Ezra 5:6
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
Original Language Analysis
אִ֠גַּרְתָּא
of the letter
H104
אִ֠גַּרְתָּא
of the letter
Strong's:
H104
Word #:
2 of 18
an epistle (as carried by a state courier or postman)
דִּֽי
H1768
דִּֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
3 of 18
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
שְׁלַ֞ח
sent
H7972
שְׁלַ֞ח
sent
Strong's:
H7972
Word #:
4 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בַּֽעֲבַ֣ר
on this side
H5675
בַּֽעֲבַ֣ר
on this side
Strong's:
H5675
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
וּכְנָ֣וָתֵ֔הּ
and his companions
H3675
וּכְנָ֣וָתֵ֔הּ
and his companions
Strong's:
H3675
Word #:
11 of 18
a colleague (as having the same title)
אֲפַ֨רְסְכָיֵ֔א
the Apharsachites
H671
אֲפַ֨רְסְכָיֵ֔א
the Apharsachites
Strong's:
H671
Word #:
12 of 18
an apharsekite or apharsathkite, an unknown assyrian tribe
דִּ֖י
H1768
דִּ֖י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
13 of 18
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
בַּֽעֲבַ֣ר
on this side
H5675
בַּֽעֲבַ֣ר
on this side
Strong's:
H5675
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
עַל
unto
H5922
עַל
unto
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
16 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The Trans-Euphrates satrapy (Abar Nahara) was one of the Persian Empire's most important provinces, encompassing territory from the Euphrates to Egypt. Tatnai's position placed him over a vast administrative region with significant strategic importance as the corridor between Mesopotamia and Egypt. His investigation of Jerusalem was part of standard provincial oversight, particularly important during the unstable early years of Darius's reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use even hostile or neutral authorities to document and preserve evidence of His work in history?
- What does the formal, respectful tone of Persian administration teach about engaging with secular authorities while serving God?
Analysis & Commentary
The formal letter introduction identifies the senders and recipient with precise bureaucratic terminology. Tatnai (Tattenai in Aramaic) served as governor (pechah) of the Trans-Euphrates satrapy—the vast region "on this side the river" encompassing Syria, Phoenicia, and Palestine. Shethar-boznai likely served as his secretary or deputy. The "Apharsachites" (Apharsekaye) were Persian officials or inspectors stationed throughout the satrapy.
The careful documentation of official titles and geographic jurisdiction reflects authentic Persian chancellery style. Archaeological discoveries of Persian-period correspondence confirm this precise administrative language. The letter's preservation in the biblical text demonstrates God's providential arrangement of historical documentation—what began as a challenge became evidence of divine faithfulness.