### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1871}}` (darkᵉmôwn) designates a unit of currency, specifically a "drachma" or "dram." Its etymology is Persian, indicating its foreign origin and its adoption into the Hebrew lexicon during a period of Persian influence. The drachma, originally a Greek silver coin, became a widely recognized measure of value within the Persian Empire, and thus among the Judean exiles returning to Jerusalem. As a tangible coin, it represents a precise measure of wealth, a medium of exchange, and a means of economic contribution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H1871}}` appears exclusively in the book of Nehemiah, providing a specific historical and financial context for its use:
* **[[Nehemiah 7:70]]**: "Some of the heads of fathers’ households gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 gold drachmas (darkᵉmôwn), 50 basins, and 530 priestly garments."
* This verse records the substantial contribution of the governor, identified as Tirshatha (likely Nehemiah himself), towards the temple treasury. The qualifying adjective "gold" (זָהָב, zahav) emphasizes the high value of these drachmas, signifying a significant financial commitment to the sacred rebuilding project.
* **[[Nehemiah 7:72]]**: "And what the rest of the people gave was 20,000 gold drachmas (darkᵉmôwn) and 2,200 silver minas."
* Here, `{{H1871}}` denotes the collective contributions of the wider community. The immense sum of "20,000 gold drachmas" demonstrates the widespread participation and deep dedication of the returned exiles to the restoration of their spiritual and civic life. The inclusion of both "gold drachmas" and "silver minas" (`{{H4488}}`) indicates a comprehensive financial record of the communal effort.
In both instances, `{{H1871}}` is used in the context of contributions for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, underscoring the financial resources required for such a monumental undertaking and the willingness of the people to provide them. The use of a Persian currency name firmly situates the narrative within the historical reality of Persian imperial oversight.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H1871}}` is enriched by examining related terms and concepts:
* **Units of Currency/Weight:**
* `{{H8255}}` (sheqel): The foundational unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel, often associated with temple taxes and transactions.
* `{{H4488}}` (maneh): A "mina," a larger unit of weight, typically equivalent to 50 shekels.
* `{{H3653}}` (kikkar): A "talent," the largest unit of weight, often representing a massive sum of money.
* **Terms for Offerings/Contributions:**
* `{{H8641}}` (tᵉrumah): A "contribution" or "offering," often specifically for sacred purposes.
* `{{H5071}}` (nᵉdabah): A "freewill offering," emphasizing the voluntary nature of the gift.
* **Persian Influence:** The very presence of `{{H1871}}` highlights the pervasive influence of the Persian Empire on Judean society during the post-exilic period, extending beyond political and administrative structures to include economic systems and everyday terminology.
### Theological Significance
The appearance of `{{H1871}}` in Nehemiah carries profound theological weight:
* **Sacrificial Giving and Devotion:** The contributions of "gold drachmas" by both leaders and the common people exemplify a spirit of sacrificial giving. It underscores the biblical principle that material wealth is to be consecrated to God's purposes, demonstrating a tangible commitment to His covenant and the rebuilding of His sanctuary.
* **Communal Unity and Purpose:** The collective contribution of substantial sums signifies a unified community, bound by a shared vision and purpose. It reflects the people's corporate obedience and their joint effort in restoring their spiritual and national identity under God.
* **Stewardship and Divine Provision:** While the drachmas represent human effort, they implicitly point to God's prior provision that enabled such generosity. The act of giving back to God, even in the form of foreign currency, affirms the principle of stewardship—managing God-given resources for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
* **God's Work in Historical Context:** The use of a Persian coin name grounds the narrative in its specific historical setting. It reminds us that God works within and through the realities of human history, even utilizing the economic systems of dominant empires to facilitate His redemptive plans for His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1871}}` (darkᵉmôwn), a term of Persian origin referring to a "drachma" or "dram," appears twice in the book of Nehemiah ([[Nehemiah 7:70]], [[Nehemiah 7:72]]). In both instances, it denotes significant "gold drachma" contributions made by the governor and the returned exiles for the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. This term not only provides a valuable historical detail regarding the economic realities of the post-exilic period under Persian rule but also powerfully illustrates key theological themes. It highlights the profound commitment of God's people to sacrificial giving, their unity in purpose, and their faithful stewardship of resources in service of the divine will for the restoration of their sanctuary and city.
TRV