Original Word: מֶלְצָר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: meltsar
Pronunciation: mel-tsar'
Phonetic Spelling: (mel-tsawr')
Definition: Melzar
Meaning: the butler, other officer in the Babylonian court

Melzar

Of Persian derivation; the butler or other officer in the Babylonian court -- Melzar.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
perhaps guardian
NASB Translation
overseer (2).

מֶלְצָר noun masculine a Babylonian title; dubious; perhaps guardian ? (Schr^{COT Daniel 1:11} Dl^{Baer Dn xi} conjecture loan-word from Assyrian maƒ(ƒ)aru, keeper, guardian, compare Dl^{HWB 423}; hardly connected with (modern) Persian mulsaru 'Kellermeister' (compare Meinh.), see against this Bev); — only with article ׳הַמּ Daniel 1:11,16.

Word Origin: Of foreign origin

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Greek equivalents for "meltsar" in the Strong's Concordance, as this term is specific to the context of the Babylonian court in the Hebrew Bible. However, related concepts of stewardship and oversight can be found in Greek terms such as οἰκονόμος (oikonomos • Strong's Greek 3623), which refers to a steward or manager.

Usage: The word "meltsar" is used in the context of the Babylonian court, specifically in the Book of Daniel. It describes an official who is responsible for the well-being and diet of Daniel and his companions during their captivity.

Context: The term "meltsar" appears in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 1:11, where it is used to describe an officer appointed by the chief official to oversee Daniel and his friends. This officer was responsible for ensuring that the young men received their daily provisions from the king's table. Daniel, seeking to remain faithful to his dietary laws, requested that the "meltsar" allow them to consume only vegetables and water instead of the royal food and wine. The "meltsar" agreed to a trial period, during which Daniel and his friends thrived, demonstrating God's favor and the efficacy of their chosen diet. The role of the "meltsar" highlights the hierarchical structure of the Babylonian court and the interactions between the captives and their overseers. This position, while not of the highest rank, was crucial in the daily administration and care of those under the king's command.

הַמֶּלְצַ֑ר הַמֶּלְצַ֗ר המלצר ham·mel·ṣar hammelṣar hammelTzarInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts