פַּרְשֶׁ֫גֶן (par.she.gen)
par.she.gen
copy
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The noun parshegen denotes an official copy or written document, appearing exclusively in the Aramaic sections of Ezra. It refers to a formal record that serves as evidence for legal claims or historical precedents within the Persian imperial administration. The word is essentially the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew patshagen, reflecting the bilingual nature of the court records during the exile period.
This term carries significant weight in its narrative context, where it functions as a tangible link to past royal decrees. In Ezra 4:15, the opponents of rebuilding Jerusalem argue their case by pointing to earlier copies of documents stored in the province of Babylon. These texts were not merely administrative clutter; they were authoritative instruments that defined the boundaries of permissible activity for the Jewish community.
Its usage highlights how written records operated as tools of political power and legal defense. The presence of such a specific term underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the Persian empire, where a single copy could determine the fate of a city or the status of a religious community. The word anchors the biblical narrative in the concrete reality of ancient bureaucracy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Ezra 4:11, we encounter a specific Aramaic word for an official copy or written document. This term refers to formal records kept by the Persian imperial administration, serving as evidence for legal claims or historical precedents. These documents were not mere administrative clutter but authoritative instruments that defined the boundaries of permissible activity for the Jewish community.
Understanding this word highlights how written records operated as tools of political power and legal defense in ancient times. The presence of such a specific term underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the Persian empire, where a single copy could determine the fate of a city or the status of a religious community. It anchors the biblical narrative in the concrete reality of ancient bureaucracy.
For your faith, this reminds us that God works through historical events and human institutions. Even when political powers use documents to restrict His people, God’s purposes prevail. The preservation of these records allows us to see how He guided His people through complex legal and social landscapes, offering hope that He is present in the details of our own lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] copy of1×
- [is] [the] copy of1×
- <the> copy of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן2×
- פַּרְשֶׁ֤גֶן1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 4:11
This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
This verse introduces the term as part of a formal letter sent to King Artaxerxes, establishing its role in official diplomatic correspondence.
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Ezra 4:23
Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force of arms.
Here, the reading of this copy triggers an immediate military response, showing how such documents had real-world consequences for the Jewish community.
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Ezra 5:6
The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king follows.
The governor Tattenai references this type of document in his report to King Darius, demonstrating its continued relevance in ongoing political disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 3 verses
This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
Ezra 4:23Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they…
Ezra 5:6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the…