Ezra 5:7
What does Ezra 5:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 5:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 5:7 means
The letter begins with a respectful salutation: “Unto Darius the king, all peace.” The tone is loyal and deferential, fitting the protocols of the empire. The officials present themselves as faithful servants seeking the king’s welfare through accurate reporting. Such a greeting frames the rest of the letter as a pursuit of orderly governance, not a personal vendetta. Their concern is to maintain imperial law and peace, ensuring that large-scale construction does not mask rebellion. The simple formality underscores that this is no casual note; it is an appeal to the highest authority for a definitive ruling on a matter of public importance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000they sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus: Unto Darius the king, all peace.
KJV
King James Version · 1611They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901they sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus: Unto Darius the king, all peace.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They sent him a letter saying, To Darius the king, all peace:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A letter they have sent unto him, and thus is it written in it:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The letter which they sent him, was written thus: To Darius the king all peace.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They sent a report to him in which was written thus: To Darius the king, all peace!
Context
After the heading in verse 6, verse 7 provides the standard royal greeting, marking the official start of the letter. This opens the way for the body of the report in verse 8, where the officials describe what they observed in Jerusalem, followed by their questions and the Jews’ answers. The calm, formal opening helps readers see the inquiry as measured rather than immediately hostile.
v.6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent unto Darius the king;
v.7This passage
v.8Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls; and this work goeth on with diligence and prospereth in their hands.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
- Ezra 4:17
Thensent 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 in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.
- Daniel 3:9
They answered and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.
- Daniel 6:21
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
- John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
- Daniel 4:1
Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied unto you.