Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 6:13
Then or at that time, referring to a specific point in the past or future, like in the story of creation when God said 'then' the earth was formed. It is used to show a sequence of events. The KJV translates it as 'then' or 'now'.
Definition: then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: now, that time, then. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 7:19.
Tattenai was a Persian governor in Syria who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem during the time of Exile and Return, as seen in Ezra 5:3. His name means gift. He played a significant role in the history of Israel.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.5.3 § Tatnai = "gift" a Persian governor in Syria who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Tatnai. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:13.
A governor or prefect is a high-ranking official who oversees a city or small district, as seen in the book of Ezra and Nehemiah. This person has authority and decision-making power. The term is also used in Daniel.
Definition: governor Aramaic of pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6346)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: captain, governor. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:13; Daniel 6:8.
This word means beyond or on the other side, often referring to a region across a river, like the Jordan, and is used to describe a location or direction.
Definition: region beyond or across Aramaic of e.ver (עֵ֫בֶר ": side" H5676)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: beyond, this side. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 5:6; Ezra 7:25.
The Hebrew word for a river, especially the Euphrates, describes a flowing body of water. In the Bible, it often symbolizes life and abundance.
Definition: river Aramaic of na.har (נָהָר "river" H5104H)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: river, stream. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 5:6; Daniel 7:10.
Shethar-Bozenai was a Persian officer who played a role in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem during the reign of Darius. His name means star of splendor, and he is mentioned in the book of Ezra as someone who opposed the rebuilding efforts. He was a significant figure in the history of the Israelites' return from exile.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.5.3 § Shethar-boznai = "star of splendour" a Persian officer in the reign of Darius
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shetharboznai. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:13.
Shethar-Bozenai was a Persian officer who played a role in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem during the reign of Darius. His name means star of splendor, and he is mentioned in the book of Ezra as someone who opposed the rebuilding efforts. He was a significant figure in the history of the Israelites' return from exile.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.5.3 § Shethar-boznai = "star of splendour" a Persian officer in the reign of Darius
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shetharboznai. See also: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:13.
This word is similar to H3674, also meaning a companion or associate, and is used in Aramaic sections of the Bible. It refers to someone who is a colleague or friend, sharing a common bond or title.
Definition: companion, associate Aramaic of ke.nat (כְּנָת "associate" H3674)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: companion. See also: Ezra 4:9; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:13.
This Hebrew word is used to describe something that is in front of or before something else. It can also mean because of or on account of something. The word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: subst 1) front prep 2) in front of, before, because of, in view of, by reason of, because of this, therefore conj 3) because that, inasmuch as, although, according as, before adv 4) accordingly, then
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] according to, [phrase] as, [phrase] because, before, [phrase] for this cause, [phrase] forasmuch as, [phrase] by this means, over against, by reason of, [phrase] that, [phrase] therefore, [phrase] though, [phrase] wherefore. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 6:23.
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
This Hebrew word means to send something or someone away, like in Genesis when God sent Abraham to a new land. It can also mean to put or dispatch something. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God sending prophets or angels.
Definition: 1) to send 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to send, send out 1a2) to be sent
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: put, send. See also: Ezra 4:11; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:23.
This word also refers to Darius, a title for Persian kings, including Darius the Mede, who succeeded Belshazzar. As seen in Daniel 6:1, Darius played a significant role in the life of Daniel, and his story is an important part of the biblical narrative. His title signifies his position as a lord or ruler.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.5.31; son of: Ahasuerus (H0325) Aramaic of dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867I) § Darius = "lord" 1) Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC) (same as dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1867) (1)) 2) Darius, the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC) (same as (2)) 3) Darius II or Darius III 3a) Darius II, Nothus (Ochus) was king of Persia during the time of Nehemiah (424/3-405/4 BC). Darius II is the most probable because he is mentioned by Nehemiah and ruled during the time of Nehemiah 3b) Darius III, Codomannus was king of Persia during its last years at the time of Alexander the Great and was his opponent (336-330 BC)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Darius. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:14; Daniel 6:29.
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
This Hebrew word means 'thus' or 'so', showing how something is done. It appears in the Bible to describe a manner or way of doing things, like in a recipe or instruction. It helps us understand how to follow God's commands.
Definition: thus, so, accordingly, as follows
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: so, (in) this manner (sort), thus. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 5:9; Ezra 6:13.
This word means to do something diligently or eagerly, like when someone works hard or responds quickly. It is used to describe urgent actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) thoroughly 2) (CLBL) eagerly, diligently
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: fast, forthwith, speed(-ily). See also: Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:13; Ezra 7:26.
This word means to make or do something, and can also imply preparing or keeping something, as seen in the creation story in Genesis. It is a versatile verb that can be used in different ways, including creating, performing, or executing something. The word is found in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to make, do 1a)(P'al) 1a1) to make, create 1a2) to do, perform 1b) (Ithp'al) 1b1) to be made into 1b2) to be done, be wrought, be performed, be executed, be carried out
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] cut, do, execute, go on, make, move, work. See also: Ezra 4:15; Ezra 7:26; Jeremiah 10:11.
Context — The Temple Completed
11I also decree that if any man interferes with this directive, a beam is to be torn from his house and raised up, and he is to be impaled on it. And his own house shall be made a pile of rubble for this offense.
12May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued the decree. Let it be carried out with diligence.
13In response, Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates diligently carried out what King Darius had decreed.
14So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.
15And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Ezra 4:9 |
From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, |
| 2 |
Ezra 6:6 |
Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! |
| 3 |
Job 5:12–13 |
He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. |
| 4 |
Ezra 4:23 |
When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them. |
| 5 |
Esther 6:11 |
So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and paraded him through the city square, crying out before him, “This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!” |
| 6 |
Proverbs 29:26 |
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. |
| 7 |
Ezra 5:6 |
This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius. |
Ezra 6:13 Summary
[This verse shows that Tattenai and his associates obeyed King Darius' decree to let the Israelites rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, just like it says in Ezra 6:12. They did this because they were commanded to, and they wanted to avoid punishment, as seen in Ezra 6:11. This is similar to how we should obey God's commands, as seen in John 14:15, and trust that He is working through all things to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Tattenai and his associates to obey King Darius' decree?
Tattenai and his associates obeyed King Darius' decree because they were commanded to do so, and they were also warned of severe consequences if they did not comply, as seen in Ezra 6:11, where it is written that anyone who interferes with the directive will be punished.
Who were Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates?
Tattenai was the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, and Shethar-bozenai and their associates were likely officials or leaders under his authority, similar to the governors and officials mentioned in Nehemiah 2:7-9.
What does this verse reveal about the character of King Darius?
This verse suggests that King Darius was a man of his word, who expected his decrees to be carried out with diligence, as seen in Ezra 6:12, where he commands that his decree be carried out with diligence, and in Ezra 6:13, where his decree is obeyed.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger story of God's people returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple, as prophesied in Isaiah 44:28 and fulfilled in Ezra 1:1-4, and it shows how God works through secular leaders to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Proverbs 21:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate diligence in obeying God's commands, just like Tattenai and his associates obeyed King Darius' decree?
- How can I show respect for authority, like Tattenai and his associates did, while still being faithful to God's commands, as seen in Romans 13:1-7?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to be more diligent in carrying out God's will, and how can I take steps to improve in those areas, as encouraged in 2 Peter 1:5-8?
- How can I trust God to work through secular leaders to accomplish His purposes, just like He did in this verse, as seen in Isaiah 45:1-7?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:13
Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions,.... Having received and read the above letter: according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:13
Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily. Then Tatnai ... did speedily.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:13
Ezra 6:13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.Ver. 13. So they did speedily] This they did, because they durst do no otherwise; their obedience was wrung out of them, as sour juice is out of a crab, or as distilled water is forced out by the heat of the fire. Thus some perform duties, aud yet hate them; part with sins, and yet love them. Show the malefactor the rack, and he will say or do anything. This is to fear God for his lions, as those mongrels did, 2 Kings 17:33-34, timore servili, non amicali, fearing slavery not God, which yet may addere alas, add to their strength, lest they fall under the lash, the correction of the law, for refusing the direction thereof (Beda).
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:13
13–18. Darius’s decree executed: (a) The Temple completed, (14, 15), (b) duly consecrated and dedicated (16–18)13. according to that which Darius the king had sent] R.V. because that. R.V. marg. ‘because of that which’. The A.V. fails to give the meaning of the original. The rendering of the R.V. margin seems preferable. The prompt action of the governor was the result not so much of the king’s sending (for in any case an answer to the governor’s question was expected) as of the emphatic command contained in the royal letter. In the face of this explicit order, steps were at once taken. so they did speedily] R.V. did accordingly with all diligence. See Ezra 6:8; Ezra 6:12, Ezra 5:8. We have no reason to suppose that Tattenai himself was ill-disposed against the Jews. His letter to the king (Ezra 5:6, &c.) may have been due to Samaritan representations.
But once acquainted with the facts and informed of the king’s wishes, he had no ill-will against an insignificant Jewish settlement at Jerusalem.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:13
THE TEMPLE AND , Ezra 6:13-18. 14. Prospered through the prophesying of Haggai… and Zechariah — The extant writings of these prophets give evidence that the Jews needed continual prompting and
Sermons on Ezra 6:13
| Sermon | Description |
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 1
by T. Austin-Sparks
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In this sermon, the speaker introduces the theme of the conference, which is "faith unto enlargement through adversity." The speaker refers to Psalm 118 as the Passover Hosanna Son |
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Matthew 2:12-15. the Heavenly Warnings.
by Favell Lee Mortimer
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Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about God's divine protection over His faithful servants, showcasing how God can thwart the plans of the wicked through dreams, prayers, and discernmen |
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The Fiery Furnace
by Charles E. Cowman
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Charles E. Cowman preaches about how God brings about His greatest victories out of apparent defeats. Despite the enemy seemingly triumphing for a little while, God ultimately upse |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.5 & 6
by Zac Poonen
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually violent in pursuing God's purposes. He references Matthew 11:12, where Jesus says that the kingdom of he |