Ezra 4:11
What does Ezra 4:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 4:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 4:11 means
The copy of the letter begins with a conventional address to Artaxerxes from “thy servants, the men beyond the River.” This respectful tone flatters the king and positions the writers as loyal stewards of his interests. They speak as a united provincial voice, not as isolated petitioners. Such protocol underscores the political savvy of the opponents: they cloak their fears about Jerusalem’s resurgence in deference and official language. The formality of the introduction primes the reader for the charges to follow, suggesting that what comes next is carefully shaped to win royal favor and action.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men beyond the River, and so forth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men beyond the River, and so forth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This is a copy of the letter which they sent to Artaxerxes the king: Your servants living across the river send these words:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862This <FI>is<Fi> a copy of a letter that they have sent unto him, unto Artaxerxes the king: `Thy servants, men beyond the river, and at such a time;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752(This is the copy of the letter, which they sent to him:) To Artaxerxes the king, thy servants, the men that are on this side of the river, send greeting.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him: To Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men on this side the river, and so forth.
Context
After establishing authors and supporters (vv. 8–10), the narrative now quotes the letter itself. Verse 11 supplies the salutation, signaling an official petition. The next verses (12–16) present the accusations: that Jerusalem is rebellious, that its rebuilding threatens revenue and order, and that history proves its seditious character. This structured presentation sets up the decisive royal reply in verses 17–22.
v.10and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over, and set in the city of Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River, and so forth.
v.11This passage
v.12Be it known unto the king, that the Jews that came up from thee are come to us unto Jerusalem; they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and have finished the walls, and repaired the foundations.