Apharsites
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Apharsites in the Bible?
A group of foreign settlers transplanted to Samaria by Assyrian monarchs, likely comprising Persians or Medes, who are recorded in Ezra 4:9-10 as assisting in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying the Apharsites clarifies the political and ethnic dynamics of the post-exilic period, revealing how imperial resettlement policies created a complex social landscape that influenced the early restoration of Jewish worship and community structure.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Apharsites reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Apharsites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Apharsites clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 4:9-10
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Apharsites." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/apharsites/