They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.

EZRA 5:7KJV
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Ezra 5:7 (KJV)

What does Ezra 5:7 mean?

Ezra 5:7 describes how officials sent a letter to King Darius, beginning with a formal greeting that wished him "all peace." The verse highlights the respectful tone and official nature of their communication with the Persian king.

The setting is during the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, when Persian-appointed officials in the region are reporting to Darius about the activities of the Jewish people. The verse shows the officials’ careful approach in addressing the king, using the standard diplomatic language of the time to show respect and ensure their message would be received favorably.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 5:7

  • "peace" (שְׁלָם, shelām): This word means "peace" or "well-being." In ancient letters, wishing "all peace" was a formal way to express goodwill and respect, setting a positive tone for the message that followed.
  • "letter" (אִגְּרָה, iggerā): This term refers to an official written communication. The use of this word emphasizes the formal, bureaucratic process involved in reporting to the king.

Why Ezra 5:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies that communication with the Persian king was highly formal and respectful, reflecting the political realities of the time.
  • It sets the stage for the content of the letter, which will address concerns about the rebuilding of the temple, helping the reader understand the context of the officials' report.
  • The diplomatic greeting signals that the officials are not acting in open hostility, but are instead following proper channels, which is important for understanding the tone and intent of their message.

Where else these words appear

“peace” Hebrew H8001 · used in 4 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 4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
  • Daniel 6:25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

“letter” Hebrew H6600 · used in 6 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.
  • Ezra 5:11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
  • Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

“written” Hebrew H3790 · used in 7 verses

  • Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
  • Ezra 6:2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
  • Daniel 6:25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

“wherein” Hebrew H1459 · used in 13 verses

  • Ezra 4:15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
  • Daniel 3:15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
  • Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.