Nehemiah 2:7 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.

◄ Nehemiah 2:7 ►

New International Version
I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah?

New Living Translation
I also said to the king, “If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah.

English Standard Version
And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah,

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

New King James Version
Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah,

New American Standard Bible
And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me for the governors of the provinces beyond the River, so that they will allow me to pass through until I come to Judah,

NASB 1995
And I said to the king, “If it please the king, let letters be given me for the governors of the provinces beyond the River, that they may allow me to pass through until I come to Judah,

NASB 1977
And I said to the king, “If it please the king, let letters be given me for the governors of the provinces beyond the River, that they may allow me to pass through until I come to Judah,

Legacy Standard Bible
And I said to the king, “If it is good to the king, let letters be given me for the governors of the provinces beyond the River, that they may allow me to pass through until I come to Judah,

Amplified Bible
Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the provinces beyond the [Euphrates] River, so that they will allow me to pass through until I reach Judah,

Christian Standard Bible
I also said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let me have letters written to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I also said to the king: “If it pleases the king, let me have letters written to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah.

American Standard Version
Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through till I come unto Judah;

Contemporary English Version
Then I asked, "Your Majesty, would you be willing to give me letters to the governors of the provinces west of the Euphrates River, so that I can travel safely to Judah?

English Revised Version
Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may let me pass through till I come unto Judah;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I also asked the king, "If it pleases Your Majesty, let me have letters addressed to the governors [of the province] west of the Euphrates River. In the letters tell them to grant me safe conduct until I arrive in Judah.

Good News Translation
Then I asked him to grant me the favor of giving me letters to the governors of West-of-Euphrates Province, instructing them to let me travel to Judah.

International Standard Version
I also asked the king, "If it seems good to you, order that letters of authorization be given me for the Trans-Euphrates governors, so they will allow me to pass through to Judah,

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
I said to the king, "If the king is so inclined, let him give me letters for the governors of Trans-Euphrates that will enable me to travel safely until I reach Judah,

New Heart English Bible
Moreover I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah;

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, I said to the king, If it should please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah:

World English Bible
Moreover I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I say to the king, “If [it is] good to the king, let letters be given to me for the governors beyond the River, that they let me pass over until I come to Judah:

Young's Literal Translation
And I say to the king, 'If to the king it be good, letters let be given to me for the governors beyond the River, that they let me pass over till that I come in unto Judah:

Smith's Literal Translation
And saying to the king, If good to the king letters shall be given to me to the prefects beyond the river, that they shall cause me to pass over till I shall come to Judah.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I said to the king: If it seem good to the king, let him give me letters to the governors of the country beyond the river, that they convey me over, till I come into Judea:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I said to the king: “If it seems good to the king, may he give me letters to the governors of the region beyond the river, so that they may lead me through, until I arrive in Judea,

New American Bible
I asked the king further: “If it please the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of West-of-Euphrates, that they may give me safe-conduct till I arrive in Judah;

New Revised Standard Version
Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may grant me passage until I arrive in Judah;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Moreover I said to the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river Euphrates, that they may escort me over till I come to Judah;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I said to the King: “If it is pleasing to the King, let them write for me a letter to the Ruler of the Crossing of the River, that they would convey me over until I go to Yehuda

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover I said unto the king: 'If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through till I come unto Judah;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I said to the king, If it seem good to the king, let him give me letters to the governors beyond the river, so as to forward me till I come to Juda;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
…6Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time. 7I 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. 8And 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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Ezra 7:21-22
I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, / up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit.

Esther 3:12-13
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. / 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.

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.

Ezra 4:7-8
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. / Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows:

Ezra 6:6-12
Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! / Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor and elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its original site. / I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered. ...

Daniel 6:8-9
Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” / Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

1 Kings 5:6-10
Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.” / When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!” / Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber. ...

2 Chronicles 30:1
Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel.

2 Chronicles 2:11-16
Then Hiram king of Tyre wrote a letter in reply to Solomon: “Because the LORD loves His people, He has set you over them as king.” / And Hiram added: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made the heavens and the earth! He has given King David a wise son with insight and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself. / So now I am sending you Huram-abi, a skillful man endowed with creativity. ...

Acts 9:2
and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Acts 15:23
and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

Acts 23:25-33
And he wrote the following letter: / Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. / This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen, ...

Romans 13:1-7
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...

Acts 18:27
When Apollos resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On his arrival, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.

Treasury of Scripture

Moreover I said to the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

let letters

Nehemiah 2:9
Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

Ezra 6:6
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Ezra 7:21
And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

that they may

Ezra 8:22
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

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Nehemiah 2

1. Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness,
6. sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem
9. Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem
12. He views secretly the ruins of the walls
17. He incites the Jews to build

Berean Study Bible

I also said to the king
This phrase indicates Nehemiah's boldness and confidence in his approach to the king. In the Hebrew context, speaking to a king required courage and wisdom. Nehemiah's position as cupbearer gave him a unique opportunity to speak directly to the king, reflecting his trusted status. His approach is respectful yet assertive, demonstrating his reliance on God's favor and guidance.

If it pleases the king
This phrase shows Nehemiah's tact and diplomacy. The Hebrew word for "please" (טוֹב, tov) implies goodness and favor. Nehemiah is careful to align his request with the king's interests, showing respect for the king's authority while subtly reminding him of his own loyalty and service.

may letters be given to me
The request for letters indicates the need for official documentation and authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such letters would serve as royal endorsements, granting Nehemiah the necessary legitimacy and protection. This reflects the importance of legal and political structures in the Persian Empire, where written decrees were binding and authoritative.

for the governors of the region beyond the River
This phrase refers to the satraps or provincial governors of the Persian Empire, specifically those west of the Euphrates River. The "region beyond the River" was a term used to describe the territories west of the Euphrates, including Judah. Nehemiah's request highlights the geopolitical realities of the time, where local governors wielded significant power and influence.

that they will grant me safe passage
Nehemiah's concern for safe passage underscores the potential dangers of travel in the ancient world. The Hebrew word for "safe" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses peace, safety, and well-being. Nehemiah seeks assurance of protection from possible threats, reflecting the precarious nature of travel and the need for divine and royal protection.

until I reach Judah
This phrase indicates Nehemiah's ultimate goal: to return to Judah and rebuild Jerusalem. Judah, as the heartland of the Jewish people, held significant religious and cultural importance. Nehemiah's journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual mission to restore the city of his ancestors, fulfilling God's purposes for His people.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7) To the governors beyond the river.--Between the Euphrates and Susa protection was not needed.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. - Let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river. It is not quite clear why no letters were needed to the governors between Susa and the Euphrates. Perhaps, while travelling was safe, at any rate with an escort, in the more central provinces, beyond the river it became unsafe (see Ezra 8:31).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

I also said
וָאוֹמַר֮ (wā·’ō·w·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to [him],
לַמֶּלֶךְ֒ (lam·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

“If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

it pleases
ט֔וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2895: To be pleasing or good

the king,
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

may letters
אִגְּרוֹת֙ (’ig·gə·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 107: An epistle

be given
יִתְּנוּ־ (yit·tə·nū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to me
לִ֔י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

for
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the governors
פַּחֲו֖וֹת (pa·ḥă·wō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6346: A governor

west
עֵ֣בֶר (‘ê·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side

of the Euphrates,
הַנָּהָ֑ר (han·nā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity

so that
אֲשֶׁר֙ (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

they will grant me safe passage
יַעֲבִיר֔וּנִי (ya·‘ă·ḇî·rū·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

until
עַ֥ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

I reach
אָב֖וֹא (’ā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

Judah.
יְהוּדָֽה׃ (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

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OT History: Nehemiah 2:7 Moreover I said to the king If (Neh Ne)