כּ֫וֹרֶשׁ (ko.resh)
ko.resh
Cyrus
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name koresh refers to Cyrus, the king of Persia who conquered Babylon and issued the decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. This historical figure appears in five verses, primarily within the book of Ezra, where his actions mark a turning point for the restored community.
Lexical sources note that the name likely means "possess thou the furnace," though this etymology does not carry theological weight in the biblical text itself. Instead, Cyrus is significant as an instrument of divine providence, chosen to fulfill prophecy regarding the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Jerusalem.
Unlike other Hebrew kings who often opposed Israel, Cyrus is portrayed positively, even called God’s "anointed" in Isaiah 45:1 (though that verse is not in the supplied occurrence list, the general positive portrayal is consistent with Ezra). His decree represents a moment of political and spiritual freedom for the exiles, demonstrating how foreign rulers can serve God’s purposes without knowing Him personally.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
History often feels like a series of random events, but Scripture reveals a steady hand guiding nations. Cyrus was a foreign ruler who issued a decree allowing exiled people to return home and rebuild their temple. This story shows that God uses unexpected leaders to bring about restoration, even when those leaders do not know Him personally.
For believers today, this offers deep comfort. It reminds us that no political change or historical shift is outside of God’s awareness. When communities face disruption or loss, there is hope for renewal. You can trust that the same God who moved a king’s heart to restore Jerusalem is actively working in your life, bringing order out of chaos and purpose out of confusion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Cyrus5×
- of/ Cyrus2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כּ֣וֹרֶשׁ3×
- כּ֤וֹרֶשׁ2×
- לְ/כ֥וֹרֶשׁ1×
- לְ/כ֣וֹרֶשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:3
In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house be built, the place where they offer sacrifices, and let its foundations be strongly laid, with its height sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits;
This verse records the specific dimensions for the temple, showing how God’s decree provided practical structure for rebuilding.
-
Ezra 5:14
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king also took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor.
It highlights the return of sacred vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar, demonstrating physical restoration alongside spiritual freedom.
-
Ezra 6:14
The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
This passage links the success of the builders directly to the authority of Cyrus’s decree, showing divine provision through royal order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cyrus in the Bible?
Why is Cyrus called God's anointed?
What did Cyrus decree regarding the temple?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 5 verses
But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.
Ezra 5:14The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 5:17Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…
Ezra 6:3In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house…
Ezra 6:14The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of…