(Aramaic) corresponding to פָּרַס; {Paras (i.e. Persia), an Eastern country, including its inhabitants}; Persia, Persians.
Transliteration:Pâraç
Pronunciation:paw-ras'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H6540 (פָּרַס, *Pâraç*) denotes the ancient empire of Persia and its inhabitants, the Persians. Its core meaning is primarily geographical and ethno-political, identifying a specific nation and its people within the broader Near Eastern context. As an Aramaic word, its usage is confined to the Aramaic sections of the biblical text, notably in the books of Ezra and Daniel. The Strong's definition explicitly notes its correspondence to the Hebrew form `{{H6539}}`, indicating that both words refer to the same historical entity, with H6540 being the Aramaic equivalent. This consistency underscores the widespread recognition of Persia as a prominent world power during the post-exilic period.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6540 are concentrated in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, where Persia plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of divine prophecy and the historical narrative of the post-exilic return.
In the book of Daniel, H6540 is central to the prophetic visions concerning successive world empires. For instance, in Daniel's interpretation of the writing on the wall, the kingdom of Babylon is declared to be divided and "given to the Medes and Persians" ([[Daniel 5:28]]). This verse marks the immediate transition of power from Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. Further, the "law of the Medes and Persians" ([[Daniel 6:8]], [[Daniel 6:12]], [[Daniel 6:15]]) is presented as unalterable, emphasizing the authority and permanence of Persian decrees, even over the king's own wishes. In the vision of the ram and the goat, the ram with two horns is explicitly identified as representing "the kings of Media and Persia" ([[Daniel 8:20]]), highlighting the dual nature of this empire, often referred to as Medo-Persia.
In the book of Ezra, H6540 refers to the Persian kings and their administrative role in facilitating the return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin hired counselors "to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia" ([[Ezra 4:5]]). Later, the opposition wrote an accusation "to Artaxerxes king of Persia" ([[Ezra 4:7]]). The work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased "until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia" ([[Ezra 4:24]]). Crucially, the Temple was completed "according to the command of the God of Israel and by command of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia" ([[Ezra 6:14]]). Ezra himself arrives in Jerusalem "in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king of Persia" ([[Ezra 7:1]]). These references underscore Persia's historical role as the dominant world power that permitted and even sponsored the restoration efforts in Judah, thereby fulfilling God's prophetic word.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H6540 is enriched by understanding its relationship to several key terms and concepts:
* **`{{H6539}}` (פָּרַס):** This is the Hebrew equivalent of H6540, referring to Persia or Persians. Its existence highlights the consistent biblical designation of this empire across both Hebrew and Aramaic sections of the Old Testament.
* **`{{H4080}}` (מָדַי) and `{{H4081}}` (מָדַי):** These terms refer to Media or the Medes, often paired with Persia to form the "Medo-Persian Empire." This dual designation, particularly prominent in Daniel, reflects the historical reality of the empire's origins and its composite nature.
* **Persian Kings:** Specific rulers like `{{H3778}}` (כּוֹרֶשׁ - Cyrus), `{{H1733}}` (דָּרְיָוֶשׁ - Darius), and `{{H230}}` (אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ - Ahasuerus/Xerxes) are directly associated with the Persian Empire and its policies, which profoundly impacted the Jewish people.
* **World Empires/Succession of Kingdoms:** The concept of successive global powers, particularly as revealed in Daniel's prophecies, forms a crucial backdrop for understanding Persia's place in God's sovereign plan for history.
* **Return from Exile/Restoration:** The Persian Empire's policies, especially the decree of Cyrus, were instrumental in facilitating the return of the Jewish exiles to Judah and the rebuilding of the Temple and city walls, marking a significant phase in Israel's post-exilic history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6540 and the Persian Empire in the biblical narrative is profound, illustrating several key divine attributes and redemptive themes:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The rise of Persia, its dominion, and its eventual decline are presented not as mere historical accidents but as part of God's meticulously orchestrated plan. God raises up and casts down empires according to His will, using even pagan rulers like Cyrus to accomplish His purposes ([[Isaiah 45:1-7]]). This demonstrates God's absolute control over human history and political powers.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The specific mention of Persia (often alongside Media) in Daniel's prophecies (e.g., the successive kingdoms in Daniel 2 and 7, and the ram in Daniel 8) underscores God's foreknowledge and the certainty of His word. The historical emergence and actions of the Persian Empire precisely align with these prophecies, affirming the reliability of biblical prophecy and the divine authorship of Scripture.
* **Facilitator of Israel's Restoration:** The most direct theological impact of Persia is its role in the post-exilic restoration of Israel. The decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes allowed the Jewish people to return to their land, rebuild the Temple, and re-establish their religious life in Jerusalem. This was a crucial step in God's covenant faithfulness to His people, enabling the continuation of the Davidic line and the preservation of the messianic hope. Persia, though a Gentile empire, became an unwitting instrument in God's redemptive plan.
* **Context for God's People:** The period of Persian rule provided the historical and political context for the spiritual and communal re-formation of the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile, shaping their identity and preparing them for the coming of the Messiah.
### Summary
H6540 (פָּרַס, *Pâraç*) is the Aramaic term for Persia or Persians, found primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its core meaning designates the powerful Medo-Persian Empire and its people, a dominant force in the ancient Near East. Biblically, Persia is crucial for understanding the fulfillment of prophecy concerning world empires and its pivotal role in facilitating the return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Theologically, the presence and actions of Persia in the biblical narrative powerfully demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over nations, His precise fulfillment of prophetic declarations, and His unwavering faithfulness in using even Gentile powers to advance His redemptive purposes for Israel and ultimately, for all humanity.
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