Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(governor). Title of the governors of Judea under Persian rule (Ezra 2:63; Neh. 7:65,70; 8:9; Neh. 10:1).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Persian title given to Nehemiah (Neh. 8:9; Neh. 10:1). In Ezra 2:63, and Nehemiah 7:65,70, the same title doubtless refers to Zerubbabel. In the margin it reads “governor.” It is thought to be similar to the modern word Pasha. This is confirmed by the Hebrew word (pechah), used for the title of Nehemiah in Nehemiah 12:26, and elsewhere for the Persian governors.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Transliteration:
Tirshatha’
Meaning:
of foreign derivation; the title of a Persian deputy or governor
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
thou shalt possess there
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
Who overturns the foundation; stern; severe:―title of a Persian governor, Ezra 2:63. {Qui evertit fundamentum}
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Nehemiah 7:65. And the Tirshatha said unto them.
This was the title of the Persian governor of Judea. Gesenius derives the word from the Persian torsh: “severe,” “austere,” which would make the meaning equivalent to your Severity. He compares it with the German gestrenger Herr, (that is, your “Worship”; but, literally, Severe Master,) a title which was formerly given to the magistrates of the free and imperial German cities. The English have a corresponding expression: “most dread Sovereign.”
See also Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:70; 8:9; 10:1.
Related Books and Articles: