And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.

EZRA 4:10KJV
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Ezra 4:10 (KJV)

What does Ezra 4:10 mean?

Ezra 4:10 identifies more of the people associated with a letter sent to the Persian king. They describe themselves as communities that the “great and noble Asnappar” had brought into the region and settled in cities of Samaria and elsewhere.

The verse continues the list of senders begun in verse 9. Asnappar is often identified with the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, who ruled before the Persian Empire. The reference to resettlement helps explain how people from various nations came to live in the region.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 4:10

  • “side” — עֲבַר (ʿavar): The word can mean the region across or beyond something. With “the river,” it points to the land west of the Euphrates from the perspective of the Persian rulers to the east.
  • “time” — כְּעֶנֶת (keʿenet): This word is part of an Aramaic phrase used in formal correspondence. In the KJV wording “and at such a time,” it helps mark the close of the list of senders.

Why Ezra 4:10 matters

  • The letter speaks for a collection of communities, not just one person. The phrase “the rest of the nations” adds more groups to those already named in verse 9.
  • The description of Asnappar gives the senders a shared connection to the region. Calling him “great and noble” presents the ruler who settled their communities with respect.
  • “This side the river” places the senders within a larger Persian administrative region. The river is understood to be the Euphrates, rather than a local river near Samaria.

Where else these words appear

“noble” Hebrew H3358 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 2:11 And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.

“Samaria” Hebrew H8115 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

“time” Hebrew H3706 · used in 4 verses

  • 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 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
  • Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.

“set” Hebrew H3488 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
  • Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
  • Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.