Who Is Iran In The Bible?
If you’ve ever flipped through your Bible wondering where modern nations like Iran fit in you’re not alone. So you might wonder: Who is Iran in the Bible? Does it go by another name? Is it mentioned in prophecies or stories from the Old Testament? And what about Persia is that the same place?
If these questions have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Many people today are trying to make sense of how ancient biblical nations connect with modern ones. Iran, in particular, has deep historical and prophetic roots that go all the way back to Genesis.
Understanding who Iran is in the Bible opens the door to seeing Scripture with fresh eyes.
What Is the Name of Iran in the Bible?
The name Iran never appears in the Bible, but that doesn’t mean the nation didn’t exist or wasn’t important.
In the Bible, Iran is referred to as Persia. This was the official name of the country until 1935, when it was formally changed to Iran, which means “Land of the Aryans.”
So when you read about Persia in the Bible, you are reading about what is known today as Iran.
Knowing that Persia is Iran really reframes those familiar Bible stories—like Queen Esther standing before King Xerxes, or Cyrus sending the Jews home.
What Biblical Land Is Iran?
Iran in biblical times was the heart of the Persian Empire, one of the greatest empires of the ancient world. Its capital cities like Susa, Ecbatana, and Persepolis are all located in modern-day Iran.
In fact, the land that covers Iran today was part of biblical Elam, Media, and Persia. Here’s how it breaks down:
Elam: Mentioned in Genesis 10:22 as one of the sons of Shem. Elam’s descendants settled in southwest Iran.
Media: Northeast of Elam, also in Iran today. The Medes became part of the dual empire of the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:28).
Persia: The dominant power that would later rise to rule over the Babylonian empire.
In simpler terms, the land we now call Iran once held names like Elam, Media, and Persia and each has deep biblical roots.
Why Is Persia Now Called Iran?
The name change from Persia to Iran happened in 1935 during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi. He requested that foreign governments use the native name Iran in official correspondence.
But why the change?
The term Iran comes from the word Aryānām, meaning “Land of the Aryans,” and was used by ancient Persians themselves. The switch reflected a desire to emphasize national identity and unity, not just an ancient imperial legacy.
To this day, Persia and Iran are used somewhat interchangeably in cultural settings. But biblically speaking, Iran = Persia.
Iran in the Bible Verse References
Now see at some of the key verses where Persia (Iran) is mentioned in the Bible.
1. Esther 1:1
“This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush…”
King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) ruled from Susa, a city in modern-day Iran. The entire book of Esther takes place in Persian territory.
2. Daniel 8:20
“The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.”
Daniel had visions of the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire which would become Iran.
3. Isaiah 45:1
“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him…”
King Cyrus of Persia (Iran) is directly called God’s “anointed” here. He allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4).
4. Ezekiel 38:5
“Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets…”
This is a prophecy about the last days more on that below.
What Was Iran Before in the Bible?
Long before it was called Persia, the land that is now Iran had another name one that appears early in Genesis.
Before it was known as Persia, the land we call Iran was inhabited by people from Elam a son of Shem. Elam is mentioned early in the Bible, right in Genesis 10:22:
“The sons of Shem: Elam, Ashur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram.”
This means that Iran’s roots go all the way back to Noah’s family line.
Later, the Elamites would become a powerful people, interacting with the Assyrians and Babylonians. Eventually, they merged with the Medes and Persians to form the empire we read about in books like Daniel and Esther.
So if you’re asking, “What is the old name of Iran in the Bible?” the answer is Elam, Media, and Persia, depending on the time period.
Iran Descendants in the Bible
The Bible tracks the descendants of many nations through the Table of Nations in Genesis 10. From this, we can trace Iran’s spiritual ancestry.
Elam – Son of Shem. His descendants settled in southwest Iran.
Madai – Another son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2). Madai is believed to be the ancestor of the Medes, who lived in northwest Iran.
Persians – Likely descended from Elam and Madai, combining Semitic and Indo-European lineages.
So, Iran’s biblical descendants include both Semitic and Japhetic lines a mix that gave rise to the powerful Medo-Persian Empire.
What Does the Bible Say About Persia in the Last Days?
Perhaps one of the most chilling parts of Iran’s biblical history lies in its future especially in end-times prophecies.
In Ezekiel 38, the prophet describes a coalition of nations that will rise against Israel in the last days. Among them is Persia modern-day Iran.
Ezekiel 38:5
“Persia, Cush, and Put will be with them…”
These nations align under the leadership of Gog of Magog a mysterious figure or kingdom from the north. Many Bible scholars interpret this passage as a reference to a future military conflict involving Israel and its neighbors, including Iran.
Iran’s modern stance toward Israel and its strategic alliances with countries like Russia makes this prophecy especially chilling for some readers today.
Whether or not we’re seeing this prophecy unfold in real time is debated. But there’s no denying that the Bible speaks about Persia (Iran) as playing a role in end-times scenarios.
What’s Iran’s Legacy in Biblical History?
Iran’s legacy in the Bible is not only about conflict. It also includes mercy, restoration, and God’s sovereignty over kings and empires.
Think about it:
King Cyrus, ruler of Persia, was called by God to help the Jewish people return to their homeland.
The Book of Esther, which is still celebrated during Purim, takes place entirely in Persian lands.
Daniel served in the court of Persian kings, remaining faithful while helping administer one of the largest empires of the time.
Persia (Iran) played a vital role in protecting, preserving, and even blessing God’s people.
What Should We Learn from Iran in the Bible?
For those of us reading these ancient stories today, Iran’s biblical identity offers a powerful reminder:
God works through nations, even those far from Israel or the Church.
No empire lasts forever but God’s promises do.
Prophecy unfolds across generations, and we are still part of that timeline.
When we understand that Iran is Persia, the Bible opens up in fresh and meaningful ways. What once seemed distant suddenly feels close to home.
Who Is Iran In The Bible?
Iran, known as Persia in Scripture, is deeply woven into the Bible’s historical and prophetic fabric. From the faithful leadership of King Cyrus to the unfolding drama of Ezekiel’s visions, Persia/Iran has always stood as a powerful force sometimes used by God for restoration, sometimes standing as an opponent of Israel.
But through it all, the message is clear: God sees every nation, including Iran. And just as He raised up kings and tore down empires, He is still sovereign today.
Reverend James has spent years studying and teaching the Bible. With warmth and wisdom, he shares deep truths in a way that’s clear, simple, and easy to understand.
