פֶּחָה (pe.chah)
pe.chah
governor
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun peḥā refers to a provincial governor or official appointed by a royal authority. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, where this language appears, it identifies the administrators who manage the affairs of the Persian Empire’s territories. These figures hold significant power, acting as intermediaries between the imperial court and the local population.
Its usage highlights the political reality of the exiled communities living under foreign rule. The term appears in contexts where these officials interact with Jewish leaders, sometimes overseeing reconstruction projects or enforcing royal decrees. This role is distinct from a king; it denotes a high-ranking servant of the crown rather than a sovereign ruler.
The word underscores the tension between earthly power and divine sovereignty. While peḥā represents human authority structured by empire, the biblical narrative often shows God working through or alongside these very officials to fulfill His purposes. The presence of this term in Daniel reminds readers that even in exile, administrative structures exist within a broader divine plan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word peḥah refers to a provincial governor, an official appointed by a powerful empire to manage local affairs. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, these figures represent the complex political reality of living under foreign rule. They held significant authority, acting as intermediaries between the imperial court and the people on the ground.
For believers today, this word reminds us that God’s purposes are not limited by human governments or historical circumstances. Even when exiled communities faced oversight from officials like Tattenai, God worked through these structures to protect His temple and fulfill His promises. Your current context, whether in times of peace or pressure, is also held within His sovereign plan.
This perspective offers comfort. You are not outside of God’s care because you live under earthly authorities. He can use even the most unlikely human leaders to advance His will. Trusting in this divine sovereignty allows us to navigate our own seasons with confidence and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] governor of5×
- and/ governors/ the3×
- governor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פַּחַ֧ת2×
- וּֽ/פַחֲוָתָ֡/א2×
- פַּחַ֨ת1×
- פַּחַ֤ת1×
- פַּחַ֣ת1×
- פֶחָ֖ה1×
- וּ/פַחֲוָתָ/א֮1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:3
At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this wall?”
Tattenai, identified as the governor beyond the River, actively questions the Jewish leaders about their rebuilding project, showing how these officials enforced imperial oversight on religious activities.
-
Daniel 3:27
The local governors, the deputies, and the governors, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies. The hair of their head wasn’t singed. Their pants weren’t changed. The smell of fire wasn’t even on them.
The governors witness the miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, demonstrating that earthly authority must ultimately acknowledge God's supreme power over life and death.
-
Ezra 6:13
Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, because Darius the king had sent a decree.
Tattenai and his companions obey the king’s decree without delay, illustrating how human administrative structures can be used to facilitate the restoration of God’s house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does peḥah mean in the Bible?
Who is Tattenai in relation to this word?
Why does this word appear in Daniel?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 6 verses
At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and…
Ezra 5:6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the…
Ezra 5:14The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 6:6Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are…
Ezra 6:7Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of…
Ezra 6:13Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence,…