אִגֶּרֶת
an epistle
Definition
The Hebrew noun אִגֶּרֶת (ʼiggereth) refers to a formal written document, most commonly translated as 'letter' or 'epistle.' In the Old Testament, it specifically denotes an official, written communication, often of a royal or administrative nature. For example, in Nehemiah 2:7-9, it refers to the official letters of authorization from King Artaxerxes that granted Nehemiah safe passage and resources for rebuilding Jerusalem. In other contexts, like Nehemiah 6:5, 17, and 19, the word describes letters used for political intrigue, slander, and correspondence with enemies, showing its use in both legitimate governance and covert opposition.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the post-exilic historical books of 2 Chronicles and Nehemiah, reflecting its use in the context of Persian imperial administration and Jewish community restoration. All ten occurrences describe formal, written communications, usually between officials. In 2 Chronicles 30:1, 6, Hezekiah sends letters to invite Israel and Judah to celebrate the Passover. In Nehemiah, the letters are instruments of political authority (Nehemiah 2:7-9) and tools of opposition (Nehemiah 6:5, 17, 19), highlighting their role in both unity and conflict during the rebuilding period.
Etymology
אִגֶּרֶת (ʼiggereth) is the feminine form of the Aramaic loanword אִגְּרָא (ʼiggᵊrāʾ, H104), meaning 'letter' or 'document.' It entered Hebrew during the post-exilic period, reflecting increased Aramaic influence under the Persian Empire. The root is related to Akkadian 'egirtu,' also meaning a tablet or letter, pointing to a common Mesopotamian administrative term for official correspondence.
Semantic Range
This word is significant as it represents God's people engaging with and operating within foreign imperial systems, yet still advancing God's redemptive purposes. The letters in Nehemiah, whether for authorization or opposition, become part of the narrative of God's providence in preserving and restoring His community. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting how divine sovereignty works through mundane, administrative tools like official correspondence to accomplish His will.
In the ancient Near East, especially under the Persian Empire, an 'iggereth' was not a casual note but a formal, authoritative document. It carried the weight of the sender's office and was essential for long-distance administration, travel permissions, and official decrees. This contrasts with modern informal letters, as these documents were crucial for legal and governmental operations, often delivered by trusted couriers.
סֵפֶר (sēpher, H5612) — a broader term for any written document, book, or scroll, not exclusively a letter. דָּבָר (dāḇār, H1697) — can mean 'word,' 'matter,' or 'thing,' sometimes used for a message but not specifically a written letter. כְּתָב (kᵊṯāḇ, H3791) — a general term for a writing or inscription.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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