New International VersionThe king sent this reply: To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates: Greetings.
New Living TranslationThen King Artaxerxes sent this reply: “To Rehum the governor, Shimshai the court secretary, and their colleagues living in Samaria and throughout the province west of the Euphrates River. Greetings.
English Standard VersionThe king sent an answer: “To Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River, greeting. And now
Berean Standard BibleThen 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.
King James BibleThen sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
New King James VersionThe king sent an answer: To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.
New American Standard BibleThen the king sent a response to Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the Euphrates River: “Peace. And now,
NASB 1995Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the River: “Peace. And now
NASB 1977Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the River: “Peace. And now
Legacy Standard BibleThen the king sent an edict to Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the River: “Peace. And now—
Amplified BibleThen the king sent an answer to Rehum the [Persian] commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces west of the River: “Peace (Greetings). And now,
Christian Standard BibleThe king sent a reply to his chief deputy Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates River: Greetings.
Holman Christian Standard Bible The king sent a reply to his chief deputy Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates River: Greetings.
American Standard VersionThen sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.
Contemporary English VersionKing Artaxerxes answered: Greetings to Governor Rehum, Secretary Shimshai, and to your advisors in Samaria and other parts of Western Province.
English Revised VersionThen sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the river, Peace, and so forth.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their group living in Samaria, and to others west of the Euphrates River: I wish you peace and prosperity!
Good News TranslationThe emperor sent this answer: "To Rehum, the governor, to Shimshai, secretary of the province, and to their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of West-of-Euphrates, greetings.
International Standard VersionThe king replied: To: Governor Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues living in Samaria, and the remainder living beyond the Euphrates River. Greetings:
NET BibleThe king sent the following response: "To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and other parts of Trans-Euphrates: Greetings!
New Heart English BibleThen the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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.
World English BibleThen the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who live in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe king has sent an answer to Rehum counselor, and Shimshai scribe, and the rest of their companions who are dwelling in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, “Peace, and at such a time:
Young's Literal Translation An answer hath the king sent unto Rehum counsellor, and Shimshai scribe, and the rest of their companions who are dwelling in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, 'Peace, and at such a time:
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the king sent word to Rehum, lord of judgment, and to Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues who dwelt in Shomeron, and the rest beyond the river, Peace and as now. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe king sent word to Reum Beelteem and Samsai the scribe, and to the rest that were in their council, inhabitants of Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, sending greeting and peace.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe king sent word to Rehum, the commander, and to Shimshai, the scribe, and to the rest who were in their council, to the inhabitants of Samaria, and to the others across the river, offering a greeting and peace.
New American BibleThe king sent this answer: “To Rehum, the governor, Shimshai, the scribe, and their fellow officials living in Samaria and elsewhere in the province West-of-Euphrates, greetings:
New Revised Standard VersionThe king sent an answer: “To Rehum the royal deputy and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River, greeting. And now Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king sent an answer: To Arkhom the chancellor and to Shimshai the scribe and to the rest of their companions who dwelt in Samaria and to the rest beyond the River, peace.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the King sent an answer: “To Arkhum, Master of Tasting, and to Shemshi the Scribe and to the rest who were their equals dwelling in Samaria and the rest dwelling at the crossing of the river, peace! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the commander, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the River: 'Peace, and now
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThen the king sent to Reum the chancellor, and Sampsa the scribe, and the rest of their fellow-servants who dwelt in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, saying, Peace; and he says,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Decree of Artaxerxes17Then the kingsentthis reply:ToRehumthe commander,Shimshaithe scribe,and the restof your associateslivingin Samariaand elsewherein the region westof the Euphrates:Greetings.18The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence.…
Cross References Nehemiah 2:19-20But 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?” / So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”
Nehemiah 4:1-3Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”
Nehemiah 6:5-9The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter / 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.” ...
Daniel 6:4-9Thus 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.” / So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! ...
Esther 3:8-11Then 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.” / So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. ...
2 Kings 17:24-33Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. / Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. / So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.” ...
2 Kings 19:9-13Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “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? ...
2 Chronicles 32:17-19He also wrote letters mocking the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying against Him: “Just as the gods of the nations did not deliver their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.” / Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city. / They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth—the work of human hands.
Jeremiah 29:1-9This 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: ...
Acts 4:18-21Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. / But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ...
Acts 5:27-29They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. / “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” / But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
Acts 24:1-9Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. / When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. / In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. ...
Acts 25:7-12When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove. / Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” / But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?” ...
Romans 13:1-7Everyone 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. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...
1 Peter 2:13-17Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...
Treasury of Scripture Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. companions. Ezra 4:7,9 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letterwas written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue… Peace Ezra 5:7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace. Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfectpeace, and at such a time. Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peacebe to this house. at such a time Ezra 4:10,11 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the restthat are on this side the river, and at such a time… Jump to Previous AssociatesChancellorChiefColleaguesCommanderCommandingCompanionsCounsellorCountryDwellDwellingElsewhereForthFriendsGreetingGreetingsLiveOfficerPeacePlacesProvinceProvincesRehumRestRiverRulerSamariaSama'riaScribeSecretaryShimshaiShim'shaiTimeTrans-EuphratesJump to Next AssociatesChancellorChiefColleaguesCommanderCommandingCompanionsCounsellorCountryDwellDwellingElsewhereForthFriendsGreetingGreetingsLiveOfficerPeacePlacesProvinceProvincesRehumRestRiverRulerSamariaSama'riaScribeSecretaryShimshaiShim'shaiTimeTrans-EuphratesEzra 4 1.The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews,4.endeavor to hinder it7.Their letter to Artaxerxes17.The answer and decree of Artaxerxes23.The building is hinderedThen the king sent this reply:This phrase indicates a formal response from the Persian king, Artaxerxes, to a letter he received. The context is the opposition faced by the Jews in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The king's reply is significant as it reflects the political dynamics of the Persian Empire, where local governors and officials had to report to the central authority. This centralized control is consistent with the administrative practices of the Persian Empire, which was known for its efficient bureaucracy. To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe:
Rehum and Shimshai were officials in the Persian administration. Rehum, referred to as the commander, likely held a military or administrative leadership role, while Shimshai, the scribe, was responsible for official documentation and communication. Their involvement underscores the organized opposition to the Jewish rebuilding efforts, highlighting the political and social tensions between the returning exiles and the local populations. This opposition is a recurring theme in the post-exilic period, as seen in other parts of Ezra and Nehemiah. And the rest of your associates living in Samaria:
The mention of Samaria is significant, as it was a region with a complex history of conflict and intermarriage between Israelites and foreign settlers. The Samaritans, who lived there, had a contentious relationship with the Jews, partly due to religious and ethnic differences. This tension is evident in the opposition to the rebuilding of the temple, as the Samaritans and other local groups sought to hinder the efforts of the returning exiles. The historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans is also reflected in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels. And elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates:
This phrase refers to the broader administrative region known as "Beyond the River," which included territories west of the Euphrates River under Persian control. This area was strategically important for the Persian Empire, serving as a buffer zone against potential threats from the west. The inclusion of this region in the king's reply indicates the widespread nature of the opposition to the Jewish rebuilding efforts and the importance of maintaining control over these territories. Greetings:
The use of "greetings" in official correspondence was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, reflecting a formal and respectful tone. This salutation sets the stage for the content of the king's message, which would have been received with great anticipation by the recipients. The formal nature of the greeting underscores the seriousness of the communication and the authority of the king's decree. Persons / Places / Events 1. The KingRefers to Artaxerxes, the Persian king who received a letter from the adversaries of Judah and Jerusalem, expressing concern over the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 2. Rehum the CommanderA local official who, along with others, opposed the rebuilding efforts of the Jews in Jerusalem. 3. Shimshai the ScribeAn official who assisted Rehum in drafting the letter to King Artaxerxes, opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 4. SamariaA region north of Judah, where some of the adversaries of the Jews resided. It was part of the Persian Empire at the time. 5. Region West of the EuphratesThis refers to the area of the Persian Empire that included Judah and Samaria, indicating the broader context of opposition to the Jewish rebuilding efforts. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when undertaking God's work. Just as the Jews faced opposition, believers today may encounter challenges when following God's call. God's SovereigntyDespite opposition, God remains in control. The Jews' account in Ezra reminds us that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes. Perseverance in FaithThe Jews' perseverance in rebuilding despite opposition encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and mission. Role of LeadershipEffective leadership is crucial in overcoming opposition. Leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in advancing God's purposes. Community SupportThe importance of community in facing opposition is evident. Believers should support one another in prayer and action when facing challenges. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4
What is Samaria's significance in the Bible?
In Ezra 4:2, if Samaritans were truly offering assistance in rebuilding the temple, why does the broader biblical narrative often portray them as antagonists?
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?
Who were the Samaritans in the Bible?(17) Peace, and at such a time.-- Salutation, and so forth. The account of the reply and the beginning of it are strangely blended, as before. Verse 17. - Thensent the king an answer. The complaint made was of such importance that an answer was returned without delay. It was addressed both to Rehum and Shimshai, since they were independent authorities.. Peace, and at such a time. "Peace" ( sheldm) is the ordinary Oriental salutation. The other word, uk'eth, is taken by our translators to refer to the date; but it really means, like uk'eneth (ver. 10), "and so forth," or " et cetera."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew [Then] the kingמַלְכָּ֗א(mal·kā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430:A kingsentשְׁלַ֣ח(šə·laḥ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7972:To send away, for, outthis reply:פִּתְגָמָ֞א(piṯ·ḡā·mā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 6600:A word, answer, letter, decreeToעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5922:Above, over, upon, againstRehumרְח֤וּם(rə·ḥūm)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7348:Rehum -- 'compassion', the name of several Israelitesthe commander,בְּעֵל־(bə·‘êl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1169:A master, a husbandShimshaiוְשִׁמְשַׁ֣י(wə·šim·šay)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8124:Shimshai -- a scribe who opposed Israelthe scribe,סָֽפְרָ֔א(sā·p̄ə·rā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5613:A secretary, scribeand the restוּשְׁאָר֙(ū·šə·’ār)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7606:Rest, remainderof your associatesכְּנָוָ֣תְה֔וֹן(kə·nā·wā·ṯə·hō·wn)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3675:An associatelivingיָתְבִ֖ין(yā·ṯə·ḇîn)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3488:To sit, dwellin Samariaבְּשָֽׁמְרָ֑יִן(bə·šā·mə·rā·yin)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8115:Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israeland elsewhereוּשְׁאָ֧ר(ū·šə·’ār)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7606:Rest, remainderin the region westעֲבַֽר־(‘ă·ḇar-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5675:A region across, on the opposite sideof the Euphrates:נַהֲרָ֛ה(na·hă·rāh)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5103:A river, the EuphratesGreetings.שְׁלָ֖ם(šə·lām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8001:Welfare, prosperity
Links Ezra 4:17 NIVEzra 4:17 NLTEzra 4:17 ESVEzra 4:17 NASBEzra 4:17 KJV
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OT History: Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer (Ezr. Ez) |
