Ezra 4:18

18 the letter that you sent to us has been translated [and] read before me.

Ezra 4:18 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:18

The letter which ye sent unto us
The plural number is used, being now become courtly for kings thus to speak of themselves:

hath been plainly before me;
by such that understood both the Syrian and Persian languages; the letter was written in the Syrian language, and the king being a Persian, it was necessary it should be interpreted and explained to him.

Ezra 4:18 In-Context

16 We make known to the king that if this city is built and the walls are finished, you will have nothing in [the province] Beyond the River."

17 The king sent a reply: "To Rehum the royal officer, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria and the rest [of the province] Beyond the River, greetings. And now

18 the letter that you sent to us has been translated [and] read before me.

19 And {I issued} a decree, and they searched and found that this city from ancient days revolted against kings, and rebellion and sedition has been made in it.

20 Mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem, [governing] all [the province] Beyond the River, to whom tribute, duty, and tax has been given.