Persia In the Bible

Persia is an empire located in southern Asia. It was created by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC and was destroyed by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. It became a theocratic Islamic republic in the Middle East in western Asia. The Persian Empire is the name used to refer to many historical dynasties that have ruled the country of Persia now known as Iran. Persia’s earliest known kingdom was the proto-Elamite Empire, followed by the Medes, but it is the Achaemenid Empire that emerged under Cyrus the Great that is usually the earliest to be called “Persian.” However, it is placed on the Bible Timeline as early as the 14th century BC based on it’s earliest beginnings.

[This article continues after a message from the authors]
These Articles are Written by the Publishers of The Amazing Bible Timeline
Quickly See 6000 Years of Bible and World History Togetherbible timeline

Unique Circular Format – see more in less space.
Learn facts that you can’t learn just from reading the Bible
Attractive design ideal for your home, office, church …

Limited Time Offer! Find out more now! >

Persia,Biblical_and_Secular_Nation
The history of Iran, commonly known as Persia

In the Early history, the Elamite kingdom was found in what is now southwestern Iran and Mesopotamia. The nomadic people known as Scythians, Medes, and Persians ranged from Central Asia to the Iranian plateau. Cyrus the great overthrew the Median King to become the ruler of Persia and Media. Cyrus captured Babylon and released the Jews from captivity. Darius, I next became the king. He reestablished and extended the empire, carrying out the administrative reorganization.

Darius invaded the Greek mainland but was defeated at the Battle of Marathon. Before 1995, successive states were collectively called the Persian Empire by Western historians. The name Persia has long been used by the West to describe the nation of Iran, its people, or its ancient empire. Persis is derived from the ancient Greek name for Iran. This in turn comes from a province in the south of Iran, called Fars in the modern Persian language and Pars in Middle Persian. Persis is the Hellenized form of Pars, which is the basis for other European nations calling the area Persia.

Persians in the Bible

King Xerxes ruled over 127 territories in his kingdom. They reached from India all the way to Cush. The story of Esther tells of Persia. (Esther 1:1) This is how Persia is introduced in the Bible. Many historical Persian people have been mentioned in the Bible such as Cyrus the Great who has been referred to as a “Messiah” in the Old Testament. Cyrus the Great freed the Jews from captivity in Babylon through his Edict of Restoration in 538 BC and helped them to go back to the Jerusalem.He helped the Jewish people to rebuild their temples.

Many Jewish people worked in the Persian court, and Jewish law was recognized in Persia. Some historians believe that one or all of the three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus at the time of his birth were Persian. They are referred to as “magi” and a magus (the singular of magi) was a Zoroastrian priest. Finally, Persians were some of the first people to convert to Christianity.

What Part of the Bible Mentions Persians?

2 Chronicles 36:22 – Cyrus, king of Persia, is tasked to formulate a declaration throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing in the accomplishment of the Lord’s proclamation pronounced by Jeremiah.

2 Chronicles 36:23. Cyrus king of Persia appointed to build a temple for the Lord at Jerusalem in Judah.

2 Chronicles 36:20. He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power.

Ezra 9:9. God has shown kindness and goodness to His people in the sight of the kings of Persia: new life and new living to re-establish the house of God. And restore its ruins, and He has set a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 27:10. Men of Persia, Lydia, and Put served as soldiers in the army.

Ezra 4:3. Zerubbabel, Jeshua and other family members of Israel opposed the offer of the enemies of Judah and Benjamin to help build the temple of God. As they were determined to work on this task alone for the Lord, God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, ordered them.

These Articles are Written by the Publishers of The Amazing Bible Timeline with World History. Quickly See Over 6000 Years of Bible and World History Togetherbible timeline
  • Unique circular format - over 1,000 references at your fingertips on this wonderful study companion
  • Discover interesting facts - Biblical events with scripture references plotted alongside world history showcase fun chronological relationships
  • Attractive, easy to use design - People will stop to look at and talk about this beautifully laid out Jesus history timeline poster ideal for your home, office, church ...
  • Click here to find out more about this unique and fun Bible study tool!

Gift yourself, your family and Bible studying friends this amazing study companion for an exciting journey of discovery.

21 thoughts on “Persia In the Bible

  1. This was great, please email me more o. This subject

  2. i want to read more

  3. This is great background information. I’m studying the book of Esther, and this was very helpful. Thank you.

  4. I have come to believe that Percia in the Bible is the modern day Iran. Which nation of the world now is the Media and Grecia.
    This information will help me understand the story and prophecy of the Bible.
    Thanks

    1. It is the modern day Iran, with a rapidly growing Christian community, which the Mullahs are unable to halt.

  5. Thanks, That helps to explain the passage in Isaiah 45:1,4-6 where the Lord annoints Cyrus, though Cyrus knew Him not.

  6. Thanks this has helped me know more about Persia

  7. I would love to tell INTERESTED Persians about Jesus, and lead them to the LORD if possible.

    1. Most of them already know. Iran has the fasted growing (underground) Christian community in the World, which will overtake Islam within a decade. It’s a nightmare for the mullahs.

  8. Many Jewish in courts, Jewish Law recognized throughout Cyrus kingdom, & some of Christianities first converts, wow..!!

  9. Without Cyrus there would be no Jews in the world. Without Jews of Iran there would be no Christian religion in the world. References in the Bible about Persians is by Iranian Jews who authored Christianity. Iranians do not need to learn about Christianity because they authored it to begin with.

    1. Jews must be born again just like everyone else saith the Lord Jesus Christ. Tell everyone.

    2. “According to man own philosophy” but God used a man Cyrus the Great he was not a believer and God put that in his heart to free the Jews back to Israel from Babylonian Captivity

    3. Do they know about it though? Even if someone authored it thousands of years ago doesn’t mean the avg person knows. Look at the knowledge of our US High School graduate. Today, young people don’t even want to learn let alone experience life. My observation.
      They don’t know what they don’t know.

  10. Thanks now I really know the modern day Persia which is Iran

  11. Very powerful and interesting

  12. is corithians in the persian bible?

    1. There is no “Persian” bible. The Bible is the Bible universally. If you meant is it in the Koran, no it is not.

      1. The Koran is an Arab invention. Persians/Iranians are not Arabs. They are Aryans/Causicans.

        1. Most Persians/Iranians are simultaneously Muslim and not Arabs.
          You don’t need to be Arab to practice Islam as you don’t need to be Greece to practice Christianity.
          These religions started from that areas by the messangers, but they are for all humans regardless of their nationality.
          So please don’t spread false informations.

          1. Excellent point Sarah! Agree. The good news of Jesus Christ is for all mankind to decide. We don’t get grandfathered into Heaven folks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *