The BibleGospel Companion

Apharasthchite

אֲפָֽרְסְכָיֵא · a.phar.se.khay · H0671Aאֲפָֽרְסַתְּכָיֵא · a.phar.sat.te.khay · H0671B3 mentions, all in Ezra

Who they were

The Apharsathchites are mentioned in the book of Ezra as one of the groups that opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. They are listed among the officials who wrote a letter to King Darius I of Persia, questioning the legitimacy of the Jews' claim to rebuild the temple (Ezra 5:6). The letter aimed to halt the construction work, but ultimately, King Darius confirmed the Jews' right to rebuild the temple (Ezra 6:6-12).

The exact identity of the Apharsathchites is uncertain. Some scholars suggest that they may have been a group of Persian officials or governors stationed in the region. The name "Apharsathchites" might be related to the Persian word for "governor" or "envoy." Their opposition to the rebuilding of the temple likely stemmed from political and religious concerns, as the restoration of Jewish autonomy could have threatened their authority in the area.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

3 references, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)

Ezra 3 mentions

Ezra 4:9Then Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians…Ezra 5:6The 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.Ezra 6:6Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there.

Sources