נִשְׁתְּוָן
𐤍𐤔𐤕𐤅𐤍
nishtᵉvân
H5407 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A formal written document, typically an official letter, decree, or edict. The term denotes a communication drafted in writing, especially in the context of royal or administrative correspondence.
Semantic Range
official letter, written missive, formal dispatch, epistle, administrative correspondence, decree
Root / Etymology
Root uncertain. Some link it to a hypothetical root related to writing, but there is no widely attested Hebrew verb or noun directly underlying נִשְׁתְּוָן. The spelling and form reflect its status as an Aramaic borrow word or technical term adapted into Biblical Aramaic.
Historical & Contextual Notes
נִשְׁתְּוָן is attested in the Aramaic sections of Ezra (e.g., Ezra 4:7), where it refers specifically to letters or written directives exchanged between regional officials and the Persian imperial court. Unlike the Hebrew term ספר (sefer, 'book, scroll, document'), נִשְׁתְּוָן denotes a particular genre or format of official missive—typically coming from or addressed to administrative authorities. This term arises in the historical context of Persian-era governance, reflecting bureaucratic language and concepts introduced into Judean society during this period. In English translations, it is typically rendered as 'letter' or 'epistle,' though in its original usage it bore the formal and authoritative connotations of governmental communication. The term's usage may not extend into earlier Israelite periods, being characteristic of the post-exilic period, and is unique to late Biblical Aramaic.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to נִשְׁתְּוָן; {an epistle}; letter.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
uncertain (possibly related to כתב) (uncertain (possibly k-t-b related)) — writing, written document, formal communication
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5407-01 |
נִשְׁתְּוָנָ֕/א | nishetevana | ANcmsd/Td |
letter | formal written decree | formal written decree | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5407-01 |
Ezra 4:18 | נִשְׁתְּוָנָ֕/א | nishetevana | ANcmsd/Td |
the letter | formal written decree | formal written decree |
H5407-01 |
Ezra 4:23 | נִשְׁתְּוָנָ/א֙ | nishetevana | ANcmsd/Td |
of the letter | formal written decree | formal written decree |
H5407-01 |
Ezra 5:5 | נִשְׁתְּוָנָ֖/א | nishetevana | ANcmsd/Td |
letter | formal written decree | letter |