Lexical Summary
din: To judge, to contend, to plead
Original Word:דִּין
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:diyn
Pronunciation:deen
Phonetic Spelling:(deen)
KJV: judge
Word Origin:[(Aramaic) corresp. toH1777 (דִּין דּוּן - judge)]
1. to judge
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
judge
(Aramaic) corresp. Todiyn; to judge -- judge. Or diyn, {deen}; or (Job 19:29).
see HEBREWdiyn
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to
dinDefinitionto judge
NASB Translationjudge* (1).
Topical Lexicon
OverviewThis verb expresses the act of rendering judgment, deciding a case, or governing by applying a standard of law. Its solitary appearance in Ezra provides a concentrated window into the nature of godly adjudication and delegated authority in Israel’s post-exilic community.
Occurrence in Scripture
Ezra 7:25 records Artaxerxes’ charge to Ezra: “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people beyond the River—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach anyone who does not know them.”
Historical Setting
Ezra returned to Jerusalem in 458 BC armed with the king’s decree authorizing him to re-establish Torah obedience. Persia’s imperial policy often relied on native legal traditions to secure local stability; thus Artaxerxes entrusted Ezra to install a judicial infrastructure. The verb highlights the legal function of the appointed officials, whose authority rested on God’s law even while receiving validation from a Gentile monarch—a striking testimony to divine sovereignty over world powers (seeEzra 1:1;Proverbs 21:1).
Theological Significance
1. Divine Standard: Judgment is anchored in “the wisdom of your God,” not in Persian custom. The term underscores that authentic justice flows from God’s revealed will (Deuteronomy 4:5-8;Psalm 19:9).
2. Delegated Stewardship: The king’s order mirrors the Mosaic model inExodus 18:13-26, where capable men were set over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Governance is portrayed as ministry, not mere administration (Romans 13:1-4).
3. Educational Mandate: Judging is coupled with teaching—those ignorant of the law must be instructed. Biblical justice is inseparable from discipleship and covenant formation (Malachi 2:7;Matthew 28:20).
Practical Ministry Implications
• Church Leadership: Elders and overseers today must “judge” doctrinal error and moral disputes by Scripture (1 Corinthians 5:12-13;1 Timothy 5:20-21).
• Disciple-Making: Corrective discipline aims at restoration through truth, reflecting Ezra’s blended task of judging and teaching (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
• Social Engagement: Believers advocate for righteous standards in civil arenas, recognizing that every legitimate human court ultimately answers to God’s justice (Micah 6:8;Revelation 20:11-12).
Connection to New Testament Revelation
The concept culminates in Jesus Christ, appointed by the Father as the final Judge (Acts 10:42). His followers are called to exercise discernment now (John 7:24) while awaiting His perfect judgment, echoing Ezra’s combination of present responsibility and eschatological hope (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Related Themes and References
Justice:Psalm 89:14;Isaiah 30:18
Wisdom:Proverbs 2:6-9;James 3:17
Teaching the Law:Nehemiah 8:8-12;1 Timothy 4:13
Divine Sovereignty over Kings:Daniel 2:21;Revelation 17:17
Forms and Transliterations
דָּאיְנִין֙ דאינין dā·yə·nîn dayeNin dāyənîn
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
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