אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתָּא (ar.tach.shash.ta)
ar.tach.shash.ta
Artaxerxes
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Artaxerxes identifies a series of Persian kings who ruled during the period of Israel’s return from exile. It appears fourteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where these monarchs serve as the imperial authorities granting or withholding permission for the Jewish community to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple.
The sources indicate this name was used by at least two different rulers, specifically Artaxerxes I (reigned 465–424 BC) and potentially Artaxerxes II. The etymology provided suggests a meaning related to stirring or boiling, reflecting the king’s role as a powerful figure in the Persian Empire. His interactions with figures like Ezra and Nehemiah highlight the political realities faced by the returned exiles.
A notable historical detail is the distinction between the two kings named Artaxerxes in these texts. Ezra 4:7 mentions an early Artaxerxes who opposed construction, while Ezra 7 and Nehemiah 2 reference a later Artaxerxes who issued decrees supporting the restoration. This distinction helps clarify the timeline of events described in these historical accounts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Artaxirxes appears fourteen times in the Hebrew Bible, marking a specific era when God’s people lived under Persian rule. This was not merely a political backdrop but a stage where divine providence worked through imperial decrees. Kings who held absolute power over life and death became instruments in restoring Jerusalem’s walls and temple.
For believers today, this history offers comfort. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations, even those that oppose His people. When Ezra received permission to return with treasures for the temple, or when Nehemiah gained access to the king’s presence, it was not chance but careful orchestration by the Lord.
These accounts show that faithfulness in difficult times does not guarantee immediate victory, yet God remains faithful to His promises. Whether through opposition or support from foreign rulers, the community of Israel continued to rebuild because they trusted in the God who holds history in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Artaxerxes9×
- of/ Artaxerxes4×
- to/ Artaxerxes1×
- and/ Artaxerxes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא2×
- לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥שְׂתְּא1×
- לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא1×
- לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣סְתְּא1×
- וְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֖שְׂתְּא1×
- אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא1×
- אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא1×
- אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣שְׂתְּ1×
- אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣סְתְּא1×
- אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֗שְׂתָּא1×
- אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֖שְׂתְּא1×
- אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֖שְׂתְּ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:23
Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force of arms.
This verse shows how political opposition temporarily halted construction, illustrating that external forces can delay God's work even when He permits it.
-
Ezra 6:14
The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Here the name links three different Persian kings whose decrees collectively enabled the temple's completion, showing God's long-term plan across generations.
-
Ezra 7:12
Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now
The king's title 'king of kings' highlights the vast power he held, which he willingly used to support the worship of the true God in Jerusalem.
-
Nehemiah 2:1
In the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, when wine was before him, I picked up the wine, and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad before in his presence.
This moment captures Nehemiah's bold prayerful approach to the king, demonstrating how divine favor can open doors that seem closed to human effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Artaxerxes mean?
Are there different kings named Artaxerxes in the Bible?
Why is this name important for understanding the Bible?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 11 verses
In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of…
Ezra 4:8Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows.
Ezra 4:11This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
Ezra 4:23Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they…
Ezra 6:14The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of…
Ezra 7:1Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son…
Ezra 7:7Some of the children of Israel, including some of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the…
Ezra 7:11Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the…
Ezra 7:12Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now
Ezra 7:21I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the…
Ezra 8:1Now these are the heads of their fathers’ households, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from…