דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ (dar.ya.vesh)
dar.ya.vesh
Darius
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Darius appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, serving as a marker for the political powers that shaped the post-exilic community. It refers to several Persian kings across different eras, most notably Darius I, who reigned from 521 BC and authorized the rebuilding of the Temple, and Darius II, whose rule overlaps with the ministry of Nehemiah.
Lexical sources distinguish between these figures, noting that the Darius in Zechariah and Haggai is likely Darius I, while the ruler in Nehemiah 12:22 is probably Darius II. The name itself carries the meaning "he who holds firm," reflecting the stability of the Persian administration during this critical period of Jewish restoration.
Its presence in Daniel adds historical complexity, as it may refer to a Median ruler or serve as a title for a co-regent. This usage highlights the intricate political landscape of the ancient Near East, where foreign monarchs played decisive roles in the fulfillment of prophetic timelines and the survival of the Jewish people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Darius appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, marking a period where foreign kings held significant power over God's people. This name refers to several Persian rulers, most notably Darius I, who reigned from 521 BC and authorized the rebuilding of the Temple. His reign is mentioned in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, showing how political stability allowed the Jewish community to restore their worship.
Another ruler, likely Darius II, is noted in Nehemiah during the time of Eliashib and Joiada. The name itself carries the meaning "he who holds firm," reflecting the steady administration of the Persian Empire. This stability provided a crucial backdrop for the prophets to deliver God's word, reminding us that God works through historical events and leaders to fulfill His purposes.
In Daniel, the mention of Darius the Mede adds complexity, possibly referring to a Median ruler or a co-regent. These references highlight the intricate political landscape of the ancient Near East, where foreign monarchs played decisive roles in the survival of the Jewish people. Understanding this context helps us see God's hand in history, even when His people are under foreign rule.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of/ Darius8×
- Darius2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/דָרְיָ֑וֶשׁ3×
- לְ/דָרְיָ֖וֶשׁ2×
- דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ2×
- לְ/דָרְיָ֥וֶשׁ1×
- לְ/דָרְיָ֣וֶשׁ1×
- לְ/דָרְיָ֛וֶשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Haggai 1:1
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, Yahweh’s word came by Haggai the prophet, to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,
This verse marks the beginning of Haggai's prophecy in the second year of Darius, urging the people to rebuild the Temple.
-
Zechariah 1:1
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, Yahweh’s word came to the prophet Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying,
Zechariah receives his first vision in the eighth month of Darius's second year, encouraging the post-exilic community.
-
Daniel 9:1
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the offspring of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—
Daniel reflects on Jeremiah's prophecy during the first year of Darius the Mede, setting the stage for his prayer and vision.
-
Ezra 4:5
They hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
This verse shows how opponents hired counselors to frustrate the Jews' purpose from Cyrus's time until Darius's reign.