Persian governor who questioned the Jews' authority to rebuild
Tattenai
Named in 4 verses of Ezra, first in Ezra 5:3.
תַּתְּנַיTattenai
About Tattenai Written by AI
Tattenai is mentioned in Ezra 5:3 and Ezra 6:6 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.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Where the Bible names him
- Ezra 5:3
At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
- Ezra 5:6
This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius.
- Ezra 6:6
Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place!
- Ezra 6:13
In response, Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates diligently carried out what King Darius had decreed.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.