1. Is Iran mentioned in the Bible?

Yes. Iran appears in the Bible under ancient names such as Elam (עֵילָם – ʿÊlām), Persia (פָּרַס – Pāras), and the Medes (מָדַי – Mādai). These names occur repeatedly in the Old Testament:

• Elam is first mentioned in Genesis 10:22 as a son of Shem.

• Persia is prominent in Daniel 10:13, 20 and Ezra 1:1–4, where Cyrus the Great decreed the return of the Jews from Babylon.

• The Medes and Persians together are recorded in Daniel 5:28 as the empire that conquered Babylon in 539 BC.

In the New Testament, people from Parthia, Media, and Elam were present at Pentecost (Acts 2:9) — showing Iran’s descendants hearing the Gospel in Jerusalem.

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2. Does Iran have a prophetic role?

Yes. Iran’s prophetic role is tied closely to Ezekiel 38:5, where Persia is listed as an ally of Gog in the final northern confederation against Israel. The Hebrew text names it explicitly: Paras (פָּרַס).
This shows Iran as an end-time adversary of Israel, aligned with nations from the north (likely Russia) and from the east.

Iran’s role is both positive in history (Cyrus as God’s “anointed” in Isaiah 45:1, freeing Israel), and negative in prophecy (Persia joining coalitions against God’s people).

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3. What is the historical role of Iran?

Iran (Persia) was one of the greatest empires of antiquity:

• Cyrus the Great (559–530 BC) conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

• Darius I (522–486 BC) and Xerxes (486–465 BC) ruled over 127 provinces “from India to Cush” (Esther 1:1).

• Persia is the “chest and arms of silver” in Daniel’s statue (Daniel 2:32).

Historically, Persia was known for its vast administrative system, roads, and tolerance of local customs. Yet later, it became a powerful force opposing Greece and the West.

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4. Is Iran in the New Testament?

Yes, indirectly. At Pentecost (Acts 2:9), Jews and converts from Parthia, Media, and Elam (all regions of Persia/Iran) were present and heard the apostles declare “the mighty works of God” in their own languages.

This shows that the Gospel reached Iran from the earliest days of the Church. Historical records confirm that early Christian communities thrived in Persia for centuries, though later persecuted.

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5. What is the current reality of Iran?

• Population: ~88 million (2025 est.)

• Capital: Tehran

• Language: Persian (Farsi)

• Religion: 98% Muslim (majority Shia)

• Independence: Modern Iran took its name officially in 1935 (before: Persia).

• Economy: Rich in oil and natural gas but burdened by sanctions, political isolation, and internal unrest.
  Iran’s wealth is concentrated in natural resources, yet much of the population suffers economic hardship.

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6. What is the prophetic destiny of Iran?

According to Scripture:

• Iran is aligned with Gog’s coalition (Ezekiel 38:5).

• Its destiny is judgment when God intervenes to defend Israel (Ezekiel 38–39).

• Yet, there is also a promise: Isaiah 21:2, Jeremiah 49:34–39 speak of judgment on Elam, but also that God will “restore the fortunes of Elam” (Jeremiah 49:39).

This means Iran’s story is not only one of judgment but also of eventual mercy. God may raise a remnant from Iran who will turn to Him in the last days.

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7. What lessons can we learn from Iran’s history and prophecy?

1. Nations can be used by God positively (like Cyrus) or stand against Him (like Gog’s coalition).

2. The sovereignty of God extends over empires (Daniel 2:21).

3. God can judge nations for their hostility toward Israel but also redeem them (Jeremiah 49:39).

4. The Church should pray for Iran, recognizing that many underground believers already exist there, continuing the legacy of Acts 2.

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