Bible Dictionary
Mithredath
Mithredath was the name of two Persian officials. One served as Cyrus’s treasurer and returned the sacred vessels to the Jews; the other corresponded with the Persian king concerning Jerusalem.
Definition
Mithredath was the name of two Persian officials. One was treasurer under Cyrus; the other was associated with correspondence concerning Jerusalem. The name means “given by Mithra” or “dedicated to Mithra.”
Biblical Usage
The first Mithredath appears in the account of Cyrus’s restoration of the sacred vessels to the Jewish exiles. The second was involved in correspondence with Artaxerxes concerning the restoration of Jerusalem.
Historical Background
Mithredath is the Hebrew form of the Greek name Mithridates. One bearer served in the Persian administration as treasurer, while the other was probably an official in Samaria.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Given by Mithra, or dedicated to Mithra, i.e., the sun, the Hebrew form of the Greek name Mithridates. (1.) The “treasurer” of King Cyrus (Ezra 1:8). (2.) Ezra 4:7, a Persian officer in Samaria.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(given by Mithra).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>mith'-re-dath (mithredhath; Persian equals "gift of Mithra" or "consecrated to Mithra"):</p><p>(1) The Persian treasurer through whom Cyrus restored the sacred vessels to the returning Jewish exiles (Ezr 1:8).</p><p>(2) A Persian, perhaps an official, who was associated with Bishlam and Tabeel in corresponding with Artaxerxes concerning the restoration of Jerusalem (Ezr 4:7). In 1 Esdras 2:11,16, the name is written MITHRADATES (which see).</p>