Lexical Summary Shethar Bozenay: Shethar-Bozenai Original Word: שְׁתַר בּוֹזְנַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shethar-boznai Of foreign derivation; Shethar-Bozenai, a Persian officer -- Shethar-boznai. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition a Pers. official NASB Translation Shethar-bozenai (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׁתַר בּוֺזְנַי proper name, masculine Persian official Ezra 5:3,6; Ezra 6:6,13; Σαθαρβουζανα (αι, ε, ης); ᵐ5L Σαθραβωζαης (AndrM 87 * proposes ׳מתרב, Greek Μιθροβουζάνης, = Old Iranian *Mithrabauzana, Mithra is delieverer (or the like), MeyEntst, J.32; Scheft92f. Old Iranian Šêtharabûzana, empire-delivering; WklMVAG 1887, 281 f. conjecture a title).Topical Lexicon Identity within the Persian Administration Shethar-bozenai appears in Scripture as a high-ranking Persian official who worked closely with Tattenai, “governor of the region west of the Euphrates River” (Ezra 5:3). While Tattenai held the gubernatorial post, Shethar-bozenai likely served as his chief aide or secretary of state, entrusted with drafting royal correspondence and executing imperial policy throughout Trans-Euphrates. Historical Setting The name enters the biblical record during the second year of King Darius I (circa 520 BC), when the returned exiles under Zerubbabel and Joshua resumed construction of the Second Temple (Ezra 4:24; Haggai 1:15). Persia had inherited Babylon’s vast territories, and its officials were responsible to ensure political stability and tax revenue. Any major building project—especially one with potential military implications—drew official attention. Shethar-bozenai’s inquiries, therefore, reflect standard imperial protocol rather than mere hostility. Official Inquiry at Jerusalem Ezra 5:3 sets the scene: “At that time Tattenai … Shethar-bozenai, and their associates came to them and asked, ‘Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?’” The question was direct and legally framed. By demanding names of the leaders and the basis of their authority (Ezra 5:4), Shethar-bozenai ensured that any religious claim could be tested against Persian archives. His subsequent participation in the letter to Darius (Ezra 5:6–17) shows a commitment to due process rather than arbitrary suppression. The letter neither slanders the Jews nor distorts facts; it simply requests verification of the alleged decree of Cyrus. Royal Response and Obedient Compliance After a thorough search, Darius confirmed Cyrus’s original authorization, ordered full funding from the royal treasury, and commanded non-interference (Ezra 6:6–12). Within the decree we read the specific directive: “Therefore, Tattenai … Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues … you must stay away from that place” (Ezra 6:6). The narrative immediately records their obedience: “Then … Tattenai … Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues diligently carried out what the king had decreed” (Ezra 6:13). Their prompt compliance underscores the efficient hierarchy of Persian governance and the providential protection God granted His people through civil structures. Character and Theological Significance 1. Instrument of Providence: Though outside the covenant community, Shethar-bozenai becomes an unwitting agent of God’s plan. His investigation leads to a royal edict that not only safeguards the Temple project but also finances it. Practical and Ministry Lessons • God can turn bureaucratic scrutiny into a platform for vindication and resource provision (Philippians 1:12). Summary of Scriptural Mentions Ezra 5:3 – Initial inquiry about rebuilding authority. Ezra 5:6 – Co-author of the formal letter to King Darius. Ezra 6:6 – Named in the royal decree prohibiting interference. Ezra 6:13 – Executes the king’s directive, enabling completion of the Temple. Though a minor figure, Shethar-bozenai illustrates the sovereign Lord’s ability to employ imperial officials to accomplish His redemptive purposes and to encourage His servants who labor under watchful eyes. Forms and Transliterations בּוֹזְנַ֖י בּוֹזְנַי֙ בוזני bō·wz·nay bōwznay bozNaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:3 HEB: נַהֲרָ֛ה וּשְׁתַ֥ר בּוֹזְנַ֖י וּכְנָוָתְה֑וֹן וְכֵן֙ NAS: the River, and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues KJV: the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, INT: beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues thus Ezra 5:6 Ezra 6:6 Ezra 6:13 4 Occurrences |
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