Ezra 5:6
Ezra 5:6 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent unto Darius the king;
This is a copy of the letter which Tattenai, the ruler of the land across the river, and Shethar-bozenai and his friends the Apharsachites, living across the river, sent to Darius the king:
The following is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor of the province west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their fellow officials, officials of the province, sent to King Darius.
The copie of the letter, that Tatnai captaine beyond the Riuer, and Shether-boznai and his companions, Apharsechaie, (which were beyond the Riuer) sent vnto King Darius.
The copy of a letter that Tatnai, governor beyond the river, hath sent, and Shethar-Boznai and his companions, the Apharsachites who [are] beyond the river, unto Darius the king.
The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king follows.
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side of the river, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were on this side of the river, sent to Darius the king:
The copy of the letter that Thathanai governor of the country beyond the river, and Stharbuzanai, and his counsellors the Arphasachites, who dwelt beyond the river, sent to Darius the king.
So Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai and their officials sent a report to King Darius.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 5:6
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 5:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן
אִ֠גַּרְתָּ/א
דִּֽי
שְׁלַ֞ח
תַּתְּנַ֣י
פַּחַ֣ת
עֲבַֽר
נַהֲרָ֗/ה
וּ/שְׁתַ֤ר
בּוֹזְנַי֙
וּ/כְנָ֣וָתֵ֔/הּ
אֲפַ֨רְסְכָיֵ֔/א
דִּ֖י
בַּ/עֲבַ֣ר
נַהֲרָ֑/ה
עַל
דָּרְיָ֖וֶשׁ
מַלְכָּֽ/א
פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן
parshegen
H6573
copy
Adj
אִ֠גַּרְתָּ/א
ʼiggᵉrâʼ
H104
letter
Adj | Art
דִּֽי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
שְׁלַ֞ח
shᵉlach
H7972
to send
Adj
תַּתְּנַ֣י
Tattᵉnay
H8674
Tattenai
Adj
פַּחַ֣ת
pechâh
H6347
governor
Adj
עֲבַֽר
ʻăbar
H5675
beyond
Adj
נַהֲרָ֗/ה
nᵉhar
H5103
river
Adj | Art
וּ/שְׁתַ֤ר
Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay
H8370
Shethar-bozenai
Adj | N-proper
בּוֹזְנַי֙
Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay
H8370
Shethar-bozenai
Adj
וּ/כְנָ֣וָתֵ֔/הּ
kᵉnâth
H3675
associate
Adj | N-mp | Suff
אֲפַ֨רְסְכָיֵ֔/א
ʼĂpharçᵉkay
H671
governors
Adj | Art
דִּ֖י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
בַּ/עֲבַ֣ר
ʻăbar
H5675
beyond
Adj | N-proper
נַהֲרָ֑/ה
nᵉhar
H5103
river
Adj | Art
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
דָּרְיָ֖וֶשׁ
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1868
Darius
Adj
מַלְכָּֽ/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 5:6
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.
אִ֠גַּרְתָּ/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.
דִּֽי
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.
שְׁלַ֞ח
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.
תַּתְּנַ֣י
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.
פַּחַ֣ת
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.
נַהֲרָ֗/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/שְׁתַ֤ר
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.
בּוֹזְנַי֙
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/כְנָ֣וָתֵ֔/הּ
kᵉnâth
H3675
"associate"
Adj | N-mp | 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.
אֲפַ֨רְסְכָיֵ֔/א
ʼĂpharçᵉkay
H671
"governors"
Adj | Art
The Apharsachites were a group of people or officials in the Assyrian empire, mentioned in Ezra 5:6 and 6:1. Their exact role is unknown.
Definition: Apharsachites = "as causers of division (?)" Apharsathchites = "I will divide the deceivers (?)" 1) (CLBL) an unknown office 2) (BDB) perhaps an office or an official 3) (TWOT) 3a) a people 3b) perhaps a title of an official Also named: a.phar.sat.te.khay (אֲפָֽרְסַתְּכָיֵא "govenors" H0671B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Apharsachites, Apharasthchites. See also: Ezra 4:9; Ezra 5:6; Ezra 6:6.
דִּ֖י
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.
בַּ/עֲבַ֣ר
ʻăbar
H5675
"beyond"
Adj | N-proper
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.
נַהֲרָ֑/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.
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.
דָּרְיָ֖וֶשׁ
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1868
"Darius"
Adj
This word also refers to Darius, a title for Persian kings, including Darius the Mede, who succeeded Belshazzar. As seen in Daniel 6:1, Darius played a significant role in the life of Daniel, and his story is an important part of the biblical narrative. His title signifies his position as a lord or ruler.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.5.31; son of: Ahasuerus (H0325) Aramaic of dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867I) § Darius = "lord" 1) Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC) (same as dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867) (1)) 2) Darius, the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC) (same as (2)) 3) Darius II or Darius III 3a) Darius II, Nothus (Ochus) was king of Persia during the time of Nehemiah (424/3-405/4 BC). Darius II is the most probable because he is mentioned by Nehemiah and ruled during the time of Nehemiah 3b) Darius III, Codomannus was king of Persia during its last years at the time of Alexander the Great and was his opponent (336-330 BC)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Darius. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:14; Daniel 6:29.
מַלְכָּֽ/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.
Study Notes — Ezra 5:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 5:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 5:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 5:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 5:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 5:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 5:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 5:6
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 5:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 5:6
- Sermons on Ezra 5:6
Context — Tattenai’s Letter to Darius
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.
6This 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.
7The report they sent him read as follows: To King Darius: All peace. 8Let it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. The people are rebuilding it with large stones and placing timbers in the walls. This work is being carried out diligently and is prospering in their hands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 4:9 | 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, |
| 2 | Ezra 4:11 | (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: |
| 3 | 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! |
| 4 | Ezra 4:23 | When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them. |
| 5 | Ezra 5:3 | 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?” |
Ezra 5:6 Summary
This verse is about a group of officials, including Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai, who sent a letter to King Darius to report on the progress of the temple rebuilding in Jerusalem. The officials were watching the Jews and wanted to know if they had the king's permission to rebuild the temple, similar to how King Cyrus had given permission in Ezra 1:1-4. This shows that the Jews were under scrutiny, but it also reminds us that God is always watching over us, as seen in Proverbs 15:3, and that we should strive to live according to His will. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He is working behind the scenes to bring about His plans, even in difficult situations, as seen in Isaiah 45:1-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai?
Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai were officials in the region west of the Euphrates, with Tattenai serving as the governor, and they were involved in sending a letter to King Darius regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra 5:6 and also referenced in Ezra 6:6.
Why did the officials send a letter to King Darius?
The officials sent a letter to King Darius to report on the progress of the temple rebuilding in Jerusalem and to seek clarification on the matter, as they were unsure if the project had the king's approval, similar to how King Cyrus had given permission for the rebuilding in Ezra 1:1-4.
What can we learn from the fact that the officials were watching the Jews rebuild the temple?
The fact that the officials were watching the Jews rebuild the temple shows that the Jews were under scrutiny and that their actions were being monitored, much like the Israelites were watched by God in Exodus 32:1-4, and this should remind us that our actions are also being watched by God and that we should strive to live according to His will, as seen in Proverbs 15:3.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger story of God's people returning to Jerusalem after exile, which is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:1-10, and it shows how God is working behind the scenes to bring about His plans, even through the actions of unbelievers, as seen in Isaiah 45:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I am being watched or monitored by others, and how can I use this as an opportunity to shine for Christ?
- How can I, like the Jews in this verse, trust in God's sovereignty even when faced with opposition or scrutiny from others, and what Bible verses can I turn to for encouragement, such as Psalm 23:4 or Isaiah 41:10?
- In what ways am I rebuilding or restoring something in my life, and how can I seek God's guidance and approval for this project, just as the Jews sought King Darius' approval in Ezra 5:6?
- What are some ways that I can, like Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai, use my position or influence to either help or hinder God's work, and how can I use my influence to further God's kingdom, as seen in Matthew 5:13-16?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 5:6
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river,.... Which is thought by some to be one
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 5:6
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 5:6
The Apharsachites; a people so called, sent hither as a colony. As the other people, mentioned they seem to have had a greater power with Rehum and Shimshai that with these new officers, who made choice of other companions. Which were on this side the river, whereby they are distinguished from those of their brethren who yet continued in their native country beyond the river, and were not transplanted hither.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 5:6
Ezra 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which [were] on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:Ver. 6. The Apharsachites] That is, Persians, sent as deputies by the king of Persia, to see the peace kept, and good orders observed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 5:6
(6) The copy of the letter.—This letter of Tatnai is introduced much in the same way as Helium’s; but its dispassionateness and good faith are in striking contrast with the latter. Apharsachites.—Probably here the same as the Apharsites before, and suggesting some kind of Persian guard. But the reason of their introduction specifically here is obscure.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 5:6
6. Tatnai, the governor on this side the river] R.V. Tattenai, the governor beyond the river, and Shethar-bozenai. See note on Ezra 5:3. the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river] R.V. the Apharsachites which were beyond the river. Who the Apharsachites of the ‘Abhar Nahara’ were is not known. Possibly the same as the ‘Apharsathcites’ of chap. Ezra 4:9 (where see note), represented officially by Shethar-bozenai, whose companions they are called.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 5:6
Apharsachites, like Apharsites, and Apharsathchites Ezra 4:9, are thought by some to be forms of the word “Persians,” which is applied here generally to the foreign settlers in Samaria.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 5:6
6. The Apharsachites — This one tribe and class of the colonists are here put for all those mentioned in Ezra 4:9, just as the Hittites are apparently named for all the Canaanites in Joshua 1:4. See note there.
Sermons on Ezra 5:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.5 & 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually violent in pursuing God's purposes. He references Matthew 11:12, where Jesus says that the kingdom of he |