Ezra 7:11
Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וְזֶ֣ה׀
H2088
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַן֙
gave
H5414
נָתַן֙
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא
Artaxerxes
H783
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא
Artaxerxes
Strong's:
H783
Word #:
7 of 17
artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
9 of 17
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
סֹפֵ֞ר
even a scribe
H5608
סֹפֵ֞ר
even a scribe
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
סֹפֵ֞ר
even a scribe
H5608
סֹפֵ֞ר
even a scribe
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
דִּבְרֵ֧י
of the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֧י
of the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
12 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
מִצְוֹת
of the commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹת
of the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
13 of 17
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְחֻקָּ֖יו
and of his statutes
H2706
וְחֻקָּ֖יו
and of his statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
15 of 17
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
Historical Context
The letter's preservation in Aramaic (official Persian language) suggests quotation from official documents. Artaxerxes' support of Ezra may have reflected political calculation—stable, well-governed provinces benefited the empire. Jewish advisors like Nehemiah (later cupbearer, Nehemiah 2:1) may have influenced royal policy. The combination of priestly and scribal offices enabled comprehensive ministry—liturgical leadership and educational authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ezra's dual role as priest and scribe demonstrate integration of worship and teaching rather than their separation?
- What does royal authorization teach about God's provision of both spiritual calling and practical resources for ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
The description 'this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe'—combines priestly and scribal identities. As priest, Ezra could offer sacrifices; as scribe, he could teach Torah. The following letter (vv. 12-26) in Aramaic shows official administrative language, enhancing historical credibility. Royal authorization gave Ezra both resources and authority for his teaching mission. God provided not just permission but comprehensive support.