Tatnai, also spelled Tattenai, was a Persian governor of the province "Beyond the River," which included the region of Judea during the reign of Darius I, around 520 B.C. He is mentioned in the Book of Ezra as a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Jewish history, particularly in relation to the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Account

Tatnai's role is primarily documented in Ezra 5 and 6. When the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon and began rebuilding the Temple, Tatnai, along with Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, questioned the authority by which the Jews were undertaking this construction. Concerned about the potential for rebellion, they wrote a letter to King Darius to verify the legitimacy of the Jews' claim that they had been authorized by King Cyrus to rebuild the Temple.

Ezra 5:3-5 states: "At that time Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you the authority 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, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written instructions were received."

Tatnai's inquiry was not necessarily antagonistic but rather a fulfillment of his duties as a governor to ensure that the activities within his jurisdiction were lawful. His actions reflect the administrative processes of the Persian Empire, which allowed for local governance while maintaining oversight from the central authority.

Response from Darius

In response to Tatnai's letter, King Darius ordered a search of the royal archives, which confirmed the decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to rebuild the Temple. Darius then issued a decree not only permitting the continuation of the construction but also providing resources for the project from the royal treasury.

Ezra 6:6-7 records Darius's response: "Now then, Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region, stay away from that place. Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its original site."

Significance

Tatnai's involvement in the Temple reconstruction highlights the complex interplay between the Jewish community and the Persian authorities. His actions inadvertently led to the reaffirmation of the Jewish right to rebuild the Temple, demonstrating the providential hand of God in the affairs of His people. The narrative underscores the theme of divine oversight and the fulfillment of God's promises, as the Temple's completion was crucial for the restoration of Jewish worship and identity.

Tatnai's account serves as a reminder of the importance of lawful governance and the potential for secular authorities to be used by God to accomplish His purposes, even when their initial intentions may not align with His divine plan.Tatnai

that gives; the overseer of the gifts and tributes

Tatnai

(gift), satrap of the province west of the Euphrates in the time of Darius Hystaspes. (Ezra 5:3,6; 6:6,13) (B.C. 520.) The name is thought to be Persian.

Tatnai

A governor of Samaria under Darius, whose administration was characterized by great justice and moderation towards the Jews, Ezra 5:1-6:22, B. C. 519.

Gift, a Persian governor (Hebrews pehah, i.e., "satrap;" modern "pasha") "on this side the river", i.e., of the whole tract on the west of the Euphrates. This Hebrew title pehah is given to governors of provinces generally. It is given to Nehemiah (5:14) and to Zerubbabel (Haggai 1:1). It is sometimes translated "captain" (1 Kings 20:24; Dan. 3:2, 3), sometimes also "deputy" (Esther 8:9; 9:3). With others, Tatnai opposed the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:6); but at the command of Darius, he assisted the Jews (6:1-13). 8674. Tattenay -- Tattenay
... prefect NASB Word Usage Tattenai (4). Tattenai, a Persian. Of foreign derivation;
Tattenai, a Persian -- Tatnai. 8673, 8674. Tattenay. 1 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/8674.htm - 5k

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... tou apokrithenai, a frequent meaning of the Hebrew vyshl, by which the Greek
Translators understood the answer of Darius to the Letter of Tatnai and his ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

Tatnai (4 Occurrences)
... 3:2, 3), sometimes also "deputy" (Esther 8:9; 9:3). With others, Tatnai opposed
the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:6); but at the command of Darius, he ...
/t/tatnai.htm - 8k

Shetharboznai (4 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/s/shetharboznai.htm - 9k

Shethar-boznai (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 5:3 At that time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and
Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus to them: Who gave you ...
/s/shethar-boznai.htm - 9k

Tattenai (4 Occurrences)
... tat'-e-ni (tattenay, various forms in the Septuagint; the King James Version Tatnai,
tat'ni, tat'na-i'): A Persian governor, who was the successor of Rehum in ...
/t/tattenai.htm - 8k

Tasty (7 Occurrences)

/t/tasty.htm - 8k

Speedily (38 Occurrences)
... Ezra 6:13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their
companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did ...
/s/speedily.htm - 18k

Diligently (85 Occurrences)
... Ezra 6:13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their
companions, because of that which king Darius had sent, did so diligently. ...
/d/diligently.htm - 34k

Hence (47 Occurrences)
... Ezra 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your
companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from ...
/h/hence.htm - 20k

Epistle (13 Occurrences)

/e/epistle.htm - 101k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus