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;

NEHEMIAH 2:7KJV
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Nehemiah 2:7 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 2:7 mean?

Nehemiah 2:7 describes Nehemiah asking the king for official letters to give to the governors of the regions he will travel through, so that they will allow him safe passage on his way to Judah. Nehemiah is making a practical request to ensure he can travel without trouble as he goes to rebuild Jerusalem.

In this verse, Nehemiah is speaking directly to the Persian king, Artaxerxes, after receiving permission to go to Judah. Nehemiah recognizes that he will need the cooperation of local officials along the route, so he wisely asks for written authorization. This shows Nehemiah’s careful planning and awareness of the political realities of traveling through foreign territories under Persian control.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 2:7

  • The word for "letters" (אִגְּרוֹת, 'iggerot) refers to official written documents. In this context, these are formal permissions or orders from the king, which would carry significant authority and ensure Nehemiah’s safe passage.
  • The phrase "governors beyond the river" uses the word פַּחֲוֹת (pachot) for "governors" and עֵבֶר (ever) for "beyond," with נָהָר (nahar) meaning "river." "The river" here refers to the Euphrates, marking the western part of the Persian Empire. This detail shows that Nehemiah’s journey would cross several administrative regions, each with its own local rulers.

Why Nehemiah 2:7 matters

  • This verse highlights Nehemiah’s wisdom and foresight in securing not just permission, but also protection and cooperation for his mission.
  • Understanding the need for letters to the governors shows the complex political environment of the Persian Empire and the challenges faced by those traveling or working under its rule.
  • Nehemiah’s request connects to the wider narrative, showing how God’s people needed both divine favor and practical support from earthly authorities to accomplish their goals.

Where else these words appear

“letters” Hebrew H107 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 30:1 And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.
  • 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.
  • Nehemiah 6:19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

“governors” Hebrew H6346 · used in 27 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:15 Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.
  • Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
  • Jeremiah 51:57 And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

“please” Hebrew H2895 · used in 33 verses

  • Numbers 10:29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 20:12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
  • Job 10:3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

“beyond” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
  • 1 Samuel 31:7 And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.