Daniel 3:2

Princes. The Aramaic ’achashdarpan, “prince,” or “satrap,” was formerly considered as being of Persian origin. This view has now been abandoned, for cuneiform sources show that under the form satarpanu the word was used as early as the time of Sargon II (722-705 B.C.). A Hurrian origin has now been suggested. The Persians evidently took over this official title from the west. Hence the use of this title in the time of Nebuchadnezzar is by no means out of place. See further on Esther 3:12.

Governors. The Aramaic word segan is correctly translated “governors,” but also means “perfects.” It comes from the Akkadian shaknu, which has the same meaning. These officials administered provinces, the sections into which the satrapies were divided.

Captains. Aramaic pechah, a synonym of segan (see the preceding comment under “governors”).

Judges. The Aramaic word ’adargazar, “judge,” has so far been found only in the Middle-Persian from andarzaghar, meaning “counselor.” That it has not been attested in earlier texts does not prove that it was not in existence before the Persian period, because practically every discovery of a new inscription reveals words previously not known to have existed so early.

Treasurers. The origin of the Aramaic word gedabar has not as yet been determined.

Counsellors. The Aramaic dethabar literally means “lawbearer,” hence, “judge.” The word is found in cuneiform sources in the cognate form databari.

Sheriffs. Aramaic tiphtay, “sheriff,” or “police officer.” The word is found in the same form and with the same meaning in Aramaic papyri from Elephantine (on these papyri see Vol. Ill, pp. 79-83).

Rulers. The Aramaic shilton, “ruler,” from which the title sultan is derived. The term designates all the lower officials of any importance.