of foreign origin; Paras (i.e. Persia), an Eastern country, including its inhabitants; Persia, Persians.
Transliteration:Pâraç
Pronunciation:paw-ras'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פָּרַס (Pâraç), Strong's number `{{H6539}}`, refers specifically to the ancient empire of Persia and its inhabitants, the Persians. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed, denoting both the geographical territory and the people group. It is consistently used in the biblical text to identify this significant Eastern kingdom, which succeeded the Babylonian Empire as the dominant world power. The term carries no inherent moral or spiritual connotations beyond its geographical and ethnic identification; its significance is derived entirely from its historical and prophetic role within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פָּרַס (Pâraç) appears predominantly in the post-exilic books of the Old Testament, reflecting the historical period when Persia held sway over Judah and the broader Near East.
In the book of Daniel, Persia is a central player in prophetic visions, representing the second major world empire after Babylon. The ram with two horns in [[Daniel 8:20]] is explicitly identified as "the kings of Media and Persia," highlighting the dual nature of this empire (Medo-Persian). Furthermore, in Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the chest and arms of silver represent the kingdom that would succeed Babylon, understood to be Persia ([[Daniel 2:32]], [[Daniel 2:39]]). The unchangeable nature of "the law of the Medes and Persians" is emphasized in [[Daniel 6:8]], [[Daniel 6:12]], and [[Daniel 6:15]], underscoring the absolute authority and immutability of its decrees.
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are set entirely within the Persian period. The return of the Jewish exiles to Judah and the rebuilding of the Temple and Jerusalem's walls occur under the auspices of Persian kings. Cyrus, king of Persia, issues the decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple, fulfilling prophecy ([[Ezra 1:1]], [[Ezra 1:2]], [[2 Chronicles 36:22]], [[2 Chronicles 36:23]]). Subsequent Persian monarchs like Darius and Artaxerxes also play pivotal roles in supporting or hindering these efforts ([[Ezra 4:5]], [[Ezra 4:7]], [[Ezra 4:24]], [[Ezra 6:14]], [[Ezra 7:1]]).
The book of Esther is likewise situated within the Persian Empire, detailing events in the court of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). The vastness of the Persian dominion, stretching "from India to Ethiopia, over 127 provinces," is a recurring theme ([[Esther 1:1]], [[Esther 1:3]], [[Esther 1:14]], [[Esther 1:18]], [[Esther 10:2]]), providing the backdrop for God's providential preservation of His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term פָּרַס (Pâraç) is frequently associated with several key concepts and other proper nouns:
* **Media (מָדַי - `{{H4074}}`):** The Medes are almost invariably linked with the Persians, forming the "Medo-Persian" Empire, reflecting their joint rise to power and governance. This pairing is crucial for understanding the prophetic descriptions in Daniel.
* **Kings of Persia:** Specific Persian rulers are prominent, including Cyrus (כּוֹרֶשׁ - `{{H3566}}`), Darius (דָּרְיָוֶשׁ - `{{H1867}}`), and Artaxerxes (אַרְתַּחְשַׁסְתָּא - `{{H770}}`), whose names are synonymous with the empire's administration and its interaction with the Jewish people. Ahasuerus (אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ - `{{H325}}`) in Esther is another significant Persian king.
* **Prophetic Succession:** Persia is understood as part of a divinely ordained succession of world empires, following Babylon and preceding Greece (יָוָן - `{{H3120}}`), as depicted in Daniel's visions. This places Persia within a larger theological framework of God's control over history.
* **Decrees (דָּת - `{{H1881}}`, טְעֵם - `{{H2942}}`):** The "laws of the Medes and Persians" represent unalterable decrees, signifying the absolute authority vested in the Persian monarchy and its administrative system. These decrees were instrumental in the post-exilic return and rebuilding.
### Theological Significance
The biblical portrayal of פָּרַס (Pâraç) carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Empires:** The rise and fall of the Persian Empire, particularly its succession to Babylon as prophesied in Daniel, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms. He "removes kings and sets up kings" ([[Daniel 2:21]]), orchestrating world history according to His divine plan.
* **God's Use of Pagan Rulers:** The most striking theological aspect is God's active use of Persian kings, notably Cyrus, to fulfill His purposes. Cyrus is even called God's "shepherd" and "anointed one" (Messiah) in [[Isaiah 44:28]] and [[Isaiah 45:1]], illustrating that God can and does use non-believers to accomplish His will for His covenant people. This highlights God's universal dominion and His ability to work through any means necessary to achieve His redemptive goals.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The precise identification and historical role of Persia in Daniel's prophecies underscore the reliability and divine inspiration of the biblical text. The transition from Babylonian to Persian rule, and the subsequent events, occurred exactly as foretold.
* **Restoration and Rebuilding:** The Persian period was critical for the post-exilic Jewish community. Under Persian decrees, the Temple was rebuilt, Jerusalem's walls were restored, and the Jewish people were re-established in their land. This period signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant promises of restoration, even when His people were subject to foreign rule.
* **Providence in Adversity:** The book of Esther, set entirely within the Persian Empire, showcases God's hidden providence. Though God's name is not explicitly mentioned, His hand is clearly at work, protecting His people from annihilation through the actions of Esther and Mordecai within the Persian court.
### Summary
The term פָּרַס (Pâraç), referring to Persia and its people, is a proper noun of immense historical and theological weight in the Old Testament. It denotes the powerful empire that succeeded Babylon, playing a pivotal role in the post-exilic history of Israel. Biblically, Persia serves as a vivid demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over earthly kingdoms, His meticulous fulfillment of prophecy, and His remarkable ability to use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine purposes for His covenant people. The Persian period was instrumental in the return of the exiles, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the preservation of the Jewish nation, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness and hidden providence in the unfolding drama of redemption.
TRV