מְדִינָה (me.di.nah)
me.di.nah
province
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The noun medinah refers to a province or administrative district within an empire. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears eleven times, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra, where it describes the political subdivisions of foreign powers like Babylon and Persia. The word conveys a sense of organized territory governed by royal authority rather than independent local rule.
Its usage highlights the reach of imperial administration over diverse peoples. For instance, Ezra records how decrees were sent to all the provinces (medinot) beyond the River, ensuring that the king’s orders were obeyed everywhere (Ezra 6:8). Similarly, Daniel uses the term when describing the vastness of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom, which extended over many such districts.
This Aramaic term is distinct from its Hebrew counterpart medinah (H4082), though both share the root meaning "land" or "country." While the Hebrew form often carries broader connotations of land or territory, the Aramaic medinah in these texts specifically denotes a political unit under imperial control. It reflects a world where local identities were managed through structured governance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word medinah describes a specific administrative district within a vast empire like Babylon or Persia. In these texts, it highlights how foreign powers organized their territories under strict royal authority. For believers living in exile, this meant navigating a complex political landscape where local identities were managed by distant kings.
Yet, the narrative shows that God’s people were not merely subjects of an empire. Daniel and his friends served faithfully within these provincial structures, holding high offices while remaining loyal to God. Their presence in the heart of imperial power demonstrates that faithfulness is possible even within systems that do not acknowledge divine authority.
This word reminds us that our citizenship in heaven does not remove us from earthly responsibilities. We can serve with integrity in any province or position we occupy, trusting that God’s sovereignty extends over all human governments and their boundaries.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] province of4×
- provinces/ the2×
- province/ the2×
- in/ [the] province of2×
- and/ provinces1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְדִינַ֣ת4×
- מְדִינְתָּ֖/ה1×
- מְדִֽינָתָ֔/א1×
- מְדִֽינָתָ֑/א1×
- מְדִֽינְתָּ/א֙1×
- וּ/מְדִנָ֔ן1×
- בִּ/מְדִינַ֥ת1×
- בִּ/מְדִינַ֖ת1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:8
Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with great stones and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on with diligence and prospers in their hands.
This verse identifies the specific location where the temple rebuilding took place, grounding the spiritual work within a concrete political boundary.
-
Daniel 2:48
Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts, and made him rule over the whole province of Babylon and to be chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.
Daniel’s appointment over this province shows how God elevated a faithful servant to influence within the highest levels of imperial administration.
-
Daniel 3:12
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, have not respected you. They don’t serve your gods, and don’t worship the golden image which you have set up.”
The accusers specifically mention Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s official roles in the province to highlight their perceived betrayal of royal authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does medinah mean in the Bible?
How is medinah different from eretz?
Why does Daniel mention medinah so often?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 4 verses
that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…
Ezra 5:8Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built…
Ezra 6:2A scroll was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, and in it this was written for a record:
Ezra 7:16and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the…