Ezra 5:10
We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַ֧ף
also
H638
וְאַ֧ף
also
Strong's:
H638
Word #:
1 of 11
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
שֻׁם
the names
H8036
שֻׁם
the names
Strong's:
H8036
Word #:
2 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
דִּ֛י
H1768
דִּ֛י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
6 of 11
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
נִכְתֻּ֥ב
thee that we might write
H3790
נִכְתֻּ֥ב
thee that we might write
Strong's:
H3790
Word #:
7 of 11
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
שֻׁם
the names
H8036
שֻׁם
the names
Strong's:
H8036
Word #:
8 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Historical Context
Persian administrative documents consistently recorded the names of responsible officials and project supervisors. The satrapies maintained extensive archives of correspondence, authorizations, and personnel records. This documentation served both administrative efficiency and imperial control, enabling the central government to track activities throughout the vast empire stretching from India to Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use documentation and record-keeping to establish the legitimacy of His work across generations?
- What responsibility do church leaders have to maintain transparent, accountable records of their ministry activities?
Analysis & Commentary
The officials requested names "to certify thee"—that is, to provide the king with documented accountability. The Aramaic lehodautakh (to inform you) indicates the letter's purpose was providing complete information for royal evaluation. Recording "the names of the men that were the chief of them" would enable the king to investigate the leaders' backgrounds and legitimacy.
This bureaucratic meticulousness, though threatening to the Jews, demonstrated Persian administrative thoroughness. Every significant project required identifiable leadership accountable to imperial authority. Yet God used this documentation requirement to establish the legitimacy of Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and other leaders—their names would be permanently recorded in both Persian archives and Scripture.