King James Version

What Does Ezra 7:11 Mean?

Ezra 7:11 in the King James Version says “Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the ... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now 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.

Ezra 7:11 · KJV


Context

9

For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. began: Heb. was the foundation of the going up

10

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

11

Now 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.

12

Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. unto: or, to Ezra the priest, a perfect scribe of the law of the God of heaven, peace, etc

13

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description 'this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe'—combines priestly and scribal identities. As priest, Ezra could offer sacrifices; as scribe, he could teach Torah. The following letter (vv. 12-26) in Aramaic shows official administrative language, enhancing historical credibility. Royal authorization gave Ezra both resources and authority for his teaching mission. God provided not just permission but comprehensive support.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The letter's preservation in Aramaic (official Persian language) suggests quotation from official documents. Artaxerxes' support of Ezra may have reflected political calculation—stable, well-governed provinces benefited the empire. Jewish advisors like Nehemiah (later cupbearer, Nehemiah 2:1) may have influenced royal policy. The combination of priestly and scribal offices enabled comprehensive ministry—liturgical leadership and educational authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ezra's dual role as priest and scribe demonstrate integration of worship and teaching rather than their separation?
  2. What does royal authorization teach about God's provision of both spiritual calling and practical resources for ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְזֶ֣ה׀1 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן2 of 17

Now this is the copy

H6572

a transcript

הַֽנִּשְׁתְּוָ֗ן3 of 17

of the letter

H5406

an epistle

אֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַן֙5 of 17

gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ6 of 17

that the king

H4428

a king

אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא7 of 17

Artaxerxes

H783

artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

לְעֶזְרָ֥א8 of 17

unto Ezra

H5830

ezra, an israelite

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן9 of 17

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

סֹפֵ֞ר10 of 17

even a scribe

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

סֹפֵ֞ר11 of 17

even a scribe

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

דִּבְרֵ֧י12 of 17

of the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

מִצְוֹת13 of 17

of the commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

יְהוָ֛ה14 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְחֻקָּ֖יו15 of 17

and of his statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

עַל16 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

to Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 7:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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