Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, the officials of Trans-Euphrates, sent to King Darius. New Living Translation This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai the governor, Shethar-bozenai, and the other officials of the province west of the Euphrates River sent to King Darius: English Standard Version This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and his associates, the governors who were in the province Beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor beyond the River, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions, the Apharsachites who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. King James Bible 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: New King James Version This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai sent: The governor of the region beyond the River, and Shethar-Boznai, and his companions, the Persians who were in the region beyond the River, to Darius the king. New American Standard Bible This is the copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the Euphrates River, and Shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. NASB 1995 This is the copy of the letter which Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. NASB 1977 This is the copy of the letter which Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. Legacy Standard Bible This is the copy of the letter which Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. Amplified Bible This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of the province west of the [Euphrates] River, and Shethar-bozenai and his associates, the officials who were west of the River, sent to Darius the king. Berean Annotated Bible This is the text of the letter that Tattenai (gift) the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai (star of splendor), and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius (lord). Christian Standard Bible This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River, Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius. Holman Christian Standard Bible This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River, Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius. American Standard Version 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; Contemporary English Version Governor Tattenai, Shethar Bozenai, and their advisors sent a report to Darius, English Revised Version The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the river, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were beyond the river, sent unto Darius the king: GOD'S WORD® Translation Here is a copy of the letter Governor Tattenai [from the province] west of the Euphrates River, Shethar Bozenai and his group (the Persians west of that river) sent to King Darius. Good News Translation This is the report that they sent to the emperor: International Standard Version Here is a copy of the letter that Trans-Euphrates Governor Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, and his colleagues the Trans-Euphrates Persians sent to King Darius. NET Bible This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and his colleagues who were the officials of Trans-Euphrates sent to King Darius. New Heart English Bible 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 Darayavush the king; Webster's Bible Translation 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: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe copy of a letter that Tatnai, governor beyond the river, has sent, and Shethar-Boznai and his companions, the Apharsachites who [are] beyond the river, to Darius the king. Berean Literal Bible This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor beyond the River, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions, the Apharsachites who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation The copy of the epistle that Tatnai, prefect beyond the river, sent, and Shethar-Bozni and his colleagues, the Apharsachites, that were beyond the river to Darius the king: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe 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. Catholic Public Domain Version A copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor of the region beyond the river, and Shetharbozenai, and his counselors, the rulers who were beyond the river, sent to Darius the king. New American Bible A copy of the letter which Tattenai, governor of West-of-Euphrates, along with Shethar-bozenai and their fellow officials from West-of-Euphrates, sent to King Darius; New Revised Standard Version The copy of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and his associates the envoys who were in the province Beyond the River sent to King Darius; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe copy of the letter that Tatnai, the governor on this side of the River, and Ashtanbozan and his companions on this side of the River, sent to Darius the king; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A copy of the letter which Tatni, the Ruler of the Crossing of the River, sent, and Ashtanbuzan and his companions of the Crossing of the River to King Darius. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharesachites, who were beyond the River, sent unto Darius the king; Brenton Septuagint Translation the copy of a letter, which Thanthanai, the governor of the part on this side the river, and Satharbuzanai, and their fellow-servants the Apharsachaeans who were on this side of the river, sent to king Darius. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Tattenai's Letter to Darius6This 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.… Cross References This is the text of the letter 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: 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. that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, 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! 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, Ezra 8:36 They also delivered the king’s edicts to the royal satraps and governors of the region west of the Euphrates, who proceeded to assist the people and the house of God. Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, 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, Ezra 4:17 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. Daniel 6:7 All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. the officials in the region, Daniel 3:2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces to attend the dedication of the statue he had set up. Esther 3:12-13 On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. / And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. Daniel 6:1 Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, sent to King Darius. Daniel 6:6-9 So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! / All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. / Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” … 2 Kings 10:1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying: 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. Daniel 6:25-28 Then King Darius wrote to the people of every nation and language throughout the land: “May your prosperity abound. / I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. / He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” … 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” Treasury of Scripture 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 to Darius the king: A. Ezra 4:11,23 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… Apharsachites Ezra 4:9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites, Apharsathchites Ezra 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: Jump to Previous Apharesachites Apharsachites Associates Colleagues Companions Copy Darius enai Friends Governor Letter Officials Province River Ruler Shetharbozenai Shethar-Bozenai She'thar-Boz'enai Shetharboznai Shethar-Boznai Side Tatnai Tattenai Tat'tenai Trans-EuphratesJump to Next Apharesachites Apharsachites Associates Colleagues Companions Copy Darius enai Friends Governor Letter Officials Province River Ruler Shetharbozenai Shethar-Bozenai She'thar-Boz'enai Shetharboznai Shethar-Boznai Side Tatnai Tattenai Tat'tenai Trans-EuphratesEzra 5 1. Zerubbabel and Jeshua, incited by Haggai and Zechariah, set forward to building3. Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai are not able to hinder the Jews 6. Their letter to Darius against the Jews This is the text of the letter This phrase introduces a formal communication, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern governance. Letters were often used to report, request, or seek clarification from higher authorities. The use of written correspondence underscores the administrative structure and the importance of documentation in the Persian Empire. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. TattenaiThe governor of the region west of the Euphrates River during the time of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. He played a significant role in questioning the authority of the Jews to rebuild the temple. 2. Shethar-bozenai An associate of Tattenai, involved in the administration of the region and in the inquiry about the temple reconstruction. 3. Region West of the Euphrates This area, also known as "Beyond the River," was a significant administrative district in the Persian Empire, which included the land of Judah. 4. King Darius The Persian king during whose reign the temple reconstruction was resumed. His response to the inquiry was crucial for the continuation of the work. 5. The Letter A formal communication sent by Tattenai and his associates to King Darius, questioning the legitimacy of the temple reconstruction and seeking royal confirmation. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in GovernanceDespite political challenges, God uses rulers and officials to accomplish His purposes. Believers can trust in God's control over governmental authorities. The Importance of Legal and Historical Precedent The Jews relied on the decree of Cyrus as a legal basis for their actions. Understanding and utilizing historical and legal precedents can be important in advocating for religious freedoms. Faithfulness Amidst Opposition The Jews faced opposition but continued their work. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing external challenges. The Role of Prophetic Encouragement Prophets like Haggai and Zechariah played a crucial role in motivating the people. Spiritual encouragement from leaders and peers is vital in pursuing God's work. Seeking Divine Guidance in Decision-Making The inquiry to King Darius reflects a search for guidance. Believers should seek God's wisdom and guidance in their decisions, especially when facing uncertainty. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 5:6?2. How does Ezra 5:6 demonstrate God's sovereignty in the rebuilding of the temple? 3. What role do leaders play in God's plans, as seen in Ezra 5:6? 4. How can we apply the diligence of Tattenai in our spiritual responsibilities? 5. In what ways does Ezra 5:6 connect to God's faithfulness in other scriptures? 6. How should believers respond to opposition, inspired by the actions in Ezra 5:6? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in Ezra 5:6? 8. How does Ezra 5:6 reflect God's sovereignty in rebuilding the temple? 9. What role does King Darius play in the context of Ezra 5:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 5? 11. (Ezra 5:3) Is there any independent archaeological or historical evidence confirming Tattenai’s governorship and actions described here? 12. Is there any external historical evidence supporting the swift completion of the Temple described in Ezra 6:13-15? 13. (Ezra 5:17) How do we resolve apparent inconsistencies between this passage's account of Persian rule and known Persian chronology? 14. Why does the text mention the precise return of gold and silver vessels in Ezra 6:5 if many of these items likely disappeared over time? What Does Ezra 5:6 Mean This is the text of the letter• Ezra presents an exact transcript, underscoring the historical accuracy Scripture intends us to trust. • Like Luke, who wrote “to write an orderly account” (Luke 1:3), Ezra records events so readers can verify God’s work in real time and space. • Jeremiah likewise preserved official correspondence: “This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent…” (Jeremiah 29:1). God’s word repeatedly anchors faith in documented facts, not imagination. Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates • Tattenai is a Persian-appointed official over the vast territory beyond the River. His title reminds us that God’s people often serve Him under foreign oversight. • Yet “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). God can steer even Tattenai’s intentions for His purposes (see Ezra 6:6–12, where Darius will later order Tattenai to assist the temple work). • The mention of his office assures exiles that earthly power structures are known and managed by the Sovereign Lord. Shethar-bozenai, and their associates • Naming Shethar-bozenai and unnamed colleagues shows this was not a lone complaint but a coordinated inquiry. • Earlier, other officials had tried to halt the building (Ezra 4:7). The pattern of opposition highlights Psalm 2:2: “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD.” • Still, God turns opposition into an opportunity to vindicate His people publicly. the officials in the region • The phrase broadens the participants: every local authority signed on, giving the letter legal weight. • Romans 13:1 teaches that “there is no authority except from God,” reminding readers that even hostile bureaucracies operate under divine permission. • Daniel 6:1–3 shows a similar layered government in Persia, yet God advanced Daniel; likewise He will safeguard the Jewish builders. sent to King Darius • The letter’s destination matters: Darius I had recently affirmed previous decrees (Haggai 1:1 dates to his reign). • Isaiah 44:28 foretold God saying of Persian kings, “He will accomplish all that I please.” As with Cyrus, God now moves Darius to support His house. • By recording the dispatch, Ezra builds anticipation that the same sovereign Lord who stirred Cyrus (Ezra 1:1) will move Darius to favor the temple. summary Ezra 5:6 records an official, multi-signature letter to King Darius about the Jerusalem temple project. Every clause stresses historical precision, the reality of governmental scrutiny, and—above all—God’s control over pagan authorities. What looks like potential obstruction will soon become divine validation, proving yet again that no earthly power can thwart the Lord’s plans for His people. (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. Verse 6. - The Apharsachites recall the "Apharsites" and the "Apharsathchites" of Ezra 4:9. Possibly all the three forms are provincial variants of the more correct Parsaya, which appears in Daniel (Daniel 6:28) as the Chaldaean equivalent of "Persian." Here the Apharsachite "companions" of Tatnai and Shethar-boznai are perhaps the actual Persians who formed their body-guard and their train.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew This is the textפַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן (par·še·ḡen) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6573: A transcript of the letter אִ֠גַּרְתָּא (’ig·gar·tā) Noun - feminine singular determinate Strong's 104: An epistle that דִּֽי־ (dî-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because Tattenai תַּתְּנַ֣י ׀ (tat·tə·nay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8674: Tattenai the governor פַּחַ֣ת (pa·ḥaṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6347: A governor of the region west עֲבַֽר־ (‘ă·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side of the Euphrates, נַהֲרָ֗ה (na·hă·rāh) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 5103: A river, the Euphrates Shethar-bozenai, בּוֹזְנַי֙ (bō·wz·nay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8370: Shethar-bozenai -- a person official and their associates, וּכְנָ֣וָתֵ֔הּ (ū·ḵə·nā·wā·ṯêh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3675: An associate the officials אֲפַ֨רְסְכָיֵ֔א (’ă·p̄ar·sə·ḵā·yê) Noun - proper - masculine plural determinate Strong's 671: An Apharsekite, Apharsathkite in the region, בַּעֲבַ֣ר (ba·‘ă·ḇar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side sent שְׁלַ֞ח (šə·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7972: To send away, for, out to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against King מַלְכָּֽא׃ (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 4430: A king Darius. דָּרְיָ֖וֶשׁ (dā·rə·yā·weš) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1868: Darius -- two person kings Links Ezra 5:6 NIVEzra 5:6 NLT Ezra 5:6 ESV Ezra 5:6 NASB Ezra 5:6 KJV Ezra 5:6 BibleApps.com Ezra 5:6 Biblia Paralela Ezra 5:6 Chinese Bible Ezra 5:6 French Bible Ezra 5:6 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tattenai (Ezr. Ez) |
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