Lexical Summary apharesaye: Apharsathites Original Word: אֲפָרְסַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Apharsite (Aramaic) of foreign origin (only in the plural); an Apherasite or inhabitant of an unknown region of Assyria -- Apharsite. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition official NASB Translation secretaries (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲפָֽרְסָיֵא (K§ 52, 2 d)) proper name, plural of a people Ezra 4:9, ᵐ5L Ἀφρασαῖοι, A Ἀφαρσαῖοι; GesLex. Man. RöThes. Add. 107 HoffmZA ii. 55 MeyEnst. J. 38 Persians; DlBaer Ezr 60 Scheft75 Parsua (in Media [see StreckZA xv.308 ff.]; yet v. COTon the passage); Marquart64 (א)סָֽרְַיָּא secretaries (א dittograph of preceding); often identify. with following, so AndrM 53*. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Ezra 4:9 records the אֲפָרְסַי (Apharsai) among the peoples who wrote to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and temple. The Berean Standard Bible reads: “From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and magistrates over Tripolis, Persia, Erech, and Babylon, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites—”. The Apharsai stand within this coalition of transplanted peoples settled in the former Northern Kingdom region. Historical Setting 1. Imperial Relocation Policy The Assyrian and later Babylonian-Persian empires routinely moved conquered populations to weaken national identities and ensure loyalty (2 Kings 17:24). By the time of Ezra, the Persian administration governed an ethnically mixed province encompassing Samaria and Judea. The Apharsai represent one of these transplanted ethnic groups. 2. Identity and Origin Linguistic links suggest a Persian derivation (related to Old Persian “Parsa”), distinguishing them from Mesopotamian, Elamite, and Susian neighbors. Their inclusion with “Persia, Erech, and Babylon” in Ezra 4:9 supports a western Persian origin, possibly officials or military settlers loyal to the crown. 3. Political Motivation The rebuilding of Jerusalem threatened provincial power structures. As beneficiaries of Persian favor, the Apharsai feared a restored Jewish autonomy that might diminish their influence or invite imperial scrutiny. Their petition leveraged imperial bureaucracy to obstruct spiritual restoration. Role in Redemptive History The brief mention of the Apharsai illustrates the spiritual opposition the returning exiles faced. Though the Persian decree under Cyrus authorized temple reconstruction (Ezra 1:1–4), local adversaries exploited administrative channels to delay obedience to God’s command. The episode underscores that earthly authority can either aid or hinder divine purposes, yet the sovereign plan prevails (Ezra 6:14). Theological Themes 1. God’s Sovereignty over Nations The presence of multiple ethnic groups, including the Apharsai, in the lands of Israel fulfills prophetic warnings of dispersion (Deuteronomy 28:64) yet also sets the stage for demonstrating God’s authority over kings and peoples (Proverbs 21:1). 2. Perseverance of the Faithful Opposition from groups like the Apharsai tested the resolve of the remnant. Their resistance highlights the necessity of steadfast obedience to prophetic exhortation (Haggai 2:4–5) and reliance on covenant promises. 3. Purity of Worship Interaction with syncretistic populations emphasized the call for holiness (Ezra 6:21). The exiles’ refusal to compromise with the Apharsai-led coalition protected the distinct worship of Yahweh and safeguarded messianic hope. Ministry Implications 1. Spiritual Opposition Often Wears Bureaucratic Garb Modern believers may face institutional challenges when advancing God’s work. Understanding Ezra 4 equips churches to respond with prayerful perseverance rather than discouragement. 2. Faithful Leadership Engages Civil Authorities Wisely Jewish leaders appealed to higher imperial decrees (Ezra 5:13–17), modeling respectful yet resolute engagement. Christians today can lawfully advocate for religious freedom while trusting God’s ultimate governance. 3. Inclusion without Compromise Though surrounded by diverse cultures, the post-exilic community maintained covenant distinctiveness. Ministry in pluralistic settings requires hospitality coupled with doctrinal fidelity (1 Peter 3:15). Key Takeaways • אֲפָרְסַי designates a Persian-linked group settled in Samaria who opposed Jerusalem’s restoration. Forms and Transliterations אֲפָֽרְסָיֵ֗א אפרסיא ’ă·p̄ā·rə·sā·yê ’ăp̄ārəsāyê afaresaYeLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:9 HEB: וַאֲפַרְסַתְכָיֵ֞א טַרְפְּלָיֵ֣א אֲפָֽרְסָיֵ֗א [אַרְכְּוָי כ] NAS: the officials, the secretaries, the men of Erech, KJV: the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, INT: and the lesser the officials the secretaries Archevite the Babylonians 1 Occurrence |
    |