שְׁתַר בּוֹזְנַי (she.tar bo.ze.nay)
she.tar bo.ze.nay
Shethar-bozenai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shethar-bozenai appears exclusively in the book of Ezra, where it identifies a specific Persian official during the reign of King Darius. The sources indicate that his name translates to "star of splendour," a fitting title for a high-ranking administrator in the Achaemenid court.
He is mentioned four times, primarily in Ezra 5:3 and 6:6-7. In these passages, he serves as the governor across the River who confronts the Jewish leaders rebuilding the temple. Rather than acting alone, he represents the imperial authority that halts construction until the decree of Cyrus can be verified.
His role highlights the political tensions of the post-exilic period. The Persian administration required proof of royal permission before allowing local religious projects to proceed. Shethar-bozenai’s inquiries ensure that the rebuilding effort aligns with imperial law, illustrating how foreign powers influenced the restoration of Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Shethar-bozenai appears in Ezra as a Persian official who questions the Jewish leaders rebuilding the temple. His name means "star of splendour," reflecting his high status in the Achaemenid court. He represents the imperial authority that halts construction until King Cyrus’s decree is verified, showing how foreign powers influenced Jerusalem’s restoration.
This story reminds us that God works through political systems and even skeptical officials to fulfill His plans. The Persian administration required proof of royal permission before allowing local religious projects to proceed, illustrating the tension between faith and state authority during the post-exilic period.
When you face opposition or bureaucratic hurdles in your spiritual journey, remember that God can use even difficult circumstances for His purposes. Shethar-bozenai’s inquiries ensured the rebuilding effort aligned with imperial law, demonstrating how divine providence often works through unexpected channels to advance His kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bozenai4×
- and/ Shethar-2×
- Shethar-2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בּוֹזְנַי֙2×
- בּוֹזְנַ֖י2×
- שְׁתַ֥ר1×
- שְׁתַ֤ר1×
- וּ/שְׁתַ֥ר1×
- וּ/שְׁתַ֤ר1×
Key Verses
-
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?”
This verse introduces Shethar-bozenai as part of the Persian delegation that challenges the temple builders, establishing his role in the political tension surrounding the restoration.
-
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.
King Darius orders Shethar-bozenai to stay away from the construction site, showing how imperial authority can shift to support God’s work when proper documentation is provided.
-
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.
Shethar-bozenai complies with Darius’s decree and supports the temple rebuilding, demonstrating how even officials who initially oppose God’s people can become instruments of His purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Shethar-bozenai mean?
Why does Shethar-bozenai appear only in Ezra?
How does Shethar-bozenai relate to Tattenai?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 4 verses
At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and…
Ezra 5:6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the…
Ezra 6:6Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are…
Ezra 6:13Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence,…