דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ (dar.ya.vesh)
dar.ya.vesh
Darius
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Darius appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It refers to Persian kings who ruled during the period when Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and restore the city walls. The sources identify three possible historical figures: Darius the Mede, Darius I Hystaspes, or Darius II Nothus.
Most scholars associate the name with Darius I, whose reign began in 521 BC and coincided with the completion of the Temple described in Ezra 6. His authority is cited as the legal basis for allowing the Jewish community to continue their construction work after earlier opposition. This connection highlights how foreign imperial power sometimes facilitated the religious restoration of a displaced people.
The name itself carries the meaning "he who holds firm the good," reflecting the Persian royal tradition. By appearing in these specific historical contexts, Darius serves as a narrative marker for the era of rebuilding, illustrating the political landscape that shaped the post-exilic community’s identity and survival.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about Darius in Ezra, we see a foreign king whose decree allowed God’s people to finish rebuilding their temple. This story shows that even leaders who do not know the Lord can play a part in His plans. For us, this is a reminder that God works through all kinds of circumstances and people to bring about His purposes.
We often face delays or opposition when trying to do what is right. The account of Darius encourages us to trust that God sees our efforts. Just as the elders waited for the king’s answer, we can wait on God with patience. He is faithful to provide the resources and opportunities we need to complete the work He has given us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Darius6×
- to/ Darius2×
- and/ Darius1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ3×
- לְ/דָרְיָ֥וֶשׁ1×
- לְ/דָרְיָ֣וֶשׁ1×
- וְ/דָרְיָ֔וֶשׁ1×
- דָּרְיָ֧וֶשׁ1×
- דָּרְיָ֖וֶשׁ1×
- דָרְיָ֙וֶשׁ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:24
Then work stopped on God’s house which is at Jerusalem. It stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
This verse marks the pause in construction, showing how external political forces can halt spiritual progress until God raises up new leadership.
-
Ezra 6:1
Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was searched.
Darius’s search for records demonstrates how God uses historical documents and royal archives to vindicate His people and restore their rights.
-
Ezra 6:12
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree. Let it be done with all diligence.
The king’s decree includes a blessing on the temple, illustrating how even pagan rulers can inadvertently affirm God’s dwelling place among His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Darius in the Bible?
Why does Darius matter for Christians today?
What did Darius decree regarding the temple?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 9 verses
Then work stopped on God’s house which is at Jerusalem. It stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of…
Ezra 5:5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…
Ezra 5:6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the…
Ezra 5:7They sent a letter to him, in which was written: To Darius the king, all peace.
Ezra 6:1Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was…
Ezra 6:12May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter…
Ezra 6:13Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence,…
Ezra 6:14The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of…
Ezra 6:15This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.