### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV