פָּרַס (pa.ras)
pa.ras
Persia
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Paras refers to Persia, the vast empire that dominated the ancient Near East during the post-exilic period. Its territory stretched from India in the east to Egypt and Thrace in the west, encompassing much of western Asia between the Black Sea and the Arabian desert. The sources indicate the name is of foreign origin, though some traditions associate it with meanings like "pure" or "splendid." In Scripture, it identifies both the land and its inhabitants, appearing frequently in the books of Ezra, Daniel, and Esther.
This word anchors the historical setting for the return of the Jewish exiles. It appears in Ezra as the power that issued decrees allowing the temple to be rebuilt (Ezra 1:1) and later as the political backdrop against which the community faced opposition (Ezra 4:5). In Esther, it defines the imperial court where the Jewish people found deliverance, while Daniel uses it to interpret visions of future kingdoms (Daniel 10:13).
Translators consistently render Paras as "Persia" or "Persians," reflecting its role as a geopolitical entity rather than a theological concept. The text treats it as the dominant earthly power that permitted the restoration of Jerusalem, highlighting how God worked through foreign empires to fulfill His promises to His people.
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 Persia in Scripture, we are not just looking at a map of an ancient empire. We are seeing how God works through history to fulfill His promises. The return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon was made possible by the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia. This shows that even foreign rulers can be used by God to advance His purposes and restore His people.
It is encouraging to know that God’s plan is not limited by political boundaries or human power. He stirred up the spirit of a pagan king to allow the temple to be rebuilt. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and that He cares deeply about the restoration of His community. We can trust that He is at work in our world, even when circumstances seem difficult.
The story of Esther also highlights God’s providence. Though His name is not mentioned in that book, He worked through a Jewish woman to save His people from destruction. This teaches us that God is always present and active, guiding events for the good of those who love Him. We can find hope in knowing that no power on earth is greater than His.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Persia23×
- and/ Persia2×
- for/ Persia1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פָּרַ֔ס8×
- פָּרָֽס\׃3×
- פָּרָ֑ס3×
- פָּרַ֣ס2×
- פָּרַ֗ס2×
- וּ/פָרָֽס\׃2×
- פָּרַ֖ס1×
- פָּֽרַס\־1×
- פָרָֽס\׃1×
- פָרַ֜ס1×
- פָֽרַס\־1×
- לְ/פָרַ֗ס1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 36:22
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that Yahweh’s word by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
This verse marks the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy, showing how God stirred a foreign king to release His people from exile.
-
Ezra 1:2
“Cyrus king of Persia says, ‘Yahweh, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Cyrus acknowledges Yahweh as the source of his authority, demonstrating that even pagan rulers can recognize the true God.
-
Esther 1:19
“If it pleases the king, let a royal commandment go from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it cannot be altered, that Vashti may never again come before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate to another who is better than she.
The unalterable laws of Persia become the very mechanism that protects Esther and her people from Haman’s plot.
-
Daniel 10:13
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I remained there with the kings of Persia.
This passage reveals a spiritual dimension to earthly empires, showing that divine beings engage in conflict on behalf of God’s people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Persia' mean in the Bible?
Why is Persia important for understanding the Old Testament?
How does Persia relate to Daniel’s visions?
Every Occurrence (22 verses across 4 books)
II Chronicles 3 verses
He carried those who had escaped from the sword away to Babylon, and they were servants to him and his sons until the…
II Chronicles 36:22Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that Yahweh’s word by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished,…
II Chronicles 36:23“Cyrus king of Persia says, ‘Yahweh, the God of heaven, has given all the kingdoms of the earth to me; and he has…