### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Parçîy**, represented by `{{H6542}}`, is a term for a **Persian**. It is a patrial designation, identifying an inhabitant of Peres. This word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, indicating its highly specific usage within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H6542}}` is found in a historical record within the book of Nehemiah. It is used to specify the identity of King Darius, identifying him as "Darius the **Persian**" [[Nehemiah 12:22]]. This reference serves as a historical marker, dating a list of Levite and priestly leaders to the time of his reign. The term provides a clear national and political context for the events being recorded.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words appearing in the same context help clarify the meaning of `{{H6542}}`:
* `{{H1867}}` **Dârᵉyâvêsh** (Darius): This is the title for the king who is identified as a **Persian**. The term **Darius** is used as a historical timestamp in several books, including Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, often in relation to the rebuilding of the community ([[Haggai 1:1]], [[Ezra 4:5]]).
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): In its only appearance, `{{H6542}}` is used in a verse that records a list of **priests** [[Nehemiah 12:22]]. Priests were a central leadership group in Israel, and their lineage and service were carefully documented.
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (Leviite): The record mentioned in [[Nehemiah 12:22]] was primarily of the **Levites**. As descendants of Levi, they were set apart for religious service and teaching, playing a crucial role in the post-exilic community ([[Nehemiah 8:9]], [[Nehemiah 12:27]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6542}}` is primarily historical, providing crucial context for the post-exilic era.
* **Anchoring Biblical History:** The term "Persian" firmly places the events of Nehemiah within a specific, verifiable historical period. By linking the priestly records to the reign of "Darius the **Persian**," the text grounds the sacred history of Israel within the larger history of the ancient world [[Nehemiah 12:22]].
* **Foreign Authority:** The word underscores the political reality for the Israelites during this time. Prophetic messages and administrative records were dated by the reigns of Persian kings like Darius ([[Haggai 1:1]], [[Zechariah 1:1]]), showing that Israel's national life was conducted under the authority of a Gentile empire.
* **Context for Restoration:** The mention of a **Persian** king in a record of Levites and priests highlights the theme of restoration under foreign rule. It establishes the setting in which Israel was rebuilding its religious and civic institutions after the exile.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6542}}` **Parçîy** is a highly specific term used once to identify King Darius as **Persian**. While rare, its use is critical for establishing the historical and political setting of the post-exilic community in Nehemiah. It functions as a key chronological marker, anchoring the record of Israel's priestly and Levitical leadership within the timeline of the Persian empire and highlighting the reality of their restoration under foreign sovereignty.
TRV