Pronouncing Artaxerxes in the Bible: A Guide

When it comes to pronouncing names in the Bible, it can be quite the challenge. One name that often causes confusion is Artaxerxes. This name is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, and it can be difficult to know exactly how to pronounce it. In this guide, we will provide a detailed explanation of how to properly pronounce Artaxerxes in the Bible.

What is Artaxerxes?

Before we dive into the pronunciation of Artaxerxes, it's important to understand who this person was. Artaxerxes was a king of Persia who ruled from 465 to 424 BC. He is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Artaxerxes played a significant role in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and the restoration of the Jewish people.

How to Pronounce Artaxerxes

Now, let's get to the heart of this guide - how to pronounce Artaxerxes. The name Artaxerxes is pronounced "ahr-tuh-zurk-seez". It's important to note that the "x" in Artaxerxes is pronounced like a "ks" sound, rather than a "z" sound. The emphasis in the name is on the second syllable, "tuh".

Examples of Artaxerxes in the Bible

To give you a better idea of how Artaxerxes is used in the Bible, let's take a look at a few examples:

Ezra 4:7 - "And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue."

Ezra 7:1 - "Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,"

Nehemiah 2:1 - "And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence."

As you can see, Artaxerxes is referenced several times in the Bible. Knowing how to properly pronounce this name can make reading and understanding these passages much easier.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Artaxerxes is a name that is often mispronounced. However, with the proper pronunciation guide, you can confidently read and understand the Bible passages that reference this important figure. Remember, the pronunciation of Artaxerxes is "ahr-tuh-zurk-seez", with the emphasis on the second syllable. We hope this guide has been helpful in your Bible studies.