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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Tatnai</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/tatnai.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ezra/5-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/t/tatnai.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Tatnai</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/tasty.htm" title="Tasty">◄</a> Tatnai <a href="/topical/naves/t/tatnai--a_persian_governor_in_samaria.htm" title="Tatnai: A Persian Governor in Samaria">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Tatnai, also spelled Tattenai, was a Persian governor of the province "Beyond the River," which included the region of Judea during the reign of Darius I, around 520 B.C. He is mentioned in the Book of Ezra as a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Jewish history, particularly in relation to the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.<br><br><b>Biblical Account</b><br><br>Tatnai's role is primarily documented in <a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm">Ezra 5 and 6</a>. When the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon and began rebuilding the Temple, Tatnai, along with Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, questioned the authority by which the Jews were undertaking this construction. Concerned about the potential for rebellion, they wrote a letter to King Darius to verify the legitimacy of the Jews' claim that they had been authorized by King Cyrus to rebuild the Temple.<br><br><a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Ezra 5:3-5</a> states: "At that time Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?' They also asked, 'What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?' But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written instructions were received."<br><br>Tatnai's inquiry was not necessarily antagonistic but rather a fulfillment of his duties as a governor to ensure that the activities within his jurisdiction were lawful. His actions reflect the administrative processes of the Persian Empire, which allowed for local governance while maintaining oversight from the central authority.<br><br><b>Response from Darius</b><br><br>In response to Tatnai's letter, King Darius ordered a search of the royal archives, which confirmed the decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to rebuild the Temple. Darius then issued a decree not only permitting the continuation of the construction but also providing resources for the project from the royal treasury.<br><br><a href="/ezra/6-6.htm">Ezra 6:6-7</a> records Darius's response: "Now then, Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region, stay away from that place. Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its original site."<br><br><b>Significance</b><br><br>Tatnai's involvement in the Temple reconstruction highlights the complex interplay between the Jewish community and the Persian authorities. His actions inadvertently led to the reaffirmation of the Jewish right to rebuild the Temple, demonstrating the providential hand of God in the affairs of His people. The narrative underscores the theme of divine oversight and the fulfillment of God's promises, as the Temple's completion was crucial for the restoration of Jewish worship and identity.<br><br>Tatnai's account serves as a reminder of the importance of lawful governance and the potential for secular authorities to be used by God to accomplish His purposes, even when their initial intentions may not align with His divine plan.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Tatnai</span><p>that gives; the overseer of the gifts and tributes<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Tatnai</span><p>(<i>gift</i>), satrap of the province west of the Euphrates in the time of Darius Hystaspes. (<a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Ezra 5:3,6</a>; <a href="/ezra/6-6.htm">6:6,13</a>) (B.C. 520.) The name is thought to be Persian.<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Tatnai</span><p>A governor of Samaria under Darius, whose administration was characterized by great justice and moderation towards the Jews, <a href="/context/ezra/5-1.htm">Ezra 5:1-6:22</a>, B. C. 519. </p><a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Gift, a Persian governor (Hebrews pehah, i.e., "satrap;" modern "pasha") "on this side the river", i.e., of the whole tract on the west of the Euphrates. This Hebrew title pehah is given to governors of provinces generally. It is given to Nehemiah (<a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">5:14</a>) and to Zerubbabel (<a href="/haggai/1-1.htm">Haggai 1:1</a>). It is sometimes translated "captain" (<a href="/1_kings/20-24.htm">1 Kings 20:24</a>; <a href="/daniel/3-2.htm">Dan. 3:2</a>, 3), sometimes also "deputy" (<a href="/esther/8-9.htm">Esther 8:9</a>; <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">9:3</a>). With others, Tatnai opposed the rebuilding of the temple (<a href="/ezra/5-6.htm">Ezra 5:6</a>); but at the command of Darius, he assisted the Jews (<a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">6:1</a>-13). <a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/8674.htm"><span class="l">8674. Tattenay -- Tattenay</span></a><br><b>...</b> prefect NASB Word Usage Tattenai (4). Tattenai, a Persian. Of foreign derivation;<br> Tattenai, a Persian -- <b>Tatnai</b>. 8673, 8674. Tattenay. 1 . Strong's Numbers <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/8674.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 5k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/cyril/lectures_of_s_cyril_of_jerusalem/lecture_xii_on_the_words.htm"><span class="l">On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> tou apokrithenai, a frequent meaning of the Hebrew vyshl, by which the Greek<br> Translators understood the answer of Darius to the Letter of <b>Tatnai</b> and his <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/t/tatnai.htm"><span class="l"><b>Tatnai</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3:2, 3), sometimes also "deputy" (Esther 8:9; 9:3). With others, <b>Tatnai</b> opposed<br> the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:6); but at the command of Darius, he <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tatnai.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shetharboznai.htm"><span class="l">Shetharboznai (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them <b>Tatnai</b>, governor on this side the river,<br> and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shetharboznai.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shethar-boznai.htm"><span class="l">Shethar-boznai (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 5:3 At that time came to them <b>Tatnai</b>, governor on this side the river, and<br> Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus to them: Who gave you <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shethar-boznai.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tattenai.htm"><span class="l">Tattenai (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> tat'-e-ni (tattenay, various forms in the Septuagint; the King James Version <b>Tatnai</b>,<br> tat'ni, tat'na-i'): A Persian governor, who was the successor of Rehum in <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tattenai.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tasty.htm"><span class="l">Tasty (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tasty.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/speedily.htm"><span class="l">Speedily (38 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 6:13 Then <b>Tatnai</b>, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their<br> companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/speedily.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/diligently.htm"><span class="l">Diligently (85 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 6:13 Then <b>Tatnai</b>, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their<br> companions, because of that which king Darius had sent, did so diligently. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/diligently.htm - 34k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hence.htm"><span class="l">Hence (47 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 6:6 Now therefore, <b>Tatnai</b>, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your<br> companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hence.htm - 20k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/epistle.htm"><span class="l">Epistle (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/epistle.htm - 101k</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Tatnai (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Ezra 5:3</a></span><br />At the same time came to them <span class="boldtext">Tatnai</span>, 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?<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/5-6.htm">Ezra 5:6</a></span><br />The copy of the letter that <span class="boldtext">Tatnai</span>, 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:<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/6-6.htm">Ezra 6:6</a></span><br />Now therefore, <span class="boldtext">Tatnai</span>, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/6-13.htm">Ezra 6:13</a></span><br />Then <span class="boldtext">Tatnai</span>, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY WBS YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/t/tatnai.htm">Tatnai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/t/tatnai--a_persian_governor_in_samaria.htm">Tatnai: A Persian Governor in Samaria</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shetharboznai.htm">Shetharboznai (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shethar-boznai.htm">Shethar-boznai (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tattenai.htm">Tattenai (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tasty.htm">Tasty (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/speedily.htm">Speedily (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/diligently.htm">Diligently (85 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hence.htm">Hence (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/epistle.htm">Epistle (13 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/t/tasty.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Tasty"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Tasty" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/t/tatnai--a_persian_governor_in_samaria.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Tatnai: A Persian Governor in Samaria"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Tatnai: A Persian Governor in Samaria" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" 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