Darius
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Darius in the Bible?
The name Darius appears in the Old Testament referring to multiple figures, including Darius the Mede, who is described as succeeding Belshazzar and ruling the Chaldean kingdom, and Darius the Persian, who reigned during the return from Babylonian exile.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the identity and timeline of these rulers helps clarify the historical setting of the Book of Daniel and the events surrounding the fall of Babylon and the subsequent Persian administration.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Darius reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Darius in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Darius 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
"Darius." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/darius/