The Aramaic word ʼiggᵉrâʼ, represented by H104, is a term of Persian origin for a letter. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The term specifically refers to an epistle, the kind of official document that would be carried by a state courier or postman, indicating formal correspondence.
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of H104 are found in the book of Ezra and relate to official communications with the kings of Persia regarding the Jews in Jerusalem. For example, Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes Ezra 4:8. Similarly, a letter was sent by Governor Tatnai and his associates to King Darius Ezra 5:6. The word is also used to introduce the text of such a communication, as in "This is the copy of the letter that they sent" to King Artaxerxes Ezra 4:11.
Several related Aramaic words clarify the context surrounding the creation and handling of an H104 epistle:
- H3790 kᵉthab (to write): This verb signifies the act of creating the letter. It is used when officials wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes to lodge a complaint against Jerusalem Ezra 4:8.
- H5613 çâphêr (a scribe): This word identifies the professional official responsible for drafting such documents. Shimshai the scribe is named as a co-author of the letter written against Jerusalem Ezra 4:8.
- H6573 parshegen (a transcript; copy): This term is often used with H104 to denote that a duplicate of the original document is being referenced or sent, as seen with the copy of the letter dispatched to King Darius Ezra 5:6.
The administrative significance of H104 is central to its use in Scripture. It underscores the formal, bureaucratic processes of the Persian empire.
- Official Channels: The word is used exclusively for high-stakes, official correspondence between provincial governors and the Persian king, demonstrating a structured chain of command Ezra 5:6.
- Political Instruments: These letters served as formal instruments of policy and accusation. The letter to Artaxerxes was a direct attempt to use imperial power to stop the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem Ezra 4:8.
- State Archives: The practice of sending a "copy" H6573 of the letter implies a system of record-keeping, where official communications were archived for future reference by the state Ezra 4:11.
In summary, H104 is not a generic word for any note but a specific term for a state epistle within the Persian imperial system. Its presence in Ezra highlights the political and administrative challenges faced by the returning Jewish exiles. The word illustrates how formal written communications were used as powerful tools to influence royal decrees and determine the fate of nations.
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