Lexical Summary nishtevan: decree, letter Original Word: נִשְׁתְּוָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance letter Probably of Persian origin; an epistle -- letter. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a letter NASB Translation decree (1), letter (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נִשְׁתְּוָן noun [masculine] letter (usually derived from Persian  ,  i.e. writing, HoffmZA ii (1887), 52 yet compare MeyerJudenthum 22); — absolute ׳נ Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11. נתב (√ of following; Arabic Topical Lexicon Definition and Concept נִשְׁתְּוָן designates an official written communiqué, most often a formal imperial letter or decree issued under Persian rule. Far more than casual correspondence, it denotes an authenticated state document bearing legal force. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Ezra 4:7 records that opponents of the returned exiles “wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia. The letter was written in Aramaic and translated.” The term identifies their hostile petition that successfully halted temple construction. Historical Background Persia governed an enormous multicultural empire through an extensive bureaucracy that prized written documentation. Royal scribes prepared edicts in multiple languages, authenticated them with seals, and archived them (cf. Esther 3:12–15; Esther 8:9). The use of the Aramaic language and script (Ezra 4:7) reflects the empire’s lingua franca, ensuring that provincial officials could read and enforce the king’s will. The preservation of these letters inside the biblical narrative affirms the historical credibility of Ezra–Nehemiah, grounding Israel’s restoration in verifiable administrative processes. Theological Significance 1. Divine Providence through Secular Edicts. Behind each נִשְׁתְּוָן stands the unseen hand of God who “changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Whether the hostile letter of Ezra 4 or the favorable decree of Ezra 7, the Lord sovereignly employs imperial paperwork to advance His redemptive plan for Jerusalem and the temple. Practical Ministry Insights • Respect for Lawful Authority. Believers today can look to Ezra’s example: he submitted his mission to legitimate governmental structures without compromising devotion to the Lord. Christological and New Testament Connections The pattern of redemptive history regularly moves through written decrees: Caesar’s census brings Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–7); Pontius Pilate’s inscription proclaims Jesus “King of the Jews” (John 19:19–22). Ultimately, the Father’s eternal “decree” (Psalm 2:7) secures the Messiah’s reign. The earthly letters of kings foreshadow the final, unassailable declaration that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). Summary נִשְׁתְּוָן highlights the profound intersection of divine purpose and human paperwork. Through two Persian letters the book of Ezra reveals a God who superintends secular administrations to accomplish covenant promises, safeguards the integrity of scriptural history, and models for His people wise engagement with governmental structures while awaiting the ultimate fulfillment of His sovereign decree. Forms and Transliterations הַֽנִּשְׁתְּוָ֔ן הַֽנִּשְׁתְּוָ֗ן הנשתון han·niš·tə·wān hannishteVan hanništəwānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:7 HEB: פָּרָ֑ס וּכְתָב֙ הַֽנִּשְׁתְּוָ֔ן כָּת֥וּב אֲרָמִ֖ית NAS: and the text of the letter was written KJV: and the writing of the letter [was] written INT: of Persia and the text of the letter was written Aramaic Ezra 7:11 2 Occurrences |
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swell forth, become prominent, protuberant, Lane2760).