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.

EZRA 7:12KJV
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Ezra 7:12 (KJV)

What does Ezra 7:12 mean?

Ezra 7:12 is the formal greeting at the start of a royal letter from Artaxerxes, the Persian king, addressed to Ezra, who is described as both a priest and a scribe of the law of the God of heaven. The verse sets the tone for the letter, expressing respect and wishing Ezra "perfect peace" at that particular time.

The verse shows Artaxerxes recognizing Ezra’s religious authority and expertise in Jewish law, and it frames the letter as an official communication from the highest level of Persian power. This greeting signals that what follows carries royal approval and is meant to be taken seriously by all who hear it.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 7:12

  • "king" (מַלְכָּא, malkā’) and "kings" (מַלְכָּיָּא, malkayyā’): Artaxerxes calls himself "king of kings," a Persian royal title that emphasizes his supreme authority over other rulers, highlighting the power behind the letter.
  • "priest" (כָּהֵן, kohen) and "scribe" (סָפַר, sōfer): Ezra is given both titles, showing he is respected for both his religious role and his skill in interpreting and teaching the law.
  • "law" (דָּת, dat): This word refers to the religious law of the Jewish people, underlining that Ezra is an expert in the specific traditions and commandments of his faith.
  • "God" (אֱלָהּ, elāh) and "heaven" (שְׁמַיָּא, shemayyā’): Artaxerxes refers to the "God of heaven," a phrase often used by non-Jewish rulers to show respect for the Jewish God, acknowledging His authority without claiming personal allegiance.
  • "perfect" (שְׁלֵם, shlēm): The greeting "perfect peace" uses a word that means complete or whole, wishing Ezra not just the absence of conflict but a state of well-being.

Why Ezra 7:12 matters

  • The verse makes clear that Ezra’s mission to Jerusalem has the explicit backing of the Persian king, which would have protected him from local opposition and given weight to his actions.
  • Artaxerxes’ respectful language toward Ezra and the God of heaven shows a measure of religious tolerance and political wisdom, as the king seeks to maintain good relations with the Jewish community.
  • The formal style and titles used in this greeting help modern readers understand the diplomatic customs of the Persian Empire and the high status Ezra held in both religious and governmental eyes.

Where else these words appear

“Ezra” Hebrew H5831 · used in 3 verses

  • 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,
  • Ezra 7:25 And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

“time” Hebrew H3706 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 4:10 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 4:11 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.

“scribe” Hebrew H5613 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
  • Ezra 4:9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites,
  • Ezra 4:23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

“priest” Hebrew H3549 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezra 6:9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
  • Ezra 6:18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
  • Ezra 7:16 And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem: