Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version (This is a copy of the letter they sent him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants in Trans-Euphrates: New Living Translation This is a copy of their letter: “To King Artaxerxes, from your loyal subjects in the province west of the Euphrates River. English Standard Version (This is a copy of the letter that they sent.) “To Artaxerxes the king: Your servants, the men of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now Berean Standard Bible (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: Berean Literal Bible (This is a copy of the letter that they sent to him:) To Artaxerxes the king, from your servants, the men beyond the River, and now, King James Bible This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time. New King James Version (This is a copy of the letter that they sent him.) To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men of the region beyond the River, and so forth: New American Standard Bible this is a copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men of the region beyond the Euphrates River; and now NASB 1995 this is the copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men in the region beyond the River, and now NASB 1977 this is the copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men in the region beyond the River, and now Legacy Standard Bible this is the copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the men in the region beyond the River, and now— Amplified Bible this is a copy of the letter which they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men in the region west of the [Euphrates] River; and now: Berean Annotated Bible (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes (I will make the spoiled to boil), From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: Christian Standard Bible This is the text of the letter they sent to him: To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men from the region west of the Euphrates River: Holman Christian Standard Bible This is the text of the letter they sent to him: To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men from the region west of the Euphrates River: American Standard Version This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men beyond the River, and so forth. Contemporary English Version This letter said: Your Majesty King Artaxerxes, we are your servants from everywhere in Western Province, and we send you our greetings. English Revised Version This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men beyond the river, and so forth. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is the copy of the letter they sent to him: To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the people west of the Euphrates: Good News Translation This is the text of the letter: "To Emperor Artaxerxes from his servants who live in West-of-Euphrates. International Standard Version This is the text of the letter they sent. To: King Artaxerxes From: Your servants, the men of the province beyond the Euphrates River. NET Bible (This is a copy of the letter they sent to him:) "To King Artaxerxes, from your servants in Trans-Euphrates: New Heart English Bible This is the copy of the letter that they sent to Artachshasta the king: Your servants the men beyond the River. And now, Webster's Bible Translation This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men on this side of the river, and at such a time. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: World English Bible This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThis [is] a copy of a letter that they have sent to him, to Artaxerxes the king: “Your servants, men beyond the river, and at such a time; Berean Literal Bible (This is a copy of the letter that they sent to him:) To Artaxerxes the king, from your servants, the men beyond the River, and now, Young's Literal Translation This is a copy of a letter that they have sent unto him, unto Artaxerxes the king: 'Thy servants, men beyond the river, and at such a time; Smith's Literal Translation This the copy of the epistle that they sent to him to Arthasatha the king; thy servants the men beyond the river, and thus. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bible(This is the copy of the letter, which they sent to him:) To Artaxerxes the king, thy servants, the men that are on this side of the river, send greeting. Catholic Public Domain Version to king Artaxerxes. (This is a copy of the letter, which they sent to him.) Your servants, the men who are across the river, send a greeting. New American Bible This is a copy of the letter that they sent to him: “To King Artaxerxes, your servants, the men of West-of-Euphrates, as follows: New Revised Standard Version this is a copy of the letter that they sent): “To King Artaxerxes: Your servants, the people of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artakhshisht the king: Your servants the men on this side of the River, and at such a time. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And this is a copy of the letter that they sent to Artakhshesht the King: “Your Servants the men across the river, and now OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917this is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king--thy servants the men beyond the River--and now Brenton Septuagint Translation This is the purport of the letter, which they sent to him: Thy servants the men beyond the river to king Arthasastha. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes…10and 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. 11(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: 12Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem. And they are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls, and repairing its foundations.… Cross References (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) Jeremiah 29:1 This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the others Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 Kings 19:14 So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. Esther 3:13 And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. To King Artaxerxes, Ezra 7:11 This 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: Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. Nehemiah 2:1 Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, From your servants, 2 Kings 10:5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” 2 Kings 18:26 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” 1 Kings 20:32 So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” the men west of the Euphrates: 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?” Ezra 8:36 They also delivered the king’s edicts to the royal satraps and governors of the region west of the Euphrates, who proceeded to assist the people and the house of God. Nehemiah 2:9 Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” Nehemiah 6:6-7 that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” Daniel 6:4-5 Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” Esther 3:8-9 Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. / If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” Treasury of Scripture This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king; Your servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time. Jump to Previous Artaxerxes Ar-Ta-Xerx'es Copy Forth Greeting Letter Province Region River Servants Side Time Trans-Euphrates WordsJump to Next Artaxerxes Ar-Ta-Xerx'es Copy Forth Greeting Letter Province Region River Servants Side Time Trans-Euphrates WordsEzra 4 1. The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, 4. endeavor to hinder it 7. Their letter to Artaxerxes 17. The answer and decree of Artaxerxes 23. The building is hindered (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) The phrase introduces a formal communication, indicating the importance and official nature of the document. In the ancient Near East, letters were a primary means of communication between distant regions and rulers. This letter is part of a series of correspondences in the Book of Ezra, reflecting the political and social tensions during the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The use of written communication underscores the bureaucratic processes of the Persian Empire, which was known for its administrative efficiency. To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: Persons / Places / Events 1. King ArtaxerxesThe Persian king to whom the letter is addressed. He ruled over a vast empire, including the region of Judea. 2. Trans-Euphrates A region west of the Euphrates River, which included the land of Judah. It was under Persian control during this time. 3. The Men of Trans-Euphrates These were local officials and adversaries of the Jews who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. 4. The Letter A formal complaint sent to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. 5. The Event The opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, which was a significant challenge faced by the returning exiles. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when pursuing God's plans. Just as the Jews faced opposition, believers today may encounter challenges when following God's will. The Power of Prayer and Perseverance Despite opposition, the Jews continued their work. Believers are encouraged to persevere in prayer and action, trusting God to overcome obstacles. The Role of Leadership Leadership is crucial in navigating opposition. Just as leaders like Zerubbabel and Nehemiah guided the people, strong spiritual leadership is vital in the church today. The Importance of Community The collective effort of the Jewish community was essential in facing opposition. Similarly, the church community should unite in purpose and support. Trust in God's Sovereignty God's plans cannot be thwarted by human opposition. Trusting in His sovereignty provides peace and assurance in the face of adversity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 4:11?2. How does Ezra 4:11 illustrate opposition to God's work in our lives today? 3. What strategies can we use to overcome resistance similar to Ezra 4:11? 4. How does Ezra 4:11 connect with Nehemiah's challenges in rebuilding Jerusalem? 5. In what ways can we remain faithful despite opposition, as seen in Ezra 4:11? 6. How can we discern and address modern-day "enemies of Judah and Jerusalem"? 7. What historical context surrounds the letter mentioned in Ezra 4:11? 8. How does Ezra 4:11 reflect the opposition faced by the Israelites? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Ezra 4:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4? 11. Who is the author of the Book of Ezra? 12. Does Ezra 4:6's reference to Xerxes followed immediately by Artaxerxes in verse 7 create a chronological problem with established Persian timelines? 13. In Ezra 4:23-24, how can the abrupt cessation of the rebuilding project be fully attributed to local opposition without considering wider Persian imperial policy? 14. If historically attributed to King Solomon, how does Song of Solomon 4 mesh with the accounts of his many wives and concubines in other biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 11:3)? What Does Ezra 4:11 Mean This is the text of the letter they sent to him.• Ezra pauses the narrative to give the exact wording of an official document, underscoring that the Bible is recording real history, not legend (cf. Ezra 4:7; Luke 1:1–4). • By reproducing the letter, the Spirit lets us see the tactics of opposition—distortion, accusation, and appeal to imperial power—which God’s people have faced throughout the ages (Nehemiah 4:7–9; Acts 4:18–21). • The phrase also reassures the reader that nothing is hidden; God exposes every scheme (Psalm 33:10–11; 2 Corinthians 2:11), and His purposes will prevail despite hostile paperwork. To King Artaxerxes, • The address identifies the monarch who reigned over the vast Persian Empire, reminding us that earthly kings hold significant sway, yet their authority is ultimately subject to the King of kings (Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 2:21). • Writing directly to Artaxerxes shows how opponents of God’s work often seek the highest human authority to halt spiritual progress (Exodus 5:1–2; Acts 24:1–9). • The respectful salutation masks the adversarial intent of the writers, illustrating how hostility can be cloaked in flattery (Psalm 55:21; Jude 16). From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: • By calling themselves “your servants,” the regional officials declare loyalty to the throne, setting up their complaint as a defense of imperial interests (Ezra 4:12–13; Matthew 22:16). • “Men west of the Euphrates” pinpoints the province that included Judah, Samaria, and surrounding territories, highlighting the geopolitical tension over Jerusalem’s restoration (Ezra 5:3; Isaiah 7:1–6). • Their self-designation signals a common front against the returned exiles, foreshadowing the accusations that follow and reminding believers that opposition often arises from those nearest to us geographically and culturally (Psalm 44:13; 2 Timothy 3:12). summary Ezra 4:11 introduces an antagonist’s letter that aims to derail the rebuilding of Jerusalem. By preserving the exact wording—address, salutation, and sender—Scripture exposes the strategies of resistance against God’s purposes. The passage reinforces that while human officials may wield power, the Lord remains sovereign, guiding His people through every bureaucratic obstacle until His redemptive plan is fulfilled. (11) On this side the river.--Literally, beyond the river Euphrates, as written for the Persian court.And at such a time.--Rather, and so forth; meaning, "Thy servants, as aforesaid," alluding to the superscription. Verse 11. - This is the copy of the letter. The address having been given, the writer now proceeds to the contents of the letter. Thy servants the men on this side the river, etc. This was a sort of heading inside the letter - a repetition in brief of the address.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew (Thisדְּנָה֙ (də·nāh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 1836: This is the text פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן (par·še·ḡen) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6573: A transcript of the letter אִגַּרְתָּ֔א (’ig·gar·tā) Noun - feminine singular determinate Strong's 104: An epistle they sent שְׁלַ֣חוּ (šə·la·ḥū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7972: To send away, for, out to him.) עֲל֔וֹהִי (‘ă·lō·w·hî) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against To עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against King מַלְכָּ֑א (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 4430: A king Artaxerxes, אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֖שְׂתְּא (’ar·taḥ·šaśt) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 783: Artaxerxes -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of Persia From your servants, עַבְדָ֛יךְ (‘aḇ·ḏā·yiḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5649: Slave, servant the men אֱנָ֥שׁ (’ĕ·nāš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 606: Man, mankind west עֲבַֽר־ (‘ă·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side of the Euphrates: נַהֲרָ֖ה (na·hă·rāh) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 5103: A river, the Euphrates Links Ezra 4:11 NIVEzra 4:11 NLT Ezra 4:11 ESV Ezra 4:11 NASB Ezra 4:11 KJV Ezra 4:11 BibleApps.com Ezra 4:11 Biblia Paralela Ezra 4:11 Chinese Bible Ezra 4:11 French Bible Ezra 4:11 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 4:11 This is the copy of the letter (Ezr. 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