אֲפָֽרְסְכָיֵא (a.phar.se.khay)
a.phar.se.khay
governors; govenors
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term apharsachites appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of Ezra, referring to officials or governors who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple. Its exact etymology remains unclear, with ancient sources offering speculative translations such as "causers of division" or "I will divide the deceivers." Most modern scholars view it not as a descriptive nickname but as a specific administrative title used within the Persian imperial system.
Lexical notes indicate that this word may denote either a distinct people group or a particular office of authority. In Ezra 4:9, these figures are listed alongside other regional leaders who sent a letter to King Artaxerxes. The text treats them as established authorities with jurisdiction over the area west of the Euphrates, highlighting the political complexity the returning exiles faced under foreign rule.
Translators typically render the term simply as "governors" or "satraps," focusing on their function rather than attempting to decode the uncertain root. This approach reflects the consensus that the word identifies a class of Persian administrators who monitored local construction projects and reported any potential threats to imperial stability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apharsachites appears in Ezra to describe Persian officials who monitored the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple. These governors were not merely bureaucratic figures; they represented the political and spiritual pressures faced by the returning exiles. Their opposition highlights how faith often develops under scrutiny from those in power.
For believers today, this term reminds us that God’s work may face resistance from established systems. Yet the narrative shows that divine purpose prevails despite administrative hurdles. Trusting God’s timing remains central when external authorities challenge spiritual renewal.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- officials/ the2×
- and/ officials/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/אֲפַרְסַתְכָיֵ֞/א1×
- אֲפַרְסְכָיֵ֔/א1×
- אֲפַ֨רְסְכָיֵ֔/א1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:9
Then Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites,
This verse lists the Apharsachites among other regional leaders opposing the temple reconstruction, showing their role in coordinated resistance.
-
Ezra 5:6
The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king follows.
Here they are identified as companions of Tattenai, emphasizing their official status in reporting to King Darius about Jewish activities.
-
Ezra 6:6
Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there.
The king orders them to stay away from the temple site, demonstrating how imperial authority ultimately protected the rebuilding effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Apharsachites mean?
Why are these officials important in Ezra?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 3 verses
Then Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the…
Ezra 5:6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the…
Ezra 6:6Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are…