Darius

The name Darius has its origins in ancient Persia and is derived from the Old Persian name 'Dārayavauš,' which means 'he who holds firm the good.' The shorter form, Darius, became popular through its adoption into Greek as 'Dareîos' and Latin as 'Darius.' In biblical and historical contexts, the name often conveys attributes of lordship, power, and wealth, aligning with its meaning of 'lord' or 'wealthy.' It has been borne by several notable rulers, particularly within the Achaemenid Empire, solidifying its place in history and scripture.

In the Bible, the name Darius is associated with key figures who played significant roles in God's unfolding plan. With a Divine Proximity Index of 96.5/100, the name reflects a strong connection to divine authority and intervention. Darius the Mede, for instance, is remembered for his decree that led to Daniel being cast into the lion's den, only to witness God's miraculous deliverance of Daniel. This act led Darius to issue a proclamation that the God of Daniel is the living God (Daniel 6:26-27).

The name Darius appears prominently in the books of Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Darius the Mede, mentioned in Daniel 5-6, succeeds Belshazzar and becomes king of Babylon. His reign is marked by the famous episode where Daniel is saved from the lion's den, a story that underscores God's power to protect His faithful servants. In Ezra 6, Darius I orders the continuation of the temple reconstruction, reaffirming the decree of Cyrus and ensuring that the Jewish people could worship God in their holy temple.