Ezra 4:17 (KJV)

What does Ezra 4:17 mean?

Ezra 4:17 describes the king sending an official reply to Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates in Samaria and the surrounding region, greeting them with a formal wish for peace and addressing them at that particular time. The verse marks the king’s response to a previous letter sent by these officials, signaling that their concerns have reached the royal court and will be addressed.

The setting is the Persian Empire, where local officials in Samaria had written to the king (likely Artaxerxes) to complain about the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. In this verse, the king’s answer is formally sent back to those officials. The language reflects the official style of Persian correspondence, with a greeting of “Peace” and a time marker, showing the administrative process at work.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 4:17

• "Peace" (שְׁלָם, shelām): This word means "peace" or "well-being" and was a standard greeting in official letters, signaling respect and goodwill before addressing the main issue.
• "Beyond the river" (עֲבַר נַהֲרָה, avar nahara): This phrase refers to the territories west of the Euphrates River, which included Samaria and Judah, clarifying the geographic scope of the king’s reply.
• "Chancellor" (טְעֵם, te‘em): This title refers to an official or governor, highlighting the administrative structure under Persian rule and the authority of those receiving the letter.

Why Ezra 4:17 matters

• Ezra 4:17 shows the formal process of communication between local officials and the Persian king, helping readers understand the bureaucratic context of the story.
• The verse sets up the king’s response, which will impact the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, making this a turning point in the narrative.
• The official greeting and mention of “peace” reveal the diplomatic customs of the time, giving insight into how ancient governments handled regional disputes.