(Aramaic) corresponding to פַּרְשֶׁגֶן; {a transcript}; copy.
Transliteration:parshegen
Pronunciation:par-sheh'-ghen
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term פַּרְשֶׁגֶן (transliterated as *parshegen*, Strong's `{{H6573}}`) denotes a "transcript" or "copy." Its semantic range is quite narrow, specifically referring to a written reproduction of an original document, typically an official letter, decree, or record. The term implies an accurate, faithful replication of the source material, often for administrative, legal, or archival purposes. Unlike a draft or an informal note, a *parshegen* carries the weight and authority of the original from which it was copied, serving as an authentic representation of the initial communication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *parshegen* occurs exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the book of Ezra, appearing four times. In all instances, it refers to a "copy" of a royal or official letter, underscoring its administrative and legal context within the Persian Empire's governance of its provinces:
* **[[Ezra 4:11]]**: "This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king..." Here, it refers to the official transcript of the letter sent by the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin to King Artaxerxes, accusing the Jews of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls with rebellious intent. The authenticity of this copy was crucial for the king's consideration and subsequent decree.
* **[[Ezra 4:23]]**: "Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power." This verse refers to the official copy of King Artaxerxes' response, ordering the cessation of the temple rebuilding. The fact that this "copy" was read and acted upon demonstrates its legal authority and binding nature.
* **[[Ezra 5:6]]**: "The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king..." This instance refers to the copy of the letter dispatched by Tatnai and his associates to King Darius, inquiring about the legality of the temple reconstruction. Again, the *parshegen* serves as the official record of communication.
* **[[Ezra 7:11]]**: "Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes to Israel." This is a profoundly significant occurrence, as it denotes the copy of the royal decree given to Ezra, granting him authority to restore the Law of God in Judah and appoint magistrates. The integrity of this *parshegen* was paramount for Ezra's mission and the re-establishment of Jewish life under divine and royal sanction.
In each context, *parshegen* highlights the meticulous record-keeping and bureaucratic processes of the Persian administration, where official copies ensured accountability, legal validity, and the effective transmission of commands and information across the vast empire.
### Related Words & Concepts
While *parshegen* specifically denotes a "copy" of a written document, it is related to broader concepts of written communication, official decrees, and the act of transcription in the ancient Near East.
* **`{{H5612}}` סֵפֶר (sepher)**: This common Hebrew term refers to a "book," "scroll," or "document." While *sepher* can be an original, a *parshegen* would be a specific type of *sepher*—a copy of one.
* **`{{H2942}}` טְעֵם (te'em)**: Another Aramaic word found in Ezra and Daniel, meaning "decree," "command," or "report." A *parshegen* would be the written form of such a decree or report.
* **Scribal Tradition**: The existence and use of *parshegen* underscore the vital role of scribes in ancient societies. Scribes were not merely writers but highly trained professionals responsible for the accurate production, preservation, and transmission of legal, administrative, and religious texts. Their meticulous work ensured the integrity of documents, whether originals or copies.
* **Legal & Administrative Documents**: The function of *parshegen* is deeply embedded in the legal and administrative systems of the Persian Empire, where written records were essential for governance, taxation, and judicial processes.
### Theological Significance
Though *parshegen* is a secular administrative term, its use within the biblical narrative carries subtle but profound theological significance, particularly in the book of Ezra.
1. **Divine Providence through Human Systems**: The repeated mention of "copies" of royal decrees (e.g., [[Ezra 4:23]], [[Ezra 7:11]]) demonstrates how God worked through the established administrative and legal structures of the Persian Empire to accomplish His redemptive purposes for Israel. The authenticity of these copied decrees was instrumental in allowing the exiles to return, the temple to be rebuilt, and the Law of God to be re-established in Judah. God's sovereignty extends even to the bureaucratic details of human governments.
2. **The Integrity of Transmission**: The emphasis on an accurate "copy" implicitly highlights the importance of the faithful transmission of authoritative texts. Just as an official decree needed to be copied precisely to retain its legal force, so too does the divine Word require faithful preservation and transmission. Ezra, himself "a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord" ([[Ezra 7:11]]), embodies this principle, ensuring the accurate teaching and application of God's Law. The very "copy" of the king's letter given to Ezra legitimizes his divine mandate.
3. **Validation of Authority**: The *parshegen* served to validate the authority of the sender and the legitimacy of the message. In the context of Ezra, the copies of royal decrees provided the necessary legal backing for the Jews' activities, protecting them from opposition and empowering them to fulfill their divinely appointed tasks. This mirrors, in a human sphere, the way God's written word authenticates His commands and promises.
### Summary
The Aramaic word פַּרְשֶׁגֶן (*parshegen*, `{{H6573}}`) precisely denotes an "official transcript" or "copy" of a document, primarily appearing in the book of Ezra. Its occurrences consistently refer to copies of royal letters or decrees, highlighting its crucial role within the Persian administrative and legal framework for accurate record-keeping and the authoritative transmission of commands. Theologically, *parshegen* illustrates God's providential working through human bureaucratic systems to achieve His purposes for His people, underscores the vital importance of faithful transmission and accurate documentation for both human and divine authority, and validates the legitimacy of actions undertaken under the sanction of a written decree.
TRV