Lexical Summary achashdarpan: Satrap Original Word: אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lieutenant Of Persian derivation; a satrap or governor of a main province (of Persia) -- lieutenant. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition satraps NASB Translation satraps (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲחַשְׁדַּרְמְּנִים noun masculine plural satraps (Persian Khshatrapâvan, protectors of the realm, see SpiegAPK 215 = ἐξατράπης, σατράπης, compare LagG. Abh. 68, 14: Semitic i. 42 f, who reads אַחְשַׁדְרְפָן) — ׳א Esther 8:9; Esther 9:3; construct אֲחַשְׁדַּרְמְּנֵי Esther 3:11; Ezra 8:36. Topical Lexicon BackgroundThe word designates the regional governors of the Persian Empire, men who stood immediately under the king and wielded both civil and military authority within their provinces. Classical writers such as Herodotus describe the empire as divided into roughly twenty satrapies; Scripture focuses on those west of the Euphrates and in the Mesopotamian heartland, where the restored Jewish community lived under Persian rule. The term appears only in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Esther, underscoring the historical setting of God’s people within the Achaemenid administration. Occurrences in Scripture “Then they delivered the king’s orders to the royal satraps and governors of Trans-Euphrates, who gave assistance to the people and to the house of God.” Esther 3:12; 8:9; 9:3 record the satraps receiving, transmitting, and enforcing royal edicts—first the genocidal decree inspired by Haman, then the counter-decree engineered by Mordecai. Esther 9:3 notes, “All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the royal administrators supported the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.” Administrative Role in Ezra In Ezra the satraps west of the Euphrates are the immediate recipients of Artaxerxes’ written authorization for temple service. Their compliance shows the Lord turning imperial structures toward His covenant purposes, fulfilling earlier promises that foreign kings would aid Zion (Isaiah 45:13). The verse also demonstrates the hierarchal order: royal decree → satraps → sub-governors → local action. Political Dynamics in Esther The book of Esther portrays the satrapal network twice mobilized: first by wicked Haman, then by righteous Mordecai. Because every province had its own script and language (Esther 8:9), the satraps served as crucial links ensuring uniform enforcement across “one hundred twenty-seven provinces from India to Cush.” Their reversal of allegiance after Mordecai’s rise illustrates divine sovereignty over the hearts of rulers (Proverbs 21:1) and foreshadows the ultimate preservation of the Messianic line. Historical Significance 1. Expression of Imperial Reach The repeated listing of satraps, governors, and lesser officials emphasizes the breadth of Persian power and the global stage upon which redemptive history was unfolding. 2. Legal Infrastructure Persian law was famous for its fixity (cf. Daniel 6:8). By placing decrees in the hands of satraps, the narrative highlights both the peril and protection that such an immutable system could bring to God’s people. 3. Confirmation of Biblical Accuracy Archaeological and classical sources corroborate the existence and titles of satraps, supporting the Bible’s precise depiction of fifth-century politics. Theological Themes • Providence: Whether in granting safe passage and temple support (Ezra) or turning deadly plots into deliverance (Esther), the Lord rules over distant bureaucrats for His people’s good. Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Engage Civil Structures Prayerfully. Ezra secured cooperation through royal channels; believers can likewise seek lawful means to advance kingdom work while trusting God to incline officials’ hearts. Summary The satraps represented the might of Persia, yet the four biblical mentions of אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפַן reveal that even the highest provincial authorities are instruments in the hands of the Lord. Their presence frames key moments in post-exilic history—temple restoration and national preservation—demonstrating that God’s redemptive plan marches unhindered through the corridors of worldly power. Forms and Transliterations אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵֽי־ אחשדרפני־ הָאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִֽים־ האחשדרפנים־ וְהָאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִ֣ים והאחשדרפנים לַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵי֙ לאחשדרפני ’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nê- ’ăḥašdarpənê- achashdarpenei hā’ăḥašdarpənîm- hā·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nîm- haachashdarpenim la’ăḥašdarpənê la·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nê laachashdarpeNei vehaachashdarpeNim wə·hā·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nîm wəhā’ăḥašdarpənîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 8:36 HEB: דָּתֵ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ לַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵי֙ הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ וּפַחֲו֖וֹת NAS: to the king's satraps and to the governors KJV: unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors INT: edicts the king's satraps to the king's the governors Esther 3:12 Esther 8:9 Esther 9:3 4 Occurrences |
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