(Aramaic) or אֲפַרְסַתְכַי; (Aramaic), of foreign origin (only in the plural); an Apharsekite or Apharsathkite, an unknown Assyrian tribe; Apharsachites, Apharasthchites.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼĂpharçᵉkay**, represented by `{{H671}}`, identifies an **Apharsekite** or **Apharsathkite**. The term is of foreign origin and refers to an unknown Assyrian tribe. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, always in the plural form. In scripture, it is rendered as either the **Apharsachites** or **Apharsathchites**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H671}}` is used exclusively within the book of Ezra to identify a specific group involved in the political affairs surrounding the rebuilding of Jerusalem. In [[Ezra 4:9]], the **Apharsathchites** are listed among several other foreign peoples who were **companions** of officials opposing the Jews. Later, in a letter to King Darius, they are identified as the **companions** of Tatnai, the governor on that side of the river [[Ezra 5:6]]. This group is then directly addressed in the king's decree, which commands Tatnai and his **companions the Apharsachites** to cease their interference with the project [[Ezra 6:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the political and social context of the Apharsachites:
* `{{H3675}}` **kᵉnâth** (companion): This term, defined as a **colleague**, is used in every instance to describe the relationship of the Apharsachites to the regional officials ([[Ezra 4:9]], [[Ezra 5:6]], [[Ezra 6:6]]). It establishes them as part of an official administrative body.
* `{{H6347}}` **pechâh** (governor): Defined as a **prefect** or **captain**, this word identifies the official leader, Tatnai, with whom the Apharsachites were associated as companions ([[Ezra 5:6]], [[Ezra 6:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H671}}` is primarily historical and narrative rather than directly theological. It serves to:
* **Illustrate Opposition:** The Apharsachites are consistently listed among the groups who officially opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, demonstrating the political obstacles faced by the returning exiles [[Ezra 4:9]].
* **Establish Administrative Context:** Their identification as **companions** of a **governor** [[Ezra 5:6]] places the narrative squarely within the historical context of the Persian empire's regional administration. The detailed listing of this and other tribes underscores the official and organized nature of the resistance.
* **Highlight Divine Sovereignty:** The mention of the Apharsachites as part of the opposition that is ultimately overruled by King Darius's decree [[Ezra 6:6]] serves to reinforce the theme of God's power to work through secular authorities to accomplish His will.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H671}}` **ʼĂpharçᵉkay** is a specific term for an otherwise unknown Assyrian tribe active during the Persian period. Occurring only in the book of Ezra, the Apharsachites (or Apharsathchites) are always identified as **companions** within a group of officials opposing the work in Jerusalem. Their presence in these official letters adds historical texture to the narrative, illustrating the organized political resistance the Jews faced and the authority of the Persian king that ultimately allowed God's work to proceed.
TRV