Lexical Summary Parsay: Persian Original Word: פַרְסִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Persian (Aramaic) corresponding to Parciy -- Persian. see HEBREW Parciy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to Parsi Definition inhab. of Persia NASB Translation Persian (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַּרְסַי] adjective, of a people Persian; — emphatic פרסיא Kt, מְּרְסָאָה Qr (K§ 61, 6) Daniel 6:29 the Persian. Topical Lexicon Biblical OccurrenceThe term פַרְסִי appears a single time in Scripture, Daniel 6:28: “So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”. Here it identifies Cyrus by his ethnic origin, marking the transition from the Median to the Persian phase of imperial rule that followed the fall of Babylon. Historical Setting: The Persian Empire in Daniel's Lifetime At the close of the sixth century B.C., Cyrus II unified the Medes and Persians, creating a vast empire that stretched from Asia Minor to the borders of India. His capture of Babylon in 539 B.C. fulfilled Isaiah’s century-old prophecy (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-4). The book of Daniel records the immediate impact of this regime change on the Jewish exile community. Daniel, already a trusted administrator under Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, continued to serve with distinction “during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian,” illustrating God’s sovereignty over successive empires and His ability to preserve His servants under every political order. Prophetic Continuity Between Medo-Persia and the Kingdom of God Daniel’s visions present Medo-Persia as the second kingdom in the series of four (Daniel 2:39; Daniel 7:5). By explicitly calling Cyrus “the Persian,” Daniel anchors the prophetic sequence in verifiable history. The rise of Persia thus becomes a touchstone for recognizing the accuracy of God’s long-range plan, encouraging believers that the final, everlasting kingdom will likewise arrive at its appointed time. Cyrus the Persian as a Foreshadow of Messianic Deliverance Cyrus is uniquely titled the LORD’s “shepherd” and “anointed” (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1), prefiguring Christ’s redemptive work. As Cyrus issued the decree that liberated the exiles and financed the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 1:1-4; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23), so the Messiah proclaims liberty to the captives and builds a living temple composed of believers (Luke 4:18; 1 Peter 2:5). Daniel’s mention of Cyrus the Persian therefore prepares the reader to see the broader biblical theme of God using unexpected instruments—sometimes pagan rulers—to advance His salvific purposes. Persia in Salvation History Beyond Daniel 1. Restoration of Worship: Under Persian authority, the altar was re-erected (Ezra 3:1-6) and the second temple completed (Ezra 6:14-18). Ministry Implications and Contemporary Application • Confidence in Providence: Daniel’s continued prosperity “during … Cyrus the Persian” assures believers that vocational faithfulness can transcend political upheaval. Recognizing פַרְסִי as a marker of God’s unfolding plan invites the church to read world events through the lens of Scripture, anticipating the ultimate triumph of the kingdom that “will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). Forms and Transliterations פָּרְסָאָֽה׃ פרסאה׃ pā·rə·sā·’āh pārəsā’āh paresaAhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:28 HEB: [פָּרְסָיָא כ] (פָּרְסָאָֽה׃ ק) פ NAS: and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. KJV: and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. INT: the reign of Cyrus Persian 1 Occurrence |
    |