Bible Dictionary
SATRAPS
Satraps were viceroys or provincial rulers in the Persian Empire. They governed regions under the authority of the Persian king.
Definition
Satraps were viceroys or vassal rulers entrusted with governing provinces of the Persian Empire. They exercised authority over regional administration under the Persian king.
Biblical Usage
Satraps appear in Ezra, Esther, and Daniel in accounts involving the Persian imperial administration, royal commands, provincial government, and the officials associated with the king’s rule.
Historical Background
The term corresponds to the Old Persian khshathrapavan, meaning “protectors of the realm.” Older English versions sometimes render it “lieutenants” or “princes.”
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sa'-traps, sat'-raps ('achashdarpenim, Ezr 8:36; Es 3:12; 8:9; 9:3, the King James Version "lieutenants"; Da 3:2,3,27; 6:1 ff, the King James Version "princes"): The viceroys or vassal rulers to whom was entrusted the government of the provinces in the Persian empire. The word answers to the Old Persian khshathrapavan, "protectors of the realm."</p>