נִשְׁתְּוָן (nish.te.van)
nish.te.van
letter
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word nish.te.van refers to a formal written document or letter. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Ezra. In these instances, it describes official correspondence exchanged between Persian officials and Jewish leaders regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple.
Its rarity highlights its specific legal and administrative context rather than general communication. The term denotes a tangible record with authority, distinguishing it from informal notes. Translators typically render it as "letter" or "document," reflecting its function as a binding instrument in ancient bureaucratic procedures.
This word underscores the importance of written records in maintaining political and religious order during the post-exilic period. Its limited usage suggests that such formal documentation was a specialized tool for navigating imperial relations, preserving the community's legal standing against opposition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we think of communication today, a quick text message often suffices for most daily interactions. Yet in ancient times, a formal letter carried significant weight, representing official authority and binding agreements. The Hebrew word nish.te.van refers to these important written documents that shaped history and protected communities under foreign rule.
For believers, this rarity reminds us that God works through tangible means, including written records and legal protections. In Ezra 7:11, we see a letter from King Artaxerxes granting authority to Ezra. This document was not merely political; it facilitated the restoration of worship and community life. It shows how God can use even secular powers to advance His purposes.
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the value of written truth in our own lives. Just as those ancient letters preserved rights and identity, Scripture serves as a lasting record of God's promises. We are encouraged to hold fast to these written truths, knowing they provide stability and direction in changing circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ letter2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/נִּשְׁתְּוָ֗ן1×
- הַֽ/נִּשְׁתְּוָ֔ן1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:7
In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in Syrian and delivered in the Syrian language.
This occurrence highlights the word's use in political opposition, showing how formal letters were used to challenge religious rebuilding efforts.
-
Ezra 7:11
Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of Yahweh’s commandments, and of his statutes to Israel:
Here the letter serves as a divine instrument, granting Ezra authority to teach laws and restore Israelite identity under Persian rule.