Ezra 7:11
What does Ezra 7:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:11 means
Here the narrative presents the official letter from Artaxerxes to Ezra, described as both priest and scribe of the words of Jehovah’s commandments and statutes for Israel. This framing honors Ezra’s dual role: he belongs to the sanctuary and handles Scripture expertly. It also shows the king’s recognition that Ezra represents a divine law, not simply human tradition. The letter is more than a travel pass; it is a charter for religious and civic order grounded in God’s Law. By including the exact copy, the text lets readers see the extent of royal support and the seriousness with which the Persian court treated Israel’s God and His worship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Jehovah, and of his statutes to Israel:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes to Israel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Jehovah, and of his statutes to Israel:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now this is a copy of the letter which King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest and the scribe, who put into writing the words of the orders of the Lord, and of his rules for Israel:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And this <FI>is<Fi> a copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a scribe of the words of the commands of Jehovah, and of His statutes on Israel:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And this is the copy of the letter of the edict, which king Artaxerxes gave to Esdras the priest, the scribe instructed in the words and commandments of the Lord, and his ceremonies in Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And this is the copy of the letter that king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a scribe of the words of the commandments of Jehovah, and of his statutes to Israel:
Context
Verses 11–26 quote the royal decree in full, forming the central section of the chapter. Verse 11 introduces the document and identifies Ezra’s credentials as the addressee. What follows will authorize the journey, provide resources for temple service, and empower Ezra to administer and teach the Law. The inclusion of the letter demonstrates transparency and emphasizes that the restoration effort operated with imperial sanction, even as it is ultimately attributed to God’s providence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 4:11
This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men beyond the River, and so forth.
- Matthew 23:2
saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat:
- Ezra 5:6
The 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;
- Matthew 23:13
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.
- Mark 7:1
And there are gathered together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem,
- Ezra 7:6
this Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Jehovah, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Jehovah his God upon him.