Keraia
Ezra 4

Ezra 4:18

The Decree of Artaxerxes · Ezra 4:17–24
Read Ezra 4

Translations

Modern
The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence.
Traditional
The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
Literal
…the letter that you sent to us has been read clearly before me.
Latin
Accusatio, quam misistis ad nos, manifeste lecta est coram me,

Original

Hebrew
English
The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence.

Notes

Ezra 4:18

The letter was translated from Aramaic into Persian, which was the king's native language.

Ezra 4:11–22

Ezra contains a copy in Aramaic of the letter sent to Artaxerxes and his response.

Ezra 4:6–23

These verses discuss later opposition to Jewish rebuilding efforts. They actually relate to events during the reign of:

  • Xerxes in 486 to 465 BC

  • Artaxerxes I in 465 to 424 BC

However, they are included here because they match the theme of opposition. Chronologically, Ezra 4:6 fits between chapters 6 and 7, while 4:7–23 fits before Nehemiah 1.

Theme notes and profiles

Zerubbabel

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Aramaic Artaxerxes Book of Ezra Book of Jeremiah Darius First Book of Esdras Postexilic Period Rehum Samaritans Temple

Topics

Artaxerxes: A Persian King Probably Identical with Ahasuerus: Prohibits the Rebuilding of Jerusalem Bishlam: A Samaritan Who Obstructed the Rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem Persia: Artaxerxes I