אַרְצָא (ar.tsa)
ar.tsa
Arza
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Arza appears in Scripture as a proper noun, identifying a specific individual during the era of the Divided Monarchy. He is recorded solely in 1 Kings 16:9 as an official serving under Elah, the king of Israel.
Lexical sources suggest the name may derive from a root meaning "earthy" or related to the ground, though its primary function here is simply identification. Arza held the position of chamberlain, a role involving close attendance and administrative responsibility within the royal court.
This single mention places him in a turbulent period of Israel’s history, marked by political instability and rapid changes in leadership. His name serves as a historical marker, anchoring the biblical narrative to real people who operated behind the scenes of ancient power structures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Arza appears only once in Scripture, recorded in 1 Kings 16:9 as the official in charge of King Elah’s household in Tirzah. While the text does not elaborate on his personal faith or character, his presence reminds us that God’s historical narrative includes those who work behind the scenes. In a time of political instability and royal intrigue, Arza held a position of significant trust within the royal court.
This brief mention invites reflection on the unseen roles people play in their communities today. Whether managing a household or leading an organization, individuals often operate with responsibility and integrity even when history does not record their names. The Bible’s attention to such details underscores that every person has a place in God’s broader story, regardless of how prominent their public role may be.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Arza1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַרְצָ֔א1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 16:9
His servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him. Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah;
This verse identifies Arza as the manager of King Elah's household, highlighting his administrative authority during a period of royal conspiracy.