Lexical Summary din: To judge, to contend, to plead Original Word: דִּין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance judge (Aramaic) corresp. To diyn; to judge -- judge. Or diyn, {deen}; or (Job 19:29). see HEBREW diyn NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to din Definition to judge NASB Translation judge* (1). Topical Lexicon Overview This verb expresses the act of rendering judgment, deciding a case, or governing by applying a standard of law. Its solitary appearance in Ezra provides a concentrated window into the nature of godly adjudication and delegated authority in Israel’s post-exilic community. Occurrence in Scripture Ezra 7:25 records Artaxerxes’ charge to Ezra: “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people beyond the River—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach anyone who does not know them.” Historical Setting Ezra returned to Jerusalem in 458 BC armed with the king’s decree authorizing him to re-establish Torah obedience. Persia’s imperial policy often relied on native legal traditions to secure local stability; thus Artaxerxes entrusted Ezra to install a judicial infrastructure. The verb highlights the legal function of the appointed officials, whose authority rested on God’s law even while receiving validation from a Gentile monarch—a striking testimony to divine sovereignty over world powers (see Ezra 1:1; Proverbs 21:1). Theological Significance 1. Divine Standard: Judgment is anchored in “the wisdom of your God,” not in Persian custom. The term underscores that authentic justice flows from God’s revealed will (Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Psalm 19:9). Practical Ministry Implications • Church Leadership: Elders and overseers today must “judge” doctrinal error and moral disputes by Scripture (1 Corinthians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:20-21). Connection to New Testament Revelation The concept culminates in Jesus Christ, appointed by the Father as the final Judge (Acts 10:42). His followers are called to exercise discernment now (John 7:24) while awaiting His perfect judgment, echoing Ezra’s combination of present responsibility and eschatological hope (2 Corinthians 5:10). Related Themes and References Justice: Psalm 89:14; Isaiah 30:18 Wisdom: Proverbs 2:6-9; James 3:17 Teaching the Law: Nehemiah 8:8-12; 1 Timothy 4:13 Divine Sovereignty over Kings: Daniel 2:21; Revelation 17:17 Forms and Transliterations דָּאיְנִין֙ דאינין dā·yə·nîn dayeNin dāyənînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 7:25 HEB: [דָּאֲנִין כ] (דָּאיְנִין֙ ק) לְכָל־ INT: who become judge all the people 1 Occurrence |
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