Satraps
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible [1]
Satraps . RV [Note: Revised Version.] tr. [Note: translate or translation.] of ’ăchashdarpÄ•n îm , Ezra 8:35 , Esther 3:12; Esther 8:9; Esther 9:3 ( AV [Note: Authorized Version.] lieutenants ), Daniel 3:2-3; Daniel 3:27; Daniel 6:1 ff. ( AV [Note: Authorized Version.] princes ). The term stands for the Pers. khshatrapâvan (= ‘protectors of the realm’). The satrap was the governor of a whole province, and be held the position of a vassal king. His power, however, was checked by the presence of a royal scribe, whose duty it was to report to the ‘great king’ on the administration of the province.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [2]
sā´traps , sat´raps ( אחשׁדּרפּנים , 'ăḥashdarpenı̄m , Ezra 8:36; Esther 3:12; Esther 8:9; Esther 9:3 , the King James Version "lieutenants"; Daniel 3:2 , Daniel 3:3 , Daniel 3:27; Daniel 6:1 ff, the King James Version "princes"): The viceroys or vassal rulers to whom was entrusted the government of the provinces in the Persian empire. The word answers to the Old Persian khshathrapāvan , "protectors of the realm."
