Tattenai תַּתְּנַי
Persian governor who questioned the Jews' authority to rebuild
Biography
Tattenai is mentioned in Ezr.5.3,6 and Ezr.6.6,13 as the governor of the province Beyond the River during the reign of Darius king of Persia. When the Jews resumed rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, Tattenai and his associates questioned their authority to do so and wrote to Darius to investigate the matter. After Darius confirmed Cyrus' decree authorizing the rebuilding, Tattenai allowed the work to continue and even provided support for it from the royal treasury. Tattenai's actions reflect the Persian policy of respecting the religious practices of subject peoples while maintaining oversight of their activities.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 4 verses Study available
- Ezra 5:3
"At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River came to them, with Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”"
Study Ezra → - Ezra 5:6
"The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king follows."
Study Ezra → - Ezra 6:6
"Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there."
Study Ezra → - Ezra 6:13
"Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, because Darius the king had sent a decree."
Study Ezra →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | תַּתְּנַי | H8674 |
Tattenai
ering on Samaria. He governed the provinces during the reign of Darius Hystaspis and Zerubbabel (Ezr 5:3,6; 6:6,13). He was friendly to the Jews, and when he heard adverse reports from Jerusalem he suspended judgment till he had investigated the matter on the ground, and then reported to the Persian government in a very moderate manner. In 1 Esdras 6:3,7,27; 7:1 he is called "Sisinnes."
S. L. Umbach
tat'-ler: Only in 1Ti 5:13 for phluaros. A "silly talker," rather than a "revealer of secrets," is meant.
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