(Aramaic) corresponding to כּוֹרֶשׁ; {Koresh (or Cyrus), the Persian king}; Cyrus.
Transliteration:Kôwresh
Pronunciation:ko'-resh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כּוֹרֶשׁ (Kôwresh), Strong's number `{{H3567}}`, is a proper noun referring exclusively to Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The lemma notes its Aramaic correspondence, indicating its usage in later biblical books that reflect the post-exilic period and the lingua franca of the time. Unlike many Hebrew words derived from roots with semantic range, "Kôwresh" functions solely as the name of a specific historical individual. Its significance lies not in its etymological meaning within Hebrew, but in the profound historical and theological role of the person it designates.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Cyrus is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, appearing in several books, primarily in prophetic texts and historical accounts related to the Babylonian exile and return.
* **Prophetic Naming (Isaiah):** The most striking mention occurs in the book of Isaiah, where Cyrus is named centuries before his birth and rise to power. [[Isaiah 44:28]] declares, "He says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Let its foundations be laid."'" Further, [[Isaiah 45:1]] calls him "the Lord's anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, *mashiaḥ*), a unique designation for a foreign king, through whom God would "subdue nations" and "open doors." These passages underscore God's foreknowledge and sovereign control over history, using even pagan rulers to fulfill His divine purposes for Israel.
* **Decree and Return (2 Chronicles, Ezra):** Cyrus's historical significance is detailed in [[2 Chronicles 36:22-23]] and [[Ezra 1:1-8]]. Following the 70-year period of Babylonian exile prophesied by Jeremiah, Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This decree, issued in his first year as king of Persia, marks a turning point in Israel's history, directly fulfilling prophecy and initiating the post-exilic era. Ezra records the implementation of this decree, including the return of Temple vessels and the initial stages of rebuilding. Later, during the reign of Darius, Cyrus's original decree is reaffirmed, as seen in [[Ezra 5:13]] and [[Ezra 6:3]], underscoring its enduring authority and divine impetus.
* **During Daniel's Ministry (Daniel):** The book of Daniel mentions Cyrus in the context of the transition from Babylonian to Persian rule. [[Daniel 1:21]] notes Daniel's longevity, "Daniel remained until the first year of King Cyrus." [[Daniel 6:28]] states, "So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian." These references place Daniel's later visions and experiences within the early years of Cyrus's empire, highlighting the shift in world powers as prophesied.
Across these occurrences, Cyrus is consistently portrayed as an instrument in God's hand, directly fulfilling divine prophecy and facilitating the restoration of His people and their worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of "Kôwresh" naturally connects with several profound biblical themes and related terms:
* **Prophecy and Fulfillment:** The naming of Cyrus in Isaiah centuries before his birth is a powerful demonstration of God's prophetic accuracy and His ability to orchestrate history. This links to the broader concept of divine foreknowledge and the fulfillment of promises, particularly Jeremiah's prophecy of 70 years of exile `{{H3414}}`.
* **Exile and Restoration:** Cyrus's decree marks the end of the Babylonian exile and the beginning of the return to Zion. This theme highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, even after judgment, and His commitment to restoring His people.
* **Temple Rebuilding:** Cyrus's specific instruction for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem makes him central to the post-exilic re-establishment of Jewish worship. This connects to the significance of the Temple as God's dwelling place and the center of Israel's spiritual life.
* **Foreign Rulers as God's Instruments:** Cyrus serves as a prime example of God using a non-Israelite, even a pagan king, to achieve His divine purposes. This concept is also seen with figures like Pharaoh (in the Exodus narrative) and Nebuchadnezzar `{{H5019}}` (as God's "servant" in judgment).
* **"Anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, *mashiaḥ*):** The designation of Cyrus as God's "anointed" in [[Isaiah 45:1]] is exceptionally significant. While not a king of Israel or a descendant of David, he is called *mashiaḥ* because he is divinely chosen and empowered for a specific mission related to God's people. This broadens the understanding of "anointed" beyond the typical Israelite king or priest, highlighting God's sovereign choice for particular tasks.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Cyrus holds immense theological significance, illuminating several core doctrines:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence:** The explicit naming of Cyrus in Isaiah, centuries before his existence, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all history, nations, and even the hearts of kings. His actions were not random but divinely orchestrated to fulfill God's plan. This resonates with the truth that "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will" [[Proverbs 21:1]].
* **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant:** Despite Israel's disobedience leading to exile, God remained faithful to His covenant promises. Cyrus's decree was the means by which God initiated the restoration of His people to their land and the rebuilding of the Temple, demonstrating His unfailing love and commitment.
* **Universal Scope of God's Plan:** God's use of a pagan Persian king like Cyrus underscores that His redemptive plan is not limited to Israel alone, but extends to all nations, whom He can use as instruments for His purposes. It highlights that God is the Lord of all history and all peoples.
* **The Nature of "Anointing":** The application of "anointed" (*mashiaḥ*) to Cyrus in Isaiah 45 is remarkable. It reveals that God's anointing is not confined to those within the covenant community but can be bestowed upon anyone, even a foreign ruler, whom God chooses and empowers for a specific divine task. While not a messianic figure in the sense of the ultimate Redeemer, Cyrus prefigures a divinely appointed deliverer who brings about restoration.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כּוֹרֶשׁ (Kôwresh), `{{H3567}}`, refers to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king divinely appointed to end the Babylonian exile and facilitate the return of the Jewish people to Judah and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. His role is prophesied centuries in advance by Isaiah, who uniquely designates him as God's "shepherd" and "anointed." Biblical accounts in 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Daniel confirm his historical actions as the direct fulfillment of these prophecies. The study of Cyrus profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over history, His meticulous foreknowledge, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His ability to use even foreign rulers as instruments for His redemptive purposes.
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