Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law, a man learned in matters concerning the commands and decrees of the LORD for Israel: New Living Translation King Artaxerxes had given a copy of the following letter to Ezra, the priest and scribe who studied and taught the commands and decrees of the LORD to Israel: English Standard Version This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a man learned in matters of the commandments of the LORD and his statutes for Israel: Berean Standard Bible 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: Berean Literal Bible And this is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a scribe of the words of the commandments of YHWH and of His statutes to Israel: King James Bible 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. New King James Version This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave Ezra the priest, the scribe, expert in the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of His statutes to Israel: New American Standard Bible Now this is the copy of the letter which King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, learned in the words of the commandments of the LORD and His statutes to Israel: NASB 1995 Now this is the copy of the decree which King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, learned in the words of the commandments of the LORD and His statutes to Israel: NASB 1977 Now this is the copy of the decree which King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, learned in the words of the commandments of the LORD and His statutes to Israel: Legacy Standard Bible Now this is the copy of the letter which King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, learned in the words of the commandments of Yahweh and His statutes to Israel: Amplified Bible Now this is a copy of the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe [who was] learned in the words of the commandments of the LORD and of His statutes to Israel: Berean Annotated Bible This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes (I will make the spoiled to boil) had given to Ezra (help) the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD {YHWH} to Israel: Christian Standard Bible This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in matters of the LORD’s commands and statutes for Israel: Holman Christian Standard Bible This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in matters of the LORD’s commands and statutes for Israel: American Standard Version Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Jehovah, and of his statutes to Israel: Contemporary English Version Ezra was a priest and an expert in the laws and commands that the LORD had given to Israel. One day King Artaxerxes gave Ezra a letter which said: English Revised Version Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave Ezra the priest and scribe, a man with a thorough knowledge of the LORD's commands and laws for Israel: Good News Translation Emperor Artaxerxes gave the following document to Ezra, the priest and scholar, who had a thorough knowledge of the laws and commands which the LORD had given to Israel: International Standard Version Here is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest-scribe, a scholar in matters concerning the commandments of the LORD and concerning his statutes pertaining to Israel: NET Bible What follows is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priestly scribe. Ezra was a scribe in matters pertaining to the commandments of the LORD and his statutes over Israel: New Heart English Bible Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artachshasta gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel: Webster's Bible Translation Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis 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: World English Bible Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of Yahweh’s commandments, and of his statutes to Israel: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd this [is] a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a scribe of the words of the commands of YHWH, and of His statutes on Israel: Berean Literal Bible And this is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a scribe of the words of the commandments of YHWH and of His statutes to Israel: Young's Literal Translation And this is a copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a scribe of the words of the commands of Jehovah, and of His statutes on Israel: Smith's Literal Translation And this the copy of the epistle which king Arthasatha gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, the scribe of the words of the commands of Jehovah and of his laws upon Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd this is the copy of the letter of the edict, which king Artaxerxes gave to Esdras the priest, the scribe instructed in the words and commandments of the Lord, and his ceremonies in Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version Now this is a copy of the letter of the edict, which king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest, a scribe well-taught in the words and precepts of the Lord and in his ceremonies in Israel: New American Bible This is a copy of the rescript which King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest-scribe, the scribe versed in matters concerning the LORD’s commandments and statutes for Israel: New Revised Standard Version This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to the priest Ezra, the scribe, a scholar of the text of the commandments of the LORD and his statutes for Israel: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow this is the copy of the letter which King Artakhshisht gave to Ezra the priest, the learned scribe of the words and the commandments of the LORD and of his statutes to all Israel: Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And this is the copy of the letter that King Artakhshesht gave to Azra the Priest, the Scribe of the words and the commandments of LORD JEHOVAH and his laws to all Israel: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of His statutes to Israel: Brenton Septuagint Translation And this is the copy of the order which Arthasastha gave to Esdras the priest, the scribe of the book of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his ordinances to Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Artaxerxes' Letter for Ezra11This 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.… Cross References This is the text of the letter 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. Esther 3:12 On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. 2 Kings 10:1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying: King Artaxerxes Nehemiah 2:1-6 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, / so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” … Ezra 6:14 So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. Ezra 4:7 And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. had given to Ezra Nehemiah 2:7-8 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. / And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. Esther 8:8-10 Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.” / At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush—writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. / Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” the priest and scribe, Nehemiah 8:1-2 At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. / On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. Nehemiah 8:9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. 2 Kings 22:8 Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan, who read it. an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD Nehemiah 8:8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. Deuteronomy 17:18-19 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. / It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes. Malachi 2:7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. to Israel: Deuteronomy 4:1-2 Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. / You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you. Treasury of Scripture Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. the copy Ezra 4:11 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. Ezra 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king: a scribe Ezra 7:6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. Matthew 23:2,13 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: … Mark 7:1-13 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem… Jump to Previous Artaxerxes Ar-Ta-Xerx'es Commandments Commands Copy Decree Decrees Ezra Israel Letter Matters Orders Priest Scribe Statutes Teacher Words WritingJump to Next Artaxerxes Ar-Ta-Xerx'es Commandments Commands Copy Decree Decrees Ezra Israel Letter Matters Orders Priest Scribe Statutes Teacher Words WritingEzra 7 1. Ezra goes up to Jerusalem11. The gracious commission of Artaxerxes to Ezra 27. Ezra blesses God for this favor This is the text of the letter This phrase introduces a formal document, indicating the importance and authority of the content that follows. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, letters from kings were considered binding and carried significant weight. Such documents were often preserved and read publicly to ensure compliance and transparency. King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA priest and scribe, Ezra was a learned man in the Law of Moses. He played a crucial role in the spiritual and religious restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. 2. King Artaxerxes The Persian king who reigned during Ezra's time. He issued a decree allowing Ezra to return to Jerusalem and provided him with the authority and resources to teach and enforce the Law of God. 3. The Letter A royal decree from King Artaxerxes granting Ezra the authority to lead a group of Israelites back to Jerusalem and to teach and enforce the Law of God. 4. The Law of the LORD Refers to the commandments and statutes given by God to Israel, primarily through Moses. Ezra was tasked with teaching and implementing these laws. 5. Israel The nation of God's chosen people, who were returning from exile in Babylon to rebuild their community and religious practices in Jerusalem. Teaching Points The Importance of ScriptureEzra's dedication to the Law underscores the importance of knowing and understanding God's Word. Believers are encouraged to study the Bible diligently. God's Sovereignty in Leadership The involvement of King Artaxerxes shows how God can use secular authorities to accomplish His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty over all leaders and nations. Role of Spiritual Leaders Ezra's example as a priest and scribe highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to teach and guide others in the truth of God's Word. Revival through the Word The return to Jerusalem and the teaching of the Law led to a spiritual revival. Personal and communal renewal often begins with a return to Scripture. Obedience to God's Commands Ezra's mission was to ensure that the Israelites lived according to God's statutes. Believers are called to live in obedience to God's Word. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 7:11?2. How does Ezra 7:11 emphasize the importance of knowing God's law today? 3. What role did Ezra's letter play in implementing God's will for Israel? 4. How does Ezra's dedication to the law connect with Psalm 1:2? 5. In what ways can we apply Ezra's commitment to studying Scripture in our lives? 6. How can Ezra's example inspire us to teach God's statutes to others? 7. What is the significance of Ezra 7:11 in understanding the role of priests and scribes? 8. How does Ezra 7:11 reflect the authority given to Ezra by the Persian king? 9. Why is the letter in Ezra 7:11 important for understanding Jewish autonomy under Persian rule? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 7? 11. In Ezra 7:11–20, how could a foreign monarch have so willingly granted vast resources and freedom to a Jewish priest when such acts were uncommon in that era? 12. In Ezra 7:25–26, are there extra-biblical sources supporting Ezra’s power to set up a judicial system in Judah, or might these verses reflect exaggerated claims? 13. Ezra 8:21–23 portrays a successful journey relying solely on divine protection; is there historical or archaeological evidence of such a safe passage without royal guards? 14. How reliable is the depiction of Artaxerxes' decree in Ezra 8 when extant Persian documents make no mention of this event? What Does Ezra 7:11 Mean This is the text of the letterThe narrative pauses to spotlight an official royal document. Scripture preserves real letters (see Esther 3:12; Nehemiah 2:7–8), underscoring that God’s providence works through historical paperwork as surely as through miracles. Here, the Holy Spirit signals, “Pay attention—what follows carries legal weight.” • The letter’s inclusion authenticates God’s hand in international affairs (Proverbs 21:1). • By introducing the letter verbatim, the writer guarantees that Israel’s return and temple service rest on a firm civic foundation, not rumor. King Artaxerxes had given The Persian emperor personally issues the decree. Kings wield enormous power (Daniel 2:21), yet their edicts ultimately serve God’s eternal plan (Isaiah 44:28). • Artaxerxes’ generosity fulfills earlier prophecies of foreign kings aiding Jerusalem (Isaiah 60:10). • His act mirrors Cyrus’s earlier permission (Ezra 1:1–4), showing consecutive monarchs unwittingly cooperating with the LORD. to Ezra the priest and scribe God raises a qualified servant to receive and execute the king’s order. Ezra belongs to Aaron’s priestly line (Ezra 7:1–5) and is also a skilled scribe. • Dual roles equip him to handle both temple worship and legal interpretation (Malachi 2:7). • The pairing reminds us that leadership in God’s work blends spiritual devotion with administrative competence (Acts 6:3–4). an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel: Ezra’s mastery of Scripture is highlighted last, placing it in the position of emphasis. The royal court honors his biblical expertise, but the true commendation comes from God (2 Timothy 2:15). • “Commandments and statutes” covers the full range of Moses’ Law (Deuteronomy 6:1). • His expertise equips him to teach (Ezra 7:10) and to reform national life (Nehemiah 8:1–8). • The phrase implies that divine revelation, not Persian law, will ultimately shape Israel’s identity (Psalm 119:98–100). summary Ezra 7:11 introduces a royal letter that legitimizes Ezra’s mission, showcases God’s sovereignty over earthly rulers, and elevates Scripture as the defining authority for Israel. The verse reminds today’s believers that God orchestrates world events to advance His Word and that genuine leadership flows from deep familiarity with His commandments. (11-26) Credentials and commission of Ezra. After the general statement the particulars are given, beginning with the letter of authorisation, in which we discern throughout the hand of Ezra.(11) Even a scribe.--In the case of Ezra the function of scribe was more important than that of priest. The word scribe originally meant the writer or copier of the law; but now it meant the expositor of its general moral commandments and of its special ceremonial statutes. It is with the latter more especially that the commission of Ezra had to do. Verse 11. - The copy of the letter that the king... gave to Ezra. This decree, as already observed, was a private firman, one copy of which only was made, which was presented to Ezra, and was his authority for doing certain things himself, and for requiring certain acts of others. The priest. This is implied in the genealogy (vers. 1-5), but not directly stated elsewhere by Ezra himself. Nehemiah, however, designates him similarly (Ezra 8:2, 9). His most usual title is the "scribe." A scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord. Not so much a writer as an expounder (see above, ver. 10).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thisוְזֶ֣ה ׀ (wə·zeh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that is the text פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן (par·še·ḡen) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6572: A transcript of the letter הַֽנִּשְׁתְּוָ֗ן (han·niš·tə·wān) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5406: An epistle King הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Artaxerxes אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא (’ar·taḥ·šast) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 783: Artaxerxes -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of Persia had given נָתַן֙ (nā·ṯan) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set to Ezra לְעֶזְרָ֥א (lə·‘ez·rā) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5830: Ezra -- 'help', three Israelites the priest הַכֹּהֵ֖ן (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3548: Priest and scribe, הַסֹּפֵ֑ר (has·sō·p̄êr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate a man learned סֹפֵ֞ר (sō·p̄êr) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate in the commandments מִצְוֺת־ (miṣ·wōṯ-) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4687: Commandment and statutes וְחֻקָּ֖יו (wə·ḥuq·qāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute of the LORD יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Israel: יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links Ezra 7:11 NIVEzra 7:11 NLT Ezra 7:11 ESV Ezra 7:11 NASB Ezra 7:11 KJV Ezra 7:11 BibleApps.com Ezra 7:11 Biblia Paralela Ezra 7:11 Chinese Bible Ezra 7:11 French Bible Ezra 7:11 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 7:11 Now this is the copy (Ezr. 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