Lexical Summary osparna: Treasure, storehouse Original Word: אָסְפַּרְנָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fast, forthwith, speedily (Aramaic) of Persian derivation; diligently -- fast, forthwith, speed(-ily). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition thoroughly, with (all) diligence NASB Translation all diligence (2), diligently (2), full (1), great care (1), strictly (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אָסְמַּרְנָא adverb thoroughly, RV with (all) diligence (Zend asp§re, asperenõ, Persian sipar£, asper£, all complete, Castell [1669], Thes HaugJBW 1853, 154 LagSemitic i. 48 AndrMarti, Gl. 53* ScheftMGWJ 1903, 415 (correcting Arisches im AT. 73 f.)); — Ezra 5:8 ׳א מִתְעַבְדָא, Ezra 6:8,12,13; Ezra 7:17,21,26 (compare Old Aramaic אספרן, on a weight,complete, correct: Lab223, Cooke193). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 629 designates a single Aramaic term found exclusively in Ezra. Whether rendered “diligently,” “in full,” or “without delay,” the word highlights thorough, unreserved obedience to royal command and, by extension, to the purposes of God Himself. Occurrences and English Renderings Ezra 5:8 – “The work is being carried on diligently and prospering in their hands.” Ezra 6:8 – “The full expenses are to be paid…” Ezra 6:12 – “…let it be carried out with all diligence.” Ezra 6:13 – “…they carried it out with diligence.” Ezra 7:17 – “…with this money, therefore, you shall diligently buy bulls, rams, and lambs…” Ezra 7:21 – “…it must be done with all diligence.” Ezra 7:26 – “…let judgment be executed speedily upon him…” Across these seven texts the Berean Standard Bible brings out shades of meaning—complete payment, strict execution, swift performance—yet each shade serves one emphasis: the task must be finished exactly as ordered. Historical Setting and Literary Context The term appears in official Persian correspondence (Ezra 5–7). Tattenai’s report, Darius’ decree, and Artaxerxes’ letter all employ the word to stress faithful compliance by provincial officials. Ezra records these edicts to demonstrate that Judah’s restoration rested not on human whim but on God’s sovereign orchestration of imperial power. The repeated call for “diligence” therefore functions narratively to show that the Lord, who “stirs the spirit of kings” (see Ezra 1:1), ensures His house is rebuilt and His worship renewed. Themes and Theological Significance 1. Divine Authority behind Human Decree Though voiced by pagan monarchs, each command aligns with prophetic promises (Isaiah 44:28; Jeremiah 29:10). The vocabulary of thoroughness underscores that God’s purposes brook no halfway obedience. 2. Completeness of Provision In Ezra 6:8 the word ties to financial support: “The full expenses are to be paid.” Rebuilding the temple required more than spiritual zeal; it demanded material resources supplied “in full.” The episode anticipates the principle that ministry financed God’s way lacks nothing (Philippians 4:19). 3. Urgency of Obedience Ezra 7:26 connects the word to judicial swiftness: “let judgment be executed speedily.” Covenant life tolerates neither apathy nor prolonged rebellion; prompt obedience guards communal holiness. Implications for Worship and Ministry • Stewardship: Leaders today model Persian governors’ meticulous follow-through by ensuring funds and materials reach Gospel work “in full and without delay.” Echoes in the Canon While the specific Aramaic word does not recur outside Ezra, its idea permeates Scripture. Hezekiah “worked with all his heart” (2 Chronicles 31:21), and Romans 12:11 urges believers to be “diligent.” The New Testament vocabulary of “fulness” (John 1:16; Colossians 2:10) likewise resonates with the completeness that Strong’s 629 conveys. Concluding Reflection Strong’s 629 may appear only seven times, yet its call to exact, energetic obedience reverberates through the biblical narrative. Whether laying stones in Zerubbabel’s day or advancing Christ’s Kingdom now, God’s servants are summoned to perform their tasks “with all diligence,” confident that the same sovereign Lord still supplies every need and fulfills every promise. Forms and Transliterations אָסְפַּ֕רְנָא אָסְפַּ֖רְנָא אָסְפַּ֗רְנָא אָסְפַּ֥רְנָא אָסְפַּ֨רְנָא אספרנא ’ā·sə·par·nā ’āsəparnā aseParnaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:8 HEB: וַעֲבִ֥ידְתָּא דָ֛ךְ אָסְפַּ֥רְנָא מִתְעַבְדָ֖א וּמַצְלַ֥ח NAS: is going on with great care and is succeeding KJV: goeth fast on, and prospereth INT: work and this great is going succeeding Ezra 6:8 Ezra 6:12 Ezra 6:13 Ezra 7:17 Ezra 7:21 Ezra 7:26 7 Occurrences |
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