רָזוֹן
𐤓𐤆𐤅𐤍
râzôwn
H7333 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A person of high status or distinguished position, typically within a governmental, royal, or administrative context; most commonly denotes a dignitary, notable, or court official. The word can also refer to a nobleman or prominent figure, depending on context. The semantic range includes individuals recognized for their rank or authority, especially among foreign nations in biblical texts.
Semantic Range
dignitary, official, courtier, noble, person of rank, prominent figure, administrator
Root / Etymology
From the root רזן (razan), meaning 'to be weighty, honored, dignified' or 'to exercise authority.' רָזוֹן is formed as a masculine noun and conveys the sense of an individual marked by dignity or preeminence derived from their authoritative or honored role.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רָזוֹן appears in the Hebrew Bible only in select post-monarchic or exilic contexts (e.g., Daniel 1:3, where it is often rendered 'prince' or 'official'). The term describes a class of high-ranking individuals, particularly within the courts of foreign powers—specifically, Babylonian or Persian administrative structures. It is rare and does not appear as a standard term for hereditary royalty (such as נָשִׂיא or מֶ֫לֶךְ), but rather emphasizes conferment of authority, esteem, or administrative prominence. Rabbinic and later Jewish usage broadly interprets the term as referring to persons of dignity, but in biblical context, it remains associated with non-Israelite courts' administrative hierarchies. The translation 'prince' in some English versions narrows its meaning and can obscure its broader use for non-royal high officials. The term differs from other words for leaders (e.g., שַׂר 'sar,' general for official or military leader) in its specific emphasis on honor and stateliness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָזַן; a dignitary; prince.
Bantu Hebrew
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רזן (r-z-n) — to be weighty, to be honored, to exercise authority
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7333-01 |
רָזֽוֹן | razon | HNcmsa |
of the prince | dignitary | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7333-01 |
Proverbs 14:28 | רָזֽוֹן | razon | HNcmsa |
of the prince | dignitary |