Lexical Summary dikrown: Thorn, prickle Original Word: דִּכְרוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance record (Aramaic) or dokran {dok-rawn'} (Aramaic); corresponding to zikrown; a register -- record. see HEBREW zikrown Brown-Driver-Briggs [דִּכְרוֺן] noun [masculine] memorandum, record (Biblical Hebrew זִכָּרוֺן, √ זָכַר; compare Nabataean, Palmyrene דבר(ו)ן Lzb268 SAC40 Cooke234 +); — emphatic דִּכְרוֺנָה Ezra 6:2. [דָּכְרָן] noun [masculine] id.; — plural emphatic סְפַר דָּכְרָנַיָּא Ezra 4:15 (twice in verse). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Cultural Setting דִּכְרוֹן identifies a written memorandum placed in an official archive. In the Persian period such memoranda preserved royal decrees, tax exemptions, and historical narratives for consultation by subsequent monarchs. The word therefore speaks of a secure governmental record rather than a casual note, an idea reinforced by the formidable locations mentioned in Ezra—imperial capitals fortified for both military and administrative reasons. Occurrences in Scripture • Ezra 4:15 (twice) – Enemies of the returned exiles petition Artaxerxes: “that a search may be made in the archives of your fathers. In these archives you will discover and realize that this city is a rebellious city…”. Historical Background: The Persian Archive System Persia (539–331 BC) maintained regional treasuries and record-houses (Ezra 5:17) where clay tablets, leather scrolls, and parchment rolls were catalogued. Ecbatana—the Median summer capital—housed duplicate copies of edicts issued in Babylon and Susa. Modern discoveries at Persepolis corroborate the biblical picture of meticulous bureaucratic record-keeping. דִּכְרוֹן thus fits seamlessly into known Persian practice and lends historical credibility to the Ezra narrative. Purpose within the Restoration Narrative 1. Verification of Covenant Favor. The scroll located in Ezra 6 substantiates Cyrus’ decree that authorized temple reconstruction, protecting the returned community from regional opposition. Theological Themes: Divine Remembrance and Sovereign Providence • Remembrance. While דִּכְרוֹן is human and secular, it echoes the divine “book of remembrance” in Malachi 3:16 and the heavenly “books” opened in Daniel 7:10. Earthly kings keep archives, yet their content ultimately serves the purposes of the King of kings. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Encourage meticulous record-keeping in church and mission work, knowing that God can use written testimonies decades later for vindication and guidance. Related Biblical Motifs • Esther 6:1–3 – Another Persian “book of the chronicles” brings Mordecai to royal attention, illustrating the recurring motif of providential records. In each instance דִּכְרוֹן reminds readers that nothing committed to writing—or to the memory of God—is ever beyond His reach when He moves to protect, direct, or reward His people. Forms and Transliterations דִּכְרוֹנָֽה׃ דָּכְרָ֨נַיָּ֜א דָּכְרָנַיָּא֮ דכרונה׃ דכרניא dā·ḵə·rā·nay·yā dacheRanaiYa dāḵərānayyā dichroNah diḵ·rō·w·nāh diḵrōwnāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:15 HEB: יְבַקַּר֩ בִּֽסְפַר־ דָּכְרָ֨נַיָּ֜א דִּ֣י אֲבָהָתָ֗ךְ NAS: may be made in the record books KJV: may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: INT: A search books the record so of your fathers Ezra 4:15 Ezra 6:2 3 Occurrences |
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