מִתְרְדָת (mit.re.dat)
mit.re.dat
Mithredath
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Mithredath appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Ezra. It identifies two distinct Persian officials who played roles during the restoration of Jerusalem after the exile. The first is mentioned in Ezra 1:8 as a treasurer under King Cyrus, while the second serves as an officer in Samaria during the reign of Artaxerxes in Ezra 4:7.
Linguistically, the name means "given by Mithra," referencing the ancient Persian deity of covenants and light. This etymology highlights the cultural intersection of the period, where Jewish leaders operated within a broader imperial framework that included Zoroastrian influences. The recurrence of this specific name among Persian administrators suggests it was a notable title or family designation in that era.
These brief mentions underscore the historical reality of the post-exilic community. They were not isolated but integrated into the administrative machinery of the Persian Empire. The presence of Mithredath in both the initial return and later political conflicts illustrates the complex diplomatic landscape the returned exiles navigated to rebuild their religious and civic life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mithredath appears twice in Ezra, identifying Persian officials who handled Jewish affairs. One managed temple funds under Cyrus; another wrote to Artaxerxes opposing reconstruction. These brief mentions show God’s people living within a foreign empire.
For believers today, this reminds us that faithfulness happens in ordinary settings. God uses even pagan administrators to protect His plans. Your daily work and civic duties matter to Him too. He is present in complex political landscapes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mithredath2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִתְרְדָ֤ת1×
- מִתְרְדָ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 1:8
even those, Cyrus king of Persia brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.
Mithredath acts as treasurer, ensuring temple vessels are returned safely.
-
Ezra 4:7
In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in Syrian and delivered in the Syrian language.
This Mithredath joins opponents in writing to halt Jerusalem's rebuilding.