Who hath commanded you to build this house?] Their own houses they built, and were never once questioned.
All the while our Saviour lay in his father’ s shop, and meddled only with carpenter’ s chips, the devil and his imps never troubled him; but when he was entering upon his ministry he is sharply assaulted in the wilderness. And when he took upon him to purge the temple, and better inform the people, presently the leaders came upon him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?" Matthew 21:23. Like unto these were the questions put by the Papists to those noble reformers, Luther, Zuinglius, &c. Farellus was at his first coming to Geneva more harshly handled, and by the bishop and his clerks thus accosted: Quid tu, diabole nequissime, ad hanc civitatem perturbandam accessisti? What a devil makest thou here to make this disturbance &c., and so was driven out of the city, where afterwards he wrought a glorious reformation (Scultet. Annal.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
(3-17) Tatnai’s appeal to Darius.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
Verse 3. Tatnai, governor] He was governor of the provinces which belonged to the Persian empire on their side of the Euphrates, comprehending Syria, Arabia Deserta, Phoenicia, and Samaria. He seems to have been a mild and judicious man; and to have acted with great prudence and caution, and without any kind of prejudice. The manner in which he represented this to the king is a full proof of this disposition.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 5:3
3–17. The Complaint against the Jews3. And] Omit R.V. Not in the original. Tatnai, governor on this side the river] R.V. Tattenai, the governor beyond the river. Tattenai appears as Sisinnes in 1Es 6:3, as Θανθεναὶ in the LXX. The name is not found except in this connexion. He was governor (probably satrap) of the whole district of Syria and Cilicia on the west of the Euphrates. There were twenty satrapies in the Persian kingdom (Herod.
III. 89). Tattenai was therefore a man of the greatest eminence in Syria, next to the king himself. The expression ‘governor beyond the river’ is not due to the writer living on the eastern or Babylonian side of the river. It was the technical title of the governor of that satrapy. It appears on the coins of the Persian empire. Thus upon one coin appears the inscription “Maydi who is over the ‘Abhar Nahara’ (country beyond the River) and Cilicia”. Tattenai was the superior official, to whom Zerubbabel, the pekhah or governor of the small district of Jerusalem and its neighbourhood, would have to give account upon any report being made of treacherous action. Shethar-boznai] R.V. Shethar-bozenai. 1Es 6:3, ‘Sathrabuzanes’, LXX. Σαθαρβουζαναί, has been conjectured to be the Persian ‘Chitrabarschana’ (cf. a Persian name, ‘Satibarzanes’, in Arrian). His position is not described.
Perhaps a ‘secretary’ to Tattenai, as Shimshai to Rehum (Ezra 4:8). Who hath commanded you] R.V. gave yon a decree. The original requires the more weighty and official ‘decree’. Cf. Ezra 4:21, Ezra 5:13. to build this house] referring to the Temple: the first subject of complaint: very different from the passage in Ezra 4:8-23. and to make up this wall] R.V. ‘and to finish this wall’. 1Es 6:4, ‘By whose appointment do ye build this house and this roof, and perform all the other things?’ We may assume that complaints from the Samaritans induced the satrap to inquire what authority the Jews had received to undertake the work. Seventeen or eighteen years had elapsed since Cyrus issued his decree. Two other kings had succeeded him. The third, Darius, was only just assuring his position upon the throne after two years of incessant warring. During this interval the affairs of a comparatively unimportant city in Syria may well have been almost forgotten.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 5:3
Governor on this side the river - Compare Ezra 4:10 note. Tatnai was apparently satrap of Syria, which included the whole tract west of the Euphrates from Cilicia to the borders of Egypt.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 5:3
OF TATNAI THE , Ezra 5:3-17. 3. Tatnai — Probably the successor of Rehum “the chancellor.” Chapter Ezra 4:8. Governor on this side the river — Literally, Governor of beyond the river.
Sermons on Ezra 5:3
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"By My Spirit" (Zechariah 4) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the divine testimony of God's glory is central to the purpose of creation and the Church, as illustrated in Zechariah 4. He explains that throughou |
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Bristol Conference 1975-10 Nehemiah - His Plan by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a plan when doing God's work. He uses the example of Nehemiah, a saint who revealed his heart and hope to the king. N |
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Nehemiah 2:7 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in all circumstances, as demonstrated by Nehemiah's response to the dire state of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's sorrow led |
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Palm Sunday by Jacob Prasch | The video discusses the events of Palm Sunday, specifically focusing on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. It highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of Jesus being h |
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(Through the Bible) Luke 20-21 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a parable about a vineyard and its significance in relation to the nation of Israel. The parable tells the story of a vineyard owner who send |
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Matthew 21:23-32. the Elders Question Christ Concerning His Authority. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the last two days of Jesus' public ministry, highlighting the profound conversations and warnings He shared with His disciples. Despite the enemies' |
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The Parable of the Two Sons and the Unfaithful Husbandmen Matt. 21:23-46 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey explores the Parable of the Two Sons and the Unfaithful Husbandmen, emphasizing the authority of Jesus and the response of the Jewish rulers. He illustrates the contras |