### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **partam** `{{H6579}}`, which is of Persian origin, denotes a **grandee**, **noble**, or **prince**. It is a specific term for high-ranking officials within a foreign court. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, exclusively within the books of Esther and Daniel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H6579}}` consistently identifies individuals of significant political rank and influence in gentile kingdoms. In the court of Persia, it is used to describe the **nobles** who were present at the king's great feast [[Esther 1:3]]. The term is also used to specify the "most **noble** princes" [[Esther 6:9]], indicating a distinction even among the royal court's elite. In the Babylonian context, the king commanded his master of eunuchs to bring certain Israelites from among the king's seed and the **princes** `{{H6579}}`, highlighting their status as part of the captured nobility [[Daniel 1:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of authority and royalty in which `{{H6579}}` is found:
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (prince): This word, meaning a head person or ruler, is frequently used alongside **partam** to describe the hierarchy of a kingdom. In Esther, the king summons his **princes** `{{H8269}}` and **nobles** `{{H6579}}` [[Esther 1:3]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): The nobles and princes described by `{{H6579}}` always function in service to a **king**. The narratives where the term appears are centered on the actions and decrees of a **king** ([[Daniel 1:3]], [[Esther 6:9]]).
* `{{H2428}}` **chayil** (power): This term for force, wealth, or might is associated with the empires where the **nobles** `{{H6579}}` held their position, as seen in the reference to "the **power** of Persia and Media" [[Esther 1:3]].
* `{{H3366}}` **yᵉqâr** (honour): This word for dignity and precious things is directly linked to the actions of a **noble** `{{H6579}}` prince, who is commanded to bestow **honour** upon the man the king delights in [[Esther 6:9]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H6579}}` is a secular, political term, its use in Scripture carries theological weight by setting the stage for God's actions.
* **Sovereignty over Nations:** The presence of these powerful foreign **princes** `{{H6579}}` in Daniel and Esther underscores God's sovereignty. He works His will not only in Israel but also within the corridors of power of the world's greatest empires, using or bypassing their authority structures [[Daniel 1:3]].
* **Divine Reversal:** In Esther, a "most **noble**" `{{H6579}}` prince is the agent chosen to publicly elevate Mordecai, demonstrating God's power to exalt the humble and use the established authorities to do so [[Esther 6:9]].
* **The Exilic Context:** The term illustrates the environment of the Jewish exile, where God's people were subject to foreign rulers and their **nobles** `{{H6579}}`. It is in this context of apparent powerlessness that God demonstrates His faithfulness and orchestrates deliverance for His people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6579}}` **partam** is a specific title of Persian origin for a noble or grandee. Though it appears only three times, it serves a crucial role in establishing the political setting of the Babylonian and Persian empires in the biblical narrative. Its usage highlights the immense human power present in these courts, which in turn magnifies the supreme sovereignty of God, who moves among these kings and **nobles** to protect His people and fulfill His divine purposes.
TRV