(Aramaic) corresponding to פַּרְסִי; {a Parsite (i.e. Persian), or inhabitant of Peres}; Persian.
Transliteration:Parçîy
Pronunciation:par-see'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word פַּרְסִי (Parçîy), Strong's H6543, functions as an ethnonym, identifying an individual or group as originating from or belonging to Persia. Its core meaning is "Persian" or "an inhabitant of Peres," the Aramaic name for Persia. This term is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew פַּרְסִי, emphasizing its direct correspondence in meaning and usage. Semantically, it denotes nationality, ethnicity, or political affiliation within the context of the vast Persian Empire that succeeded the Babylonian Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פַּרְסִי (Parçîy) primarily appears in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its occurrences are crucial for understanding the historical and political backdrop of the post-exilic period.
In [[Daniel 6:28]], the word is used to describe King Cyrus: "So Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian [[פַּרְסִי]]." Here, it explicitly identifies Cyrus as a Persian, highlighting his imperial lineage and the dominant power of the time. This verse underscores the transition of power from the Medes to the Persians, a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative.
Similarly, in [[Ezra 4:3]], the term appears in the phrase "King Cyrus the king of Persia [[פַּרְסִי]]": "But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ houses of Israel said to them, 'You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but we ourselves will build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia [[פַּרְסִי]] has commanded us.'" This reference solidifies Cyrus's identity as a Persian monarch and underscores his authority over the Judean exiles, whose return and temple rebuilding efforts were sanctioned by his decree.
Across its occurrences, Parçîy consistently situates the narrative within the geo-political reality of the Persian Empire, emphasizing the authority and influence of its rulers over the Jewish people during the crucial period of return from exile and the reconstruction of the Temple.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word פַּרְסִי (Parçîy) is intrinsically linked to several key terms and concepts within the biblical text:
* **`{{H6539}}` (Peres):** This is the Aramaic and Hebrew name for the land of Persia itself. The ethnonym פַּרְסִי (Parçîy) is directly derived from and refers to an inhabitant of Peres. Understanding the land is essential to understanding its people.
* **`{{H3772}}` (Kōreš):** Cyrus, the Persian king, is the most prominent figure identified as a "Persian" in the biblical narrative. His decrees are foundational to the post-exilic period.
* **`{{H1867}}` (Dāryāweš):** Darius, another significant Persian king, under whose reign the Temple rebuilding was completed.
* **Exile and Return:** The term "Persian" is inextricably tied to the period of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return of the Jewish people to Judah, as it was under Persian rule that this restoration was permitted and facilitated.
* **Imperial Power:** The word signifies the vast imperial power that dominated the ancient Near East after the fall of Babylon, shaping the political and social landscape for the Jewish community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פַּרְסִי (Parçîy) extends beyond mere geographical or ethnic identification. It serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over human history and global empires.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The rise of Persia and the actions of its kings, particularly Cyrus, are presented in Scripture not as random historical events, but as instruments in the hand of God. God raises up and casts down empires, using even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine purposes. The "Persian" thus becomes a tangible symbol of God's overarching plan for humanity.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The decrees of Persian kings, especially Cyrus's command to allow the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple, are explicitly seen as the fulfillment of prophecies uttered by Isaiah and Jeremiah (e.g., [[Isaiah 44:28]], [[Isaiah 45:1-4]]). The "Persian" is therefore a key player in the unfolding of God's prophetic word.
* **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant:** The period of Persian rule marked a pivotal moment in God's covenant relationship with Israel. Despite their exile due to unfaithfulness, God remained faithful to His promises, using the "Persian" Empire as the means to bring His people back to the land and re-establish their worship in Jerusalem. This demonstrates God's persistent love and commitment to His covenant people.
* **Context for Post-Exilic Identity:** The "Persian" context profoundly shaped the identity and religious practices of post-exilic Judaism. It was an era of rebuilding, re-establishing the Law, and grappling with what it meant to be God's people in a world dominated by foreign powers, yet under God's ultimate control.
### Summary
פַּרְסִי (Parçîy), H6543, is an Aramaic ethnonym meaning "Persian" or "inhabitant of Peres." It appears in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, primarily identifying King Cyrus as a Persian monarch and referring to the "king of Persia" in the context of his decrees concerning the Jewish exiles. This word is closely related to `{{H6539}}` (Peres, the land of Persia) and the names of key Persian kings like `{{H3772}}` (Cyrus) and `{{H1867}}` (Darius). Theologically, "Parçîy" underscores God's absolute sovereignty over world empires, His use of pagan rulers to fulfill prophecy (specifically regarding the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple), and His enduring faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The "Persian" thus stands as a significant marker in the biblical narrative, highlighting God's providential hand in history for the redemption of His people.
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