אֲדַרְגָּזֵר (a.dar.ga.zer)
a.dar.ga.zer
judge
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun aḏargāzēr appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Daniel (2:49 and 3:30). It is translated as "judge" or "counsellor," but its precise meaning remains debated among scholars. The word likely refers to a high-ranking official or advisor in the Persian court, rather than a legal magistrate in the modern sense.
Its etymology is uncertain, with some suggesting it may be of foreign origin, possibly Aramaic or Persian, reflecting the international nature of Daniel’s setting. In Daniel 2:49, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are appointed to oversee the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself is made "chief of the governors" over all such officials. The term emphasizes wisdom and administrative authority rather than judicial sentencing.
Because it occurs so rarely, aḏargāzēr offers limited insight into broader Hebrew usage. However, its appearance in Daniel highlights the theme of God-raising faithful individuals to positions of influence within pagan empires. The word underscores that divine wisdom can operate through appointed leaders, even in foreign systems.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aḏargāzēr appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the book of Daniel. It likely refers to a high-ranking official or advisor in the Persian court rather than a legal magistrate in the modern sense. This rare term highlights how God places faithful individuals in positions of influence within pagan empires, using their wisdom and administrative authority for His purposes.
When we consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego appointed to oversee the province of Babylon, or Daniel made chief over these officials, we see divine wisdom operating through appointed leaders. Even in foreign systems, God raises up those who remain faithful to Him. This reminds us that our own roles, whatever they may be, can serve as avenues for God’s guidance and provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- counselors/ the2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲדַרְגָּזְרַיָּ֣/א1×
- אֲדַרְגָּזְרַיָּ/א֩1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:2
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
This verse lists the judges among other officials gathered for Nebuchadnezzar's image dedication, showing the term's use in a royal administrative context.
-
Daniel 3:3
Then the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Here the same group of judges and governors stands before the image, illustrating their presence at a pivotal moment of testing for God's people.