Translations
Modern
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.
Traditional
Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;
Literal
And I said to the king, “If it is good to the king, let letters be given to me for the governors beyond the River, that they let me pass over until that I come to Judah,
Latin
Et dixi regi: Si regi videtur bonum, epistolas det mihi ad duces regionis trans flumen, ut traducant me, donec veniam in Judæam:
Original
Hebrew
English
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.
Notes
When Nehemiah heard about Jerusalem's ruins, he prayed for God's help (Nehemiah 1:1–11) and asked the king to send him to Jerusalem (2:1–8). Upon arrival, he urged the people to rebuild the city's wall (Nehemiah 2:11–20).
Theme notes and profiles
People
Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province
Places
Euphrates: Major river in ancient Near East; boundary of Promised Land
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Book of Nehemiah Euphrates River Governor Nehemiah (Person) Postexilic Period
Topics
Country: Love of Government: Provincial Letters of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah Nehemiah: Son of Hachaliah is Sent by the King to Rebuild Jerusalem Passports: Given to Nehemiah The Euphrates: Called: The River