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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:
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To King Artaxerxes, From your servants in Trans-Euphrates:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezra/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This is a copy of their letter: “To King Artaxerxes, from your loyal subjects in the province west of the Euphrates River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezra/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />(This is a copy of the letter that they sent.) “To Artaxerxes the king: Your servants, the men of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />This <i>is</i> the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, <i>even</i> unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />(This <i>is</i> a copy of the letter that they sent him.) To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men <i>of the region</i> beyond the River, and so forth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />this is a copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men of the region beyond the <i>Euphrates</i> River; and now<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />this is the copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men in the region beyond the River, and now<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />this is the copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men in the region beyond the River, and now<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />this is the copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men in the region beyond the River, and now—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />this is a copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men in the region west of the [Euphrates] River; and now:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is the text of the letter they sent to him: To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men from the region west of the Euphrates River:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is the text of the letter they sent to him: To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men from the region west of the Euphrates River: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men beyond the River, and so forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />This letter said: Your Majesty King Artaxerxes, we are your servants from everywhere in Western Province, and we send you our greetings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men beyond the river, and so forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This is the copy of the letter they sent to him: To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the people west of the Euphrates:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This is the text of the letter: "To Emperor Artaxerxes from his servants who live in West-of-Euphrates. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This is the text of the letter they sent. To: King Artaxerxes From: Your servants, the men of the province beyond the Euphrates River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />(This is a copy of the letter they sent to him:) "To King Artaxerxes, from your servants in Trans-Euphrates:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />This is the copy of the letter that they sent to Artachshasta the king: Your servants the men beyond the River. And now,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men on this side of the river, and at such a time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />This [is] a copy of a letter that they have sent to him, to Artaxerxes the king: “Your servants, men beyond the river, and at such a time;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> This is a copy of a letter that they have sent unto him, unto Artaxerxes the king: 'Thy servants, men beyond the river, and at such a time;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />This the copy of the epistle that they sent to him to Arthasatha the king; thy servants the men beyond the river, and thus.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />(This is the copy of the letter, which they sent to him:) To Artaxerxes the king, thy servants, the men that are on this side of the river, send greeting. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />to king Artaxerxes. (This is a copy of the letter, which they sent to him.) Your servants, the men who are across the river, send a greeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This is a copy of the letter that they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes, your servants, the men of West-of-Euphrates, as follows:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />this is a copy of the letter that they sent): “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the people of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezra/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artakhshisht the king: Your servants the men on this side of the River, and at such a time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezra/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And this is a copy of the letter that they sent to Artakhshesht the King: “Your Servants the men across the river, and now<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />this is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king--thy servants the men beyond the River--and now<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />This <i>is</i> the purport of the letter, which they sent to him: Thy servants the men beyond the river to king Arthasastha.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezra/4-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=900" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>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. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: də·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">(This</a> <a href="/hebrew/6573.htm" title="6573: par·še·ḡen (N-msc) -- A copy. (Aramaic) corresponding to parshegen.">is the text</a> <a href="/hebrew/104.htm" title="104: ’ig·gar·tā (N-fsd) -- A letter. (Aramaic) of Persian origin; an epistle (as carried by a state courier or postman).">of the letter</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7972.htm" title="7972: šə·la·ḥū (V-Qal-Perf-3mp) -- To send. (Aramaic) corresponding to shalach.">they sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘ă·lō·w·hî (Prep:: 3ms) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al.">to him.)</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘al- (Prep) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al.">To</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">King</a> <a href="/hebrew/783.htm" title="783: ’ar·taḥ·šaśt (N-proper-ms) -- Or Artachshasht; or by permutation Artachshactu; of foreign origin; Artachshasta, a title of several Persian kings.">Artaxerxes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5649.htm" title="5649: ʿaḇ·ḏå̄yḵ (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. (Aramaic) from abad; a servant.">From your servants,</a> <a href="/hebrew/606.htm" title="606: ’ĕ·nāš (N-msc) -- Man, mankind. (Aramaic) or renash (Aramaic); corresponding to 'enowsh; a man.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/5675.htm" title="5675: ‘ă·ḇar- (N-msc) -- Region across or beyond. (Aramaic) corresponding to eber.">west</a> <a href="/hebrew/5103.htm" title="5103: na·hă·rāh (N-msd) -- A river. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to nahar; a river, especially the Euphrates.">of the Euphrates:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3706.htm" title="3706: ū·ḵə·‘e·neṯ (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. (Aramaic) or kaeth (Aramaic); feminine of k'an; thus (only in the formula and so forth)."></a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Nehemiah 2:19</a></span><br />But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Nehemiah 6:6-7</a></span><br />that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Daniel 6:4-5</a></span><br />Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8-9</a></span><br />Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. / If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-31.htm">2 Kings 18:31-32</a></span><br />Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, / until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey—so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-10.htm">2 Kings 19:10-13</a></span><br />“Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? / Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-1.htm">Jeremiah 29:1-3</a></span><br />This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the others Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. / (This was after King Jeconiah, the queen mother, the court officials, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metalsmiths had been exiled from Jerusalem.) / The letter was entrusted to Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It stated:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-27.htm">Jeremiah 29:27</a></span><br />So now, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth, who poses as a prophet among you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5-6</a></span><br />We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-7.htm">Acts 25:7</a></span><br />When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Acts 17:6-7</a></span><br />But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-12.htm">Acts 24:12-13</a></span><br />Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. / Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Acts 28:17</a></span><br />After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king; Your servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/4-8.htm">Artaxerxes</a> <a href="/ezra/4-8.htm">Ar-Ta-Xerx'es</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-11.htm">Copy</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_john/1-11.htm">Greeting</a> <a href="/ezra/4-8.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Province</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-10.htm">Region</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">River</a> <a href="/ezra/2-70.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Side</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Trans-Euphrates</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-21.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">Artaxerxes</a> <a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">Ar-Ta-Xerx'es</a> <a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">Copy</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Greeting</a> <a href="/ezra/4-18.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">Province</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-22.htm">Region</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">River</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">Side</a> <a href="/ezra/4-15.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Trans-Euphrates</a> <a href="/ezra/5-4.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">endeavor to hinder it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Their letter to Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">The answer and decree of Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">The building is hindered</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.)</b><br>The phrase introduces a formal communication, indicating the importance and official nature of the document. In the ancient Near East, letters were a primary means of communication between distant regions and rulers. This letter is part of a series of correspondences in the Book of Ezra, reflecting the political and social tensions during the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The use of written communication underscores the bureaucratic processes of the Persian Empire, which was known for its administrative efficiency.<p><b>To King Artaxerxes,</b><br>Artaxerxes I was the king of Persia from 465 to 424 BC. His reign is noted for its relative stability and the continuation of policies set by his predecessors, including the support of local governance and religious practices. The mention of Artaxerxes situates the events within a specific historical timeframe, providing context for the political dynamics at play. The king's role as a central authority figure highlights the dependence of regional leaders on the Persian throne for decisions affecting local governance.<p><b>From your servants,</b><br>The term "servants" reflects the hierarchical nature of the Persian Empire, where local leaders and officials were considered subordinates to the king. This language indicates loyalty and submission, which were expected in communications with the monarch. It also suggests a strategic approach by the letter writers to gain favor and ensure their concerns are taken seriously by the king.<p><b>the men west of the Euphrates:</b><br>This geographical reference identifies the senders as inhabitants of the region known as "Beyond the River," a term used in the Persian period to describe the area west of the Euphrates River, including parts of modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. This region was a significant part of the Persian Empire, serving as a buffer zone against Egypt and other western territories. The mention of this location provides insight into the diverse population and the complex political landscape, where various ethnic groups and local leaders interacted under Persian rule.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_artaxerxes.htm">King Artaxerxes</a></b><br>The Persian king to whom the letter is addressed. He ruled over a vast empire, including the region of Judea.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/trans-euphrates.htm">Trans-Euphrates</a></b><br>A region west of the Euphrates River, which included the land of Judah. It was under Persian control during this time.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_men_of_trans-euphrates.htm">The Men of Trans-Euphrates</a></b><br>These were local officials and adversaries of the Jews who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_letter.htm">The Letter</a></b><br>A formal complaint sent to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>The opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, which was a significant challenge faced by the returning exiles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/opposition_to_god's_work.htm">Opposition to God's Work</a></b><br>Expect resistance when pursuing God's plans. Just as the Jews faced opposition, believers today may encounter challenges when following God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer_and_perseverance.htm">The Power of Prayer and Perseverance</a></b><br>Despite opposition, the Jews continued their work. Believers are encouraged to persevere in prayer and action, trusting God to overcome obstacles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Leadership is crucial in navigating opposition. Just as leaders like Zerubbabel and Nehemiah guided the people, strong spiritual leadership is vital in the church today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community.htm">The Importance of Community</a></b><br>The collective effort of the Jewish community was essential in facing opposition. Similarly, the church community should unite in purpose and support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>God's plans cannot be thwarted by human opposition. Trusting in His sovereignty provides peace and assurance in the face of adversity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_the_book_of_ezra.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Ezra?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ezra_4_6-7_conflict_with_persian_timelines.htm">Does Ezra 4:6's reference to Xerxes followed immediately by Artaxerxes in verse 7 create a chronological problem with established Persian timelines?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_blame_locals,_not_persian_policy,_in_ezra.htm">In Ezra 4:23-24, how can the abrupt cessation of the rebuilding project be fully attributed to local opposition without considering wider Persian imperial policy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_song_4_fit_solomon's_many_wives.htm">If historically attributed to King Solomon, how does Song of Solomon 4 mesh with the accounts of his many wives and concubines in other biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 11:3)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezra/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">On this side the river.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">beyond</span> <span class= "ital">the</span> <span class= "ital">river</span> Euphrates, as written for the Persian court.<p><span class= "bld">And at such a time.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">and so forth;</span> meaning, "Thy servants, as aforesaid," alluding to the superscription.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">This is</span> <span class="cmt_word">the copy of the letter.</span> The address having been given, the writer now proceeds to the contents of the letter. <span class="cmt_word">Thy servants the men on this side the river</span>, etc. This was a sort of heading inside the letter - a repetition in brief of the address. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">(This</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּנָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(də·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1836.htm">Strong's 1836: </a> </span><span class="str2">This</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is the text</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן</span> <span class="translit">(par·še·ḡen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6573.htm">Strong's 6573: </a> </span><span class="str2">A transcript</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the letter</span><br /><span class="heb">אִגַּרְתָּ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(’ig·gar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_104.htm">Strong's 104: </a> </span><span class="str2">An epistle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they sent</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלַ֣חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(šə·la·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7972.htm">Strong's 7972: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him.)</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲל֔וֹהִי</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lō·w·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5922.htm">Strong's 5922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">To</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5922.htm">Strong's 5922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">King</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְכָּ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(mal·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Artaxerxes,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֖שְׂתְּא</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·taḥ·šaśt)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_783.htm">Strong's 783: </a> </span><span class="str2">Artaxerxes -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of Persia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">From your servants,</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדָ֛יךְ‪‬‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·ḏā·yiḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5649.htm">Strong's 5649: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the men</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱנָ֥שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·nāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_606.htm">Strong's 606: </a> </span><span class="str2">Man, mankind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">west</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבַֽר־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5675.htm">Strong's 5675: </a> </span><span class="str2">A region across, on the opposite side</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Euphrates:</span><br /><span class="heb">נַהֲרָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(na·hă·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5103.htm">Strong's 5103: </a> </span><span class="str2">A river, the Euphrates</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezra/4-11.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:11 This is the copy of the letter (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/4-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 4:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>