(Aramaic) corresponding to סָגָן; {a prefect of aprovince}; governor.
Transliteration:çᵉgan
Pronunciation:seg-an'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word `{{H5460}}` (çᵉgan) denotes a high-ranking administrative official, specifically a "prefect of a province" or "governor." Its core meaning emphasizes delegated authority and leadership within a bureaucratic structure, typically under a king or emperor. The definition explicitly notes its correspondence to the Hebrew `{{H5461}}` (sagan), which carries a similar semantic range of a ruler, deputy, or magistrate. This linguistic connection highlights a shared vocabulary for administrative roles across Hebrew and Aramaic in the post-exilic period. The term implies responsibility for a specific geographical region or domain, with duties encompassing oversight, enforcement of royal decrees, and participation in significant state affairs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5460}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the books of Ezra and Daniel, consistently referring to senior administrative officials within the vast Persian Empire.
* **In Ezra:**
* In [[Ezra 5:9]] and [[Ezra 5:10]], `{{H5460}}` is used to describe Tattenai, the governor "beyond the River," and Shethar-Bozenai, along with their colleagues. These officials are depicted investigating the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, demonstrating their authority to inquire into provincial matters and report directly to the king.
* Further, [[Ezra 6:6]] and [[Ezra 6:13]] show King Darius issuing a decree to these same governors, commanding them to not only cease hindering but actively assist the Jewish people in their temple construction. This illustrates their crucial role in executing royal mandates and their accountability to the monarch.
* **In Daniel:**
* In [[Daniel 3:2]] and [[Daniel 3:3]], "governors" (`{{H5460}}`) are listed among the various high-ranking officials summoned by King Nebuchadnezzar for the dedication of the golden image. This context highlights their prominent position in the Babylonian/Persian administrative hierarchy and their participation in significant state ceremonies.
* [[Daniel 3:27]] further records these same officials, including the "governors," gathering to witness the miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace, underscoring their high status as credible witnesses to divine intervention.
* In [[Daniel 6:7]] (often [[Daniel 6:8]] in English versions) and [[Daniel 6:6]] (often [[Daniel 6:7]] in English versions), the "governors" are part of the group of officials who conspire against Daniel, proposing a decree to King Darius. This demonstrates their power to influence royal policy and their direct access to the king.
Across these occurrences, `{{H5460}}` consistently denotes a provincial chief or deputy, acting as an administrator, investigator, or participant in royal decrees and functions. Their authority is substantial, yet always derived from and accountable to the reigning monarch.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5461}}` (sagan):** As directly indicated in the definition, this Hebrew cognate is semantically very close, referring to a "deputy," "ruler," or "magistrate." It appears in Nehemiah and Jeremiah, often describing civil officials or those associated with temple administration, reinforcing the shared administrative lexicon.
* **`{{H6346}}` (pechah):** This is another common Hebrew/Aramaic term for "governor" or "satrap." While `{{H5460}}` might imply a specific type of prefect or a slightly lower rank than a full satrap, or be used somewhat interchangeably, both terms signify significant governmental authority. `{{H6346}}` is more frequently used and often denotes the chief provincial administrator.
* **Administrative Hierarchy:** The usage of `{{H5460}}` within the Persian imperial context points to a sophisticated and structured bureaucracy. Terms like `{{H5460}}`, `{{H6346}}`, and others (e.g., "satraps," "treasurers," "judges") illustrate a system of delegated authority essential for managing a vast empire.
### Theological Significance
The recurring presence and actions of "governors" (`{{H5460}}`) in Ezra and Daniel carry profound theological weight, primarily highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and political systems.
* In Ezra, the governors, initially acting as agents of imperial control and potential obstructionists, are ultimately commanded by King Darius to facilitate the rebuilding of the temple ([[Ezra 6:6-12]]). This powerfully illustrates how God can providentially guide the hearts and decisions of even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine purposes, demonstrating His control over human history and political affairs.
* In Daniel, these high-ranking officials serve as direct witnesses to God's miraculous deliverance of His faithful servants from the fiery furnace and the lion's den. Their high social standing lends undeniable credibility to these divine interventions, showcasing the supremacy of the God of Israel over all human power and idolatry.
* The narratives involving `{{H5460}}` underscore the biblical principle articulated in [[Romans 13:1]], that "there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Even within a foreign and often oppressive empire, God's people are called to navigate these structures, and God uses them, whether through their cooperation or their opposition, to bring about His glory and fulfill His covenant promises.
* The portrayal of these officials, whether antagonistic or ultimately cooperative, serves to reassure the exilic and post-exilic communities that God remains actively involved and powerful, even when His people are under foreign dominion. He can raise up or bring down rulers, and He can use anyone, from the highest governor to the lowliest servant, to achieve His divine will.
### Summary
`{{H5460}}` (çᵉgan) is an Aramaic term designating a "prefect" or "governor," a high-ranking administrative official within the Persian imperial system. Its occurrences in Ezra and Daniel consistently depict individuals entrusted with significant delegated authority over provinces, involved in implementing royal decrees, investigating affairs, and participating in state ceremonies. The word is closely related to the Hebrew `{{H5461}}` (sagan), signifying a shared administrative vocabulary. Theologically, the presence and actions of these "governors" underscore God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. Their roles in both hindering and ultimately facilitating God's purposes (e.g., the temple rebuilding) and witnessing divine miracles serve as powerful testaments to God's control over human history and His unwavering care for His people, even amidst foreign rule.
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