Ezra 7:12
What does Ezra 7:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 7:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 7:12 means
Artaxerxes addresses Ezra with imperial titles—“king of kings”—a standard Near Eastern style, yet he also names Ezra “the scribe of the law of the God of heaven.” This phrase shows respect for Israel’s God as supreme over earthly realms. The brief formula “perfect and so forth” reflects conventional diplomatic wording wishing well-being or completeness. The tone is dignified and deferential toward the sacred law Ezra carries. It sets the stage for the favorable decrees to come and signals that the king views Ezra’s mission as legitimate and beneficial, not subversive. Political power acknowledges divine authority, foreshadowing generous cooperation for Jerusalem’s worship and governance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, all peace;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a perfect scribe of the law of the God of heaven, and at such a time:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Artaxerxes king of kings to Esdras the priest, the most learned scribe of the law of the God of heaven, greeting.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, an accomplished scribe of the law of theGod of the heavens, and so forth.
Context
This opening salutation frames the decree’s perspective: a great king speaking respectfully to a priest-scribe of the Most High. It prepares readers for a sequence of permissions and provisions that will support Israel’s religious life. The courteous and formal start assures the audience that what follows is not grudging tolerance but positive endorsement. The letter will now outline free travel (verse 13), investigative authority (verse 14), and funding for temple service (verses 15–20).
v.11Now 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:
v.12This passage
v.13I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and their priests and the Levites, in my realm, that are minded of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with thee.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 26:7
For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will bring upon Tyre Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and a company, and much people.
- Revelation 17:14
These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome that are with him, called and chosen and faithful.
- 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 2:47
The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou hast been able to reveal this secret.
- Revelation 19:16
And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
- Isaiah 10:8
For he saith, Are not my princes all of them kings?