Ezra 7:12
Ezra 7:12 in Multiple Translations
Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings.
Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth.
Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, all peace;
“Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings.
ARTAHSHASHTE King of Kings to Ezra the Priest and perfite scribe of the Lawe of the God of heauen, and to Cheeneth.
'Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a perfect scribe of the law of the God of heaven, and at such a time:
Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now
Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace , and at such a time.
Artaxerxes king of kings to Esdras the priest, the most learned scribe of the law of the God of heaven, greeting.
“This letter is from me, Artaxerxes, the greatest of the kings. I am giving it to Ezra the priest, who has studied very well all the rules and regulations that the God who is/rules in heaven gave to the Israeli people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 7:12
BAB
Word Study
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Ezra 7:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֨רְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא
מֶ֖לֶךְ
מַלְכַיָּ֑/א
לְ/עֶזְרָ֣א
כָ֠הֲנָ/א
סָפַ֨ר
דָּתָ֜/א
דִּֽי
אֱלָ֧הּ
שְׁמַיָּ֛/א
גְּמִ֖יר
וּ/כְעֶֽנֶת
אַ֨רְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
Artaxerxes
Adj
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4430
king
Adj
מַלְכַיָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
לְ/עֶזְרָ֣א
ʻEzrâʼ
H5831
Ezra
Adj | N-proper
כָ֠הֲנָ/א
kâhên
H3549
priest
Adj | Art
סָפַ֨ר
çâphêr
H5613
scribe
Adj
דָּתָ֜/א
dâth
H1882
law
Adj | Art
דִּֽי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
אֱלָ֧הּ
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj
שְׁמַיָּ֛/א
shâmayin
H8065
heaven
Adj | Art
גְּמִ֖יר
gᵉmar
H1585
to complete
Adj
וּ/כְעֶֽנֶת
kᵉʻeneth
H3706
now
Adj | Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 7:12
אַ֨רְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
"Artaxerxes"
Adj
Artaxerxes was a title given to several Persian kings, including the one who ruled during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.7 Also named: ar.tach.shash.ta (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתְּא "Artaxerxes" H0783B) § Artaxerxes = "I will make the spoiled to boil: I will stir myself (in) winter" son and successor of Xerxes as emperor of Persia, 465-424 BC
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Artaxerxes. See also: Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11; Nehemiah 13:6.
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj
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.
מַלְכַיָּ֑/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
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.
לְ/עֶזְרָ֣א
ʻEzrâʼ
H5831
"Ezra"
Adj | N-proper
Ezra, a Levite, was a key figure in Jerusalem's post-exile reforms, working with Nehemiah. He was the son of Seraiah and his name means 'help'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.7.1; son of: Seraiah (H8304H); brother of: Jehozadak (H3087) Aramaic of ez.ra (עֶזְרָא "Ezra" H5830) § Ezra = "help" the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem; co-worker with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Ezra. See also: Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21; Ezra 7:25.
כָ֠הֲנָ/א
kâhên
H3549
"priest"
Adj | Art
This word refers to a priest in the Aramaic language, similar to the Hebrew word for priest, and is used in the book of Daniel. It describes a person who serves God and leads others in worship. This term is used to describe the priests in the Bible who served God.
Definition: priest Aramaic of ko.hen (כֹּהֵן "priest" H3548)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: priest. See also: Ezra 6:9; Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:24.
סָפַ֨ר
çâphêr
H5613
"scribe"
Adj
A scribe was a person who wrote or copied documents, often serving as a secretary or record-keeper. In biblical times, scribes played a crucial role in preserving sacred texts. They are mentioned in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Definition: scribe, secretary Aramaic of so.pher (סֹפֵר "secretary" H5608B)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: scribe. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:23; Ezra 7:21.
דָּתָ֜/א
dâth
H1882
"law"
Adj | Art
In the Bible, this word refers to a law or decree, like God's commandments or a king's edict, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. It emphasizes the importance of following rules and regulations, whether from God or a human authority.
Definition: 1) decree, law 1a) a decree (of the king) 1b) law 1c) law (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: decree, law. See also: Ezra 7:12; Daniel 2:13; Daniel 7:25.
דִּֽי
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.
אֱלָ֧הּ
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
שְׁמַיָּ֛/א
shâmayin
H8065
"heaven"
Adj | Art
This Aramaic word for heaven is similar to the Hebrew word, referring to the sky and the abode of God. It is used to describe the dwelling place of God in the Bible.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible sky 1b) Heaven (as abode of God)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: heaven. See also: Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:12; Jeremiah 10:11.
גְּמִ֖יר
gᵉmar
H1585
"to complete"
Adj
This Aramaic word means to complete or make perfect, often used to describe something finished or fulfilled. In the KJV, it is translated as 'perfect', emphasizing the idea of completion or perfection.
Definition: 1) to complete 1a) (P'al) perfect (pass participle)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: perfect. See also: Ezra 7:12.
וּ/כְעֶֽנֶת
kᵉʻeneth
H3706
"now"
Adj | Adv
This word is similar to H3705, also meaning 'now', but used in a formula to show a sequence of events, like in Ezra. It's about what's happening at a specific time. It's used to show when something is happening in a sequence.
Definition: now, and now Aramaic of ke.an (כְּעַן "now" H3705)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: at such a time. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 4:17; Ezra 7:12.
Study Notes — Ezra 7:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 7:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 7:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:12
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 7:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 7:12
- Sermons on Ezra 7:12
Context — Artaxerxes’ Letter for Ezra
10For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.
11This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel:
12Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings.
13I hereby decree that any volunteers among the Israelites in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may go up with you to Jerusalem. 14You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 2:37 | You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 26:7 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with cavalry and a great company of troops. |
| 3 | Ezra 4:17 | Then 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. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 4:24 | For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates —over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides. |
| 5 | Revelation 17:14 | They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.” |
| 6 | Ezra 4:10–11 | and the rest of the peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and elsewhere west of the Euphrates. (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: |
| 7 | Daniel 2:47 | The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 20:1 | Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it. |
| 9 | Isaiah 10:8 | “Are not all my commanders kings?” he says. |
| 10 | Revelation 19:16 | And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. |
Ezra 7:12 Summary
[Ezra 7:12 is a formal introduction to a letter from King Artaxerxes to Ezra, a priest and scribe who is an expert in the Law of God. This verse shows that Artaxerxes has a lot of respect for Ezra and the God of heaven, as seen in his formal greeting. As we read this verse, we can remember the importance of respecting those in authority over us, as seen in Romans 13:1-7. We can also be encouraged to be like Ezra, who set his heart to study and practice the Law of the Lord, as seen in Ezra 7:10, and to use our own positions and influence to support the work of God's people, as seen in Ezra 7:13-14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the title 'king of kings' mean in Ezra 7:12?
The title 'king of kings' signifies that Artaxerxes is a ruler with great authority and power, as seen in Ezekiel 26:7 and Daniel 2:37, where this title is also used to describe powerful rulers.
Why is Ezra referred to as 'the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven' in Ezra 7:12?
Ezra is called 'the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven' because he is an expert in the Law of God, similar to how Moses was instructed by God in Exodus 24:12 to write down the Law.
What is the significance of the greeting in Ezra 7:12?
The greeting in Ezra 7:12 is a formal introduction to the letter from Artaxerxes to Ezra, establishing the authority and respect with which the letter is written, similar to the greetings found in other biblical letters like Romans 1:1-7.
How does Ezra 7:12 relate to the rest of the book of Ezra?
Ezra 7:12 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Ezra, which tells the story of the Israelites' return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple, as prophesied in Isaiah 44:28 and fulfilled in Ezra 1:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be a 'scribe of the Law of the God of heaven' in my own life, and how can I apply this to my daily walk with God?
- How can I, like Ezra, set my heart to study and practice the Law of the Lord, as seen in Ezra 7:10?
- What are some ways that I can show respect and deference to those in authority over me, as seen in the greeting in Ezra 7:12?
- How can I, like Artaxerxes, use my position and influence to support and promote the work of God's people, as seen in Ezra 7:13-14?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:12
Artaxerxes, king of kings,.... Having many kings and kingdoms subject and tributary to him; for this was not merely a proud haughty title which the eastern kings (p) assumed, particularly the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:12
Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. Artaxerxes, king of kings.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:12
Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect [peace], and at such a time.Ver. 12. Artaxerxes, king of kings] This is a very high style for any mortal wight; yet ambitiously assumed by monarchs and emperors. It is indeed the proper title of Jesus Christ, who hath upon his vesture and upon his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords; kings and captives, lords and lowlies, are all his underlings and vassals, as those good emperors, Constantine, Theodosius, and Valentinian usually called themselves (Socrates). This name of the Lord Christ is said to be written, 1. On his vesture, that all may see it and submit to it. 2. On his thigh, where hangs his sword, to show his absolute and unlimited empire, got out of the hands of his enemies with his sword and with his bow, Psalms 45:5. "By me king’ s reign," saith he, Proverbs 8:15. And Nebuchadnezzar is made to know as much, Daniel 4:35, who once vain gloriously vaunted that his princes were altogether kings, Isaiah 10:8. Maximilian, emperor of Germany, also said of himself, that he was a king of kings, but in another sense; for every one of my subjects (quoth he) will be a king; and say I what I can, they will do what they wish (Johan. Manl. loc. com. p. 586).
Of the God of heaven
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:12
(12) Artaxerxes, king of kings.—Artachshatra in Persian, Artachshasta in Hebrew. The Persian monarchs inherited the title here given from the Babylonians (Daniel 2:37). It is not used by the historian, only by the king himself. Perfect peace, and at such a time.—Literally, perfect, and so forth. The expression occurs only here, and is a difficult one. Our translation follows the apocryphal Esdras, and is on the whole to be accepted, a salutation being implied.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 7:12
Verse 12. Artaxerxes, king of kings] This letter, from the beginning of this verse to the end of Ezr 7:12-26, is in the Aramitic or Chaldee language. This title of the king would, in Persian, run thus: [Persian] Ardsheer shahinshah, or [Persian] padshah, "Ardsheer, king of kings;" "great or supreme king, or emperor."
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:12
12–26. The contents of the letter are given in Aramaic.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 7:12
The title, “king of kings,” is assumed by almost all the persian monarchs in their inscriptions. Perfect peace - “Peace” is not in the original, and the word translated “perfect” occurs only in this place.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 7:12
’S LETTER AND DECREE, Ezra 7:11-26. 12. King of kings — See note on 2 Kings 18:19. Unto Ezra — So this decree was at the same time a letter of authority to Ezra.
Sermons on Ezra 7:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Daniel - the Lord in the Outworking of History by William Fitch | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Daniel and its themes of God's sovereignty and the victory of faith. The sermon begins by discussing how Daniel and his friends |
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The Rise and Fall of Babylon by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the early history of Babylon as mentioned in the Bible, tracing its origins from the time of Nimrod to its eventual rise as a center of religious signi |
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The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the prophetic visions given to Daniel, outlining the course of the Gentile period from the last captivity to the second coming of Christ. Daniel's d |
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Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Albert Zehr With George Warnock and Russell Stendal - the Family (Tape 2) by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus being the central focus in our meetings and gatherings. He encourages believers to come to meetings not for performan |
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(Revelation) Part 2 the Doom of the Scarlet Woman by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the seven-headed beast mentioned in the book of Revelation. He explains that five of the heads have already fallen, one is cur |
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Depart From Me, I Never Knew You - Part 1 by Ralph Mahoney | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a man who was locked up due to an unjust past wound and hurt. The speaker emphasizes that God judged the men who attacked this man severely. H |
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Are You One of the Chosen Ones? by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of ideas and philosophy in shaping our society. He points out that in today's generation, ther |