Bible Dictionary
RECORD
A record may mean testimony or witness. It can also refer to official state chronicles or written archives, such as the Persian records consulted in Ezra and Esther.
Definition
A record may mean testimony or witness. In certain passages it denotes an official written archive, particularly the state chronicles consulted by Persian authorities.
Biblical Usage
Where “record” means testimony, the Revised Version commonly uses “witness.” In Ezra and Esther, the word refers to Persian state records or chronicles.
Historical Background
The Persian records were official archives. Related records are also mentioned in the books of the Maccabees.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>rek'-ord, rek'-ord:</p><p>(1) The English word, where it occurs in the Old Testament and the New Testament in the sense of testimony, is translated in the Revised Version (British and American) "witness" (De 30:19; 31:28; Joh 1:19,32; 8:13,14; Ro 10:2, etc.). See WITNESS. But in Job 16:19 for the King James Version "my record," the Revised Version (British and American) has "he that voucheth for me."</p><p>(2) In Ezr 4:15; 6:2 (dokhran, dikhron), and Es 6:1 (zikkaron), the word denotes Persian state chronicles; compare 1 Macc 14:23; 2 Macc 2:1.</p>