Cyrus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Cyrus in the Bible?
Cyrus II, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, conquered Babylon in 539 BC and issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, an event recorded in both biblical and secular historical sources.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Cyrus as a historical figure who actively facilitated the return of the Jewish people clarifies the political context of the post-exilic period and demonstrates the biblical theme of God using foreign powers to accomplish His redemptive purposes for Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Cyrus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Cyrus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cyrus clarify?
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
"Cyrus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cyrus/