feminine of הֲדַס; Hadassah (or Esther); Hadassah.
Transliteration:Hădaççâh
Pronunciation:had-as-saw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הֲדַסָּה (Hădaççâh), Strong's number `{{H1919}}`, is a feminine proper noun derived from the masculine noun הֲדַס (hadass), Strong's number `{{H1918}}`, which means "myrtle tree." Therefore, the literal meaning of Hadassah is "myrtle" or "myrtle tree." In ancient Near Eastern and biblical contexts, the myrtle tree (Myrtus communis) was esteemed for its evergreen foliage, fragrant leaves, and white blossoms. It often symbolized peace, joy, prosperity, and divine blessing, particularly in prophetic visions of restoration (e.g., [[Isaiah 41:19]], [[Isaiah 55:13]], [[Zechariah 1:8]]). As a proper noun, Hadassah is the birth name of the central figure in the biblical Book of Esther, who later became known by her Persian name, Esther.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word הֲדַסָּה (Hădaççâh), `{{H1919}}`, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Esther 2:7]]. This single occurrence is pivotal, as it introduces the protagonist of the book by her Hebrew name: "And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was beautiful of form and appearance. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter." This verse establishes her Jewish identity and her familial relationship with Mordecai. The explicit mention of "that is, Esther" highlights the duality of her identity—her deep-rooted Hebrew heritage signified by Hadassah, and her adopted public persona within the Persian court as Esther. This initial naming grounds her story in her true lineage before she assumes a role that requires a degree of concealment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is הֲדַס (hadass), `{{H1918}}`, the masculine noun meaning "myrtle tree," from which Hadassah derives. This connection is crucial for understanding the symbolic depth of her name. Another significant related concept is the name "Esther" (אֶסְתֵּר), her Persian name, which is juxtaposed with Hadassah in [[Esther 2:7]]. This contrast between her Hebrew name (Hadassah, signifying her heritage and perhaps her quiet, inherent beauty) and her Persian name (Esther, possibly linked to the Persian word for "star" or the goddess Ishtar, reflecting her public role in the pagan court) is central to the narrative's themes of identity and divine providence. The broader biblical symbolism of the myrtle tree—representing peace, joy, fertility, and divine favor (as seen in [[Isaiah 41:19]], [[Isaiah 55:13]], [[Zechariah 1:8]])—also forms an important conceptual link, subtly foreshadowing Hadassah's role in bringing about the deliverance of her people.
### Theological Significance
The name Hadassah carries profound theological significance, particularly in the context of the Book of Esther. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **hidden identity and divine providence**. Hadassah's true name, rooted in her Jewish heritage, represents her authentic self, even as she operates under a different name in the Persian court. This dual identity reflects God's unseen hand working through seemingly secular circumstances to protect His people. Her quiet, unassuming nature, perhaps symbolized by the fragrant myrtle, ultimately leads to a powerful intervention. Secondly, the myrtle's symbolic associations with **restoration, peace, and blessing** subtly foreshadow Hadassah's role in preventing the annihilation of the Jews and securing their future. Her actions bring about a period of peace and joy for her people, much like the myrtle signifies in prophetic literature. Thirdly, Hadassah's story, beginning with her Hebrew name, serves as a powerful testament to **faithfulness and courage in exile**. Despite her elevated position, her core identity as Hadassah, the Jew, remains intact and ultimately drives her to risk her life for her community. The very presence of her Hebrew name, though mentioned only once, anchors the entire narrative in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, even in a book where God's name is conspicuously absent.
### Summary
H1919, הֲדַסָּה (Hădaççâh), is the Hebrew birth name of Esther, meaning "myrtle." It appears singularly in [[Esther 2:7]], establishing her Jewish identity before she is known by her Persian name. The name links her to the myrtle tree, a biblical symbol of peace, joy, and divine blessing. Theologically, Hadassah's name highlights themes of hidden identity, divine providence working through individuals, and the quiet faithfulness that leads to significant deliverance. It underscores her deep connection to her heritage, subtly foreshadowing her pivotal role in the salvation of her people and reflecting the unseen guidance of God in the narrative of the Book of Esther.
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