Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you other officials of that province, stay away from there. New Living Translation So King Darius sent this message: “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province west of the Euphrates River, and Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues and other officials west of the Euphrates River—stay away from there! English Standard Version “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates the governors who are in the province Beyond the River, keep away. Berean Standard Bible Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! King James Bible Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: New King James Version Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the region beyond the River, and Shethar-Boznai, and your companions the Persians who are beyond the River, keep yourselves far from there. New American Standard Bible “Now as for you, Tattenai, governor of the province beyond the Euphrates River, Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues, the officials of the provinces beyond the River, stay away from there. NASB 1995 “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and your colleagues, the officials of the provinces beyond the River, keep away from there. NASB 1977 “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues, the officials of the provinces beyond the River, keep away from there. Legacy Standard Bible “Now Tattenai, governor of the province beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues, the officials of the provinces beyond the River, keep away from there. Amplified Bible “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province west of the [Euphrates] River, Shethar-bozenai and your associates, the officials who are west of the River, keep far away from there. Christian Standard Bible Therefore, you must stay away from that place, Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates River, Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues, the officials in the region. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore, you must stay away from that place, Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates River, Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues, the officials in the region. American Standard Version Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence: Contemporary English Version King Darius sent this message: Governor Tattenai of Western Province and Shethar Bozenai, you and your advisors must stay away from the temple. English Revised Version Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: GOD'S WORD® Translation Governor Tattenai [from the province] west of the Euphrates, Shethar Bozenai, and those of your group (the Persians west of the river): You must stay away from there. Good News Translation Then Emperor Darius sent the following reply: "To Tattenai, governor of West-of-Euphrates, Shethar Bozenai, and your fellow officials in West-of-Euphrates. "Stay away from the Temple International Standard Version To: Tattenai, Trans-Euphrates Governor, Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues living beyond the Euphrates River. Stay away from there! NET Bible "Now Tattenai governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar Bozenai, and their colleagues, the officials of Trans-Euphrates--all of you stay far away from there! New Heart English Bible Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there. Webster's Bible Translation Now therefore, Tatnai governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! World English Bible Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionNow Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, the Apharsachites, who [are] beyond the river, be far from here; Young's Literal Translation Now, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, be ye far from hence; Smith's Literal Translation Now Tatnai prefect beyond the river, Shethar-Bozni, and their colleagues the Apharsachites that are beyond the river, be ye far off from thence: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow therefore Thathanai, governor of the country beyond the river, Stharbuzanai, and your counsellors the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, depart far from them, Catholic Public Domain Version Now therefore, let Tattenai, the governor of the region which is beyond the river, Shetharbozenai, and your counselors, the rulers who are beyond the river, withdraw far away from them, New American Bible “Now, therefore, Tattenai, governor of West-of-Euphrates, and Shethar-bozenai, and you, their fellow officials in West-of-Euphrates, stay away from there. New Revised Standard Version “Now you, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and you, their associates, the envoys in the province Beyond the River, keep away; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow therefore, let Tatnai, governor beyond the River, and Ashtanbozan and their companions the governors who are beyond the River keep away from there; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Therefore Tatni, the Ruler of the Crossing of the River, and Ashtanbuzan and his companions, the Rulers of the Crossing of the River, being distant from there OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharesachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence; Brenton Septuagint Translation Now, ye rulers beyond the river, Satharbuzanai, and their fellow-servants the Apharsachaeans, who are on the other side of the river, give these things, keeping far from that place. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Decree of Darius…5Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem and deposited in the house of God. 6Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! 7Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor and elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its original site.… Cross References Ezra 4:21-24 Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. / See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer? / When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them. ... Ezra 5:3-5 At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?” / They also asked, “What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?” / But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, so that they were not stopped until a report was sent to Darius and written instructions about this matter were returned. Nehemiah 2:19-20 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” / So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 4:1-3 Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!” Nehemiah 6:1-9 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— / Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. / So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?” ... Daniel 6:4-5 Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” Esther 3:8-11 Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. / If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” / So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. ... 1 Kings 5:5 So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’ 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” Isaiah 44:28 who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’” Isaiah 45:1-4 This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. ... Acts 5:38-39 So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 9:1-6 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. / As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ... Acts 23:12-22 When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ... Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Treasury of Scripture Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be you far from there: Tatnai Ezra 5:3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? your companions. Ezra 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king: be ye far Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer. Jump to Previous Apharesachites Apharsachites Associates Colleagues Companions enai Far Fellow Governor Governors Hence Officials Province Provinces River Ruler Shetharbozenai Shethar-Bozenai She'thar-Boz'enai Shetharboznai Shethar-Boznai Tatnai Tattenai Tat'tenai Thence Trans-EuphratesJump to Next Apharesachites Apharsachites Associates Colleagues Companions enai Far Fellow Governor Governors Hence Officials Province Provinces River Ruler Shetharbozenai Shethar-Bozenai She'thar-Boz'enai Shetharboznai Shethar-Boznai Tatnai Tattenai Tat'tenai Thence Trans-EuphratesEzra 6 1. Darius, finding the decree of Cyrus, makes a new decree for building13. By the help of Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai the temple is finished 16. The feast of the dedication is kept 19. and the Passover Therefore Darius decreed: King Darius was the ruler of the Persian Empire from 522 to 486 BC. His decree was a response to the inquiry about the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. This highlights the authority of the Persian kings over their vast empire and their role in the restoration of the Jewish temple, fulfilling God's plan as prophesied in Isaiah 44:28, where God calls Cyrus, Darius's predecessor, His shepherd who will fulfill His purpose. To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! Persons / Places / Events 1. TattenaiHe was the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River during the time of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. His role was significant as he initially questioned the Jews' authority to rebuild the temple. 2. Shethar-bozenai An associate of Tattenai, likely a high-ranking official or advisor, who was involved in the inquiry about the temple reconstruction. 3. Region West of the Euphrates This refers to the area under Persian control, which included the land of Israel. It was a significant administrative region during the Persian Empire. 4. The Temple Reconstruction The event of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, which had been decreed by King Cyrus and was being carried out under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. 5. The Decree of Darius King Darius issued a decree that confirmed the original decree of Cyrus, allowing the Jews to continue rebuilding the temple without interference. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsGod's hand is evident in the affairs of nations and leaders. Despite opposition, His purposes will prevail, as seen in the decree of Darius supporting the temple's reconstruction. The Importance of Obedience to God's Commands The Jews' commitment to rebuilding the temple, despite challenges, highlights the importance of obedience to God's directives. We are called to persevere in our God-given tasks. The Role of Government in God's Plan The involvement of Persian officials like Tattenai shows that God can use secular authorities to accomplish His purposes. We should pray for and respect governmental leaders, trusting that God can work through them. The Power of Prayer and Intercession The Jews likely prayed for favor and intervention, which resulted in the favorable decree from Darius. Prayer remains a powerful tool for seeking God's intervention in challenging situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 6:6?2. How does Ezra 6:6 demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and authorities? 3. What role does obedience play in the fulfillment of God's plans in Ezra 6:6? 4. How can Ezra 6:6 inspire us to trust God's provision in difficult times? 5. In what ways does Ezra 6:6 connect to Romans 13:1 about authority? 6. How can we apply the principle of non-interference from Ezra 6:6 today? 7. How does Ezra 6:6 demonstrate God's sovereignty over political leaders and their decisions? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Ezra 6:6? 9. How does Ezra 6:6 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 6? 11. How did the Israelites rebuild the temple in Jerusalem? 12. (Ezra 5:3) Is there any independent archaeological or historical evidence confirming Tattenai's governorship and actions described here? 13. Is there any external historical evidence supporting the swift completion of the Temple described in Ezra 6:13-15? 14. Why is Darius called 'king of Assyria' in Ezra 6:22 when he was actually ruler of the Persian Empire? What Does Ezra 6:6 Mean Therefore Darius decreed“Therefore Darius decreed” (Ezra 6:6a) signals a royal conclusion reached after careful investigation (Ezra 6:1–5). The king’s word is final, publicly recorded, and backed by imperial authority. • God moved the heart of Darius just as He had moved Cyrus before him (Proverbs 21:1; Ezra 1:1; Isaiah 44:28). • The decree affirms that the building of the temple is not merely a Jewish project but a legally sanctioned work within the empire (Ezra 6:12). • The Lord’s covenant promises shine through: though Judah is small, the God who rules over kings secures His plan (2 Chronicles 36:22–23). To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates The first recipient named is “Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates” (Ezra 6:6b). Tattenai had questioned the rebuilding (Ezra 5:3–6), yet he is addressed respectfully as the legal regional authority. • Scripture models submission to earthly rulers while trusting God to direct them (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13–14). • The specificity (“west of the Euphrates”) shows the reach of Persian administration and how God uses secular structures to protect His people (Daniel 6:25–27). • The gospel later advances along these same imperial roads, illustrating how God turns political systems into channels for His purposes (Acts 9:15). Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region Darius widens the address: “Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region” (Ezra 6:6c). Every bureaucratic layer that could hinder the work is now on notice. • Opposition had come from coalitions of “adversaries” before (Ezra 4:1–6, 9–10), but God exposes and overrules them. • Psalm 2:1–4 pictures rulers banding together against the Lord’s anointed; Acts 4:25–28 applies that psalm to later opposition against Christ’s disciples, showing the pattern continues but so does God’s victory. • By naming the whole administrative team, Darius closes loopholes—no official can later claim ignorance. You must stay away from that place! The heart of the decree: “You must stay away from that place!” (Ezra 6:6d). Literally, “keep your distance.” • Darius will soon command, “Let the work of this house of God alone” (Ezra 6:7), underscoring divine protection. • When God ordains a task, human interference is forbidden (Nehemiah 2:20; Isaiah 54:17). • Jesus’ promise that “the gates of Hades will not prevail” against His church (Matthew 16:18) echoes the same heavenly assurance: God’s building project cannot be stopped. • The phrase also comforts believers: the Lord not only opens doors but keeps enemies from slamming them shut (Revelation 3:7–8). summary Ezra 6:6 records a pivotal moment when King Darius, guided by God’s unseen hand, issues a binding command that turns opposition into protection. By naming every official and ordering them to keep their distance, the decree secures unhindered progress on the temple. The passage showcases the Lord’s sovereignty over earthly powers, His faithfulness to covenant promises, and His ability to transform potential obstacles into platforms for His glory. (6) Now therefore, Tatnai.--Here there is an abrupt transition to the decree of Darius itself, the terms of which were either drawn up by Jewish help, or are freely rendered into the national phraseology by the historian.Be ye far from thence.--That is, keep aloof from any kind of interference. Verse 6. - Now therefore, Tatnai. It is hardly to be supposed that Darius was as abrupt as this. Apparently the author has not thought it necessary to put on record the whole royal letter; but only the most essential parts of it - the recitation of the decree of Cyrus, and the further decree of Darius himself. The address of the letter, the opening words, and the passage by which the two main portions were linked together, are either omitted or greatly abbreviated. Be ye far from thence. Keep away from the Jews - do not go near them to trouble them.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Therefore [Darius decreed]:כְּעַ֡ן (kə·‘an) Adverb Strong's 3705: Now To Tattenai תַּ֠תְּנַי (tat·tə·nay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8674: Tattenai governor פַּחַ֨ת (pa·ḥaṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6347: A governor of the region west עֲבַֽר־ (‘ă·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side of the Euphrates, נַהֲרָ֜ה (na·hă·rāh) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 5103: A river, the Euphrates Shethar-bozenai, בּוֹזְנַי֙ (bō·wz·nay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8370: Shethar-bozenai -- a person official and your associates וּכְנָוָ֣תְה֔וֹן (ū·ḵə·nā·wā·ṯə·hō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3675: An associate and officials אֲפַרְסְכָיֵ֔א (’ă·p̄ar·sə·ḵā·yê) Noun - proper - masculine plural determinate Strong's 671: An Apharsekite, Apharsathkite in the region: בַּעֲבַ֣ר (ba·‘ă·ḇar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side You must stay הֲו֖וֹ (hă·wōw) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1934: To become, come to pass, be away רַחִיקִ֥ין (ra·ḥî·qîn) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7352: Remote, of place, time, precious from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than that place! תַּמָּֽה׃ (tam·māh) Adverb Strong's 8536: There Links Ezra 6:6 NIVEzra 6:6 NLT Ezra 6:6 ESV Ezra 6:6 NASB Ezra 6:6 KJV Ezra 6:6 BibleApps.com Ezra 6:6 Biblia Paralela Ezra 6:6 Chinese Bible Ezra 6:6 French Bible Ezra 6:6 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 6:6 Now therefore Tattenai governor beyond the River (Ezr. 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