Ezra 6:6

Ezra 6:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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!

King James Version KJV

Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

American Standard Version ASV

Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence:

Bible in Basic English BBE

So now, Tattenai, ruler of the land across the river, and Shethar-bozenai and your people the Apharsachites across the river, keep far from that place:

Free Bible Version FBV

These are my instructions to you, Tattenai, governor of the province west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your fellow officials, and officials of the province: Stay far away from there!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore Tatnai captaine beyond the Riuer, and Shethar Boznai, (and their companions Apharsecaie, which are beyonde the Riuer) be ye farre from thence.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Now, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, the Apharsachites, who [are] beyond the river, be ye far from hence;

World English Bible WEB

Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now therefore , Tatnai governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now therefore Thathanai, governor of the country beyond the river, Stharbuzanai, and your counsellors the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, depart far from them,

Translation for Translators T4T

After reading this, King Darius sent this message to the leaders of the Israeli people’s enemies in Jerusalem: “This is a message for Tattenai, the governor of the province west of the Euphrates River, and for his assistant Shethar-Bozenai, and for all your colleagues: Stay away from that area!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 6:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezra 6:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כְּעַ֡ן תַּ֠תְּנַי פַּחַ֨ת עֲבַֽר נַהֲרָ֜/ה שְׁתַ֤ר בּוֹזְנַי֙ וּ/כְנָוָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן אֲפַרְסְכָיֵ֔/א דִּ֖י בַּ/עֲבַ֣ר נַהֲרָ֑/ה רַחִיקִ֥ין הֲו֖וֹ מִן תַּמָּֽה

כְּעַ֡ן kᵉʻan H3705 now Adj

תַּ֠תְּנַי Tattᵉnay H8674 Tattenai Adj

פַּחַ֨ת pechâh H6347 governor Adj

עֲבַֽר ʻăbar H5675 beyond Adj

נַהֲרָ֜/ה nᵉhar H5103 river Adj | Art

שְׁתַ֤ר Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay H8370 Shethar-bozenai Adj

בּוֹזְנַי֙ Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay H8370 Shethar-bozenai Adj

וּ/כְנָוָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן kᵉnâth H3675 associate Adj | N-mp | Suff

אֲפַרְסְכָיֵ֔/א ʼĂpharçᵉkay H671 governors Adj | Art

דִּ֖י dîy H1768 that Adj

בַּ/עֲבַ֣ר ʻăbar H5675 beyond Adj | N-proper

נַהֲרָ֑/ה nᵉhar H5103 river Adj | Art

רַחִיקִ֥ין rachîyq H7352 far Adj

הֲו֖וֹ hâvâʼ H1934 to be Adj

מִן min H4481 from Adj

תַּמָּֽה tâm H8536 there Adj

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 6:6

כְּעַ֡ן kᵉʻan H3705 "now" Adj

In the Bible, this word means 'now' or 'at this time', often used to indicate a current moment or situation, like in Genesis. It's about what's happening currently. It's used to show when something is happening.

Definition: now, at this time, until now Aramaic equivalent: ke.e.net (כְּעֶ֫נֶת "now" H3706)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: now. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 2:23; Daniel 6:9.

תַּ֠תְּנַי Tattᵉnay H8674 "Tattenai" Adj

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.

פַּחַ֨ת pechâh H6347 "governor" Adj

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.

עֲבַֽר ʻăbar H5675 "beyond" Adj

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.

נַהֲרָ֜/ה nᵉhar H5103 "river" Adj | Art

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.

שְׁתַ֤ר Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay H8370 "Shethar-bozenai" Adj

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.

בּוֹזְנַי֙ Shᵉthar Bôwzᵉnay H8370 "Shethar-bozenai" Adj

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.

וּ/כְנָוָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן kᵉnâth H3675 "associate" Adj | N-mp | Suff

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.

אֲפַרְסְכָיֵ֔/א ʼĂpharçᵉkay H671 "governors" Adj | Art

The Apharsachites were a group of people or officials in the Assyrian empire, mentioned in Ezra 5:6 and 6:1. Their exact role is unknown.

Definition: Apharsachites = "as causers of division (?)" Apharsathchites = "I will divide the deceivers (?)" 1) (CLBL) an unknown office 2) (BDB) perhaps an office or an official 3) (TWOT) 3a) a people 3b) perhaps a title of an official Also named: a.phar.sat.te.khay (אֲפָֽרְסַתְּכָיֵא "govenors" H0671B)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Apharsachites, Apharasthchites. See also: Ezra 4:9; Ezra 5:6; Ezra 6:6.

דִּ֖י dîy H1768 "that" Adj

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.

בַּ/עֲבַ֣ר ʻăbar H5675 "beyond" Adj | N-proper

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.

נַהֲרָ֑/ה nᵉhar H5103 "river" Adj | Art

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.

רַחִיקִ֥ין rachîyq H7352 "far" Adj

This word means something or someone is at a great distance, either physically or figuratively. It is similar to the word for distant, and is used in the Bible to describe far-off places or events.

Definition: far, far off, distant Aramaic of ra.choq (רָחֹק "distant" H7350)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: far. See also: Ezra 6:6.

הֲו֖וֹ hâvâʼ H1934 "to be" Adj

Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.

Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.

מִן min H4481 "from" Adj

This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.

Definition: 1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than 1a) from, out of (of place) 1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source) 1c) from (of time) 1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: according, after, [phrase] because, [phrase] before, by, for, from, [idiom] him, [idiom] more than, (out) of, part, since, [idiom] these, to, upon, [phrase] when. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 3:22; Jeremiah 10:11.

תַּמָּֽה tâm H8536 "there" Adj

This word is used to point to a location, like saying 'over there' or 'from that place'. It is often used in the Bible to give directions or describe where someone is. In the KJV, it is translated as 'thence' or 'there'.

Definition: there Aramaic of sham (שָׁם "there" H8033)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] thence, there, [idiom] where. See also: Ezra 5:17; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:12.

Study Notes — Ezra 6:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezra 6:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 6:6
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:6
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:6
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:6
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:6
Sermons on Ezra 6:6

Context — The Decree of Darius

4with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid from the royal treasury. 5Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem and deposited in the house of God.

6Therefore 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!

7Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor and elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its original site. 8I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezra 5:3	At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
2	Romans 8:31	What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
3	Proverbs 21:30	There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
4	Acts 4:26–28	The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.
5	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.
6	Nehemiah 1:11	O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)
7	Genesis 43:14	May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”
8	Isaiah 27:8	By warfare and exile You contended with her and removed her with a fierce wind, as on the day the east wind blows.
9	Psalms 76:10	Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself.
10	Proverbs 21:1	The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Ezra 6:6 Summary

In Ezra 6:6, King Darius tells the officials in the region to leave the Jewish people alone and let them rebuild the temple. This shows that God is in control and can use even non-believing leaders to accomplish His plans, as seen in Ezra 1:2-4. Just like the Jewish people, we can trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when faced with challenges or opposition, and remember that He is always working to prosper us, as in Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can persevere and see His plans unfold in our lives, just as they did in the story of the temple's rebuilding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Darius' decree in Ezra 6:6?

Darius' decree signifies the king's recognition of the Jewish people's right to rebuild the temple, as ordained by God, and his willingness to support their efforts, as seen in Ezra 6:8, where he orders the costs to be paid from the royal treasury, reminiscent of Cyrus' earlier decree in Ezra 1:2-4.

Who are Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates mentioned in Ezra 6:6?

Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates are officials in the region west of the Euphrates, who had been interfering with the Jews' efforts to rebuild the temple, but are now commanded by Darius to stay away, much like the officials in Exodus 1:17 who feared God and did not carry out the king's orders to harm the Israelites.

What does Darius mean by 'stay away from that place' in Ezra 6:6?

Darius is commanding the officials to cease their interference and opposition to the Jewish people's efforts to rebuild the temple, allowing them to proceed with their work unhindered, much like the apostles were told to stop preaching in Acts 5:28, but continued to do so, trusting in God's sovereignty.

How does Ezra 6:6 relate to the overall story of the Bible?

Ezra 6:6 demonstrates God's faithfulness to His people and His sovereignty over human events, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His plans will not be thwarted, and in Jeremiah 29:11, where He promises to prosper His people.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I can trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with opposition or challenges, just like the Jewish people in Ezra 6:6?
How can I, like Darius, recognize and support God's work in the lives of others, as seen in Ezra 6:8?
What are some 'places' in my life where I need to 'stay away' in order to allow God's work to proceed unhindered, and how can I trust in His guidance, as in Proverbs 3:5-6?
In what ways can I, like the Jewish people, persevere in the face of adversity and trust in God's faithfulness to His promises, as in Hebrews 11:13-16?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:6

Now therefore Tatnai, governor beyond the river,.... The river Euphrates, that side of it towards the land of Israel; Josephus (z) calls this man master of the horse: Shetharboznai, and your

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:6

In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 6:6

i.e. From hindering or discouraging the work.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:6

Ezra 6:6 Now [therefore], Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river, be ye far from thence:Ver. 6. Be ye far from thence] i.e. Come not at them, to hinder them at all. Thus, though the Church’ s enemies bandy together and bend all their forces against her; yet are they bounded by Almighty God (who saith unto them, Be ye far from thence), as is the raging sea, Jeremiah 5:22. Surely, saith the psalmist, the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain, Heb. gird, that is, keep it within compass, as with a girdle. The Septuagint render it thus, The remnant of wrath shall keep holy day to thee, that is, it shall rest from working, or acting, how restless soever it be within.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:6

(6) Now therefore, Tatnai.—Here there is an abrupt transition to the decree of Darius itself, the terms of which were either drawn up by Jewish help, or are freely rendered into the national phraseology by the historian. Be ye far from thence.—That is, keep aloof from any kind of interference.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:6

Verse 6. Be ye far from thence] Do not interrupt the Jews in their building; but, on the contrary further them all in your power.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:6

6. The decree of Darius; the prohibition, no interference. Tatnai … Shethar-boznai, &c.] R.V. Tattenai … Shethar-bozenai. See Ezra 5:3. Observe the sudden change into the direct address to the governor. Darius’s decree is attached to the copy of Cyrus’s decree, without any prefatory words to mark the transition or to call attention to Darius’s action. The composition of the Compiler or of the document, which he cites, is rough and inartistic; but the meaning of the passage and its connexion with the context cannot be mistaken. your companions] R.V. margin. Aram. their. This occurrence of the 3rd pers. pronoun in the original indicates perhaps that the writer transcribed the 3rd pers. pronoun, and omitted to alter it so as to suit his own version. be ye far from thence] i.e. keep aloof from Jerusalem, and do not interfere with the work.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:6

This verse gives the words of the decree of Darius, which was grounded upon, and probably recited, the decree of Cyrus.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:6

6. Now therefore, Tatnai — Here Darius turns from quoting the record of Cyrus, which forms a part of his letter in answer to the Samaritan governor’s letter, (Ezra 5:5, note,) and proceeds to

Sermons on Ezra 6:6

	Sermon	Description
	Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus
	A Day's Journey Into the Wilderness by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God. He references the story of Elijah and how God demonstrated His power by consuming the captain and his 50 men
	Devil, You Can't Walk on Me Anymore by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of God-loving people being oppressed and discouraged by the enemy. He emphasizes that God is looking at this situation with disbeli
	Castles and Crowns Come Down- Harnessing God's Power by Francis Chan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the power, victory, and boldness available to believers through Christ. It challenges listeners to shift their
	Don't Be Dismayed, God Will Not Fail You by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua, chapter 8. The Lord speaks to Joshua and tells him not to fear or be discouraged, as He has given
	Through Jordan by William Booth	William Booth emphasizes the challenges faced in life, comparing them to running with footmen and contending with the swelling of Jordan, symbolizing trials and tribulations. He en
	The Making of a Worshipper by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common question of why God allows sudden disasters and tragedies to happen. He uses the example of the Israelites in the Bible who were fr