or (shortened) אַחַשְׁרֹשׁ (Esther 10:1); of Persian origin; Achashverosh (i.e. Ahasuerus or Artaxerxes, but in this case Xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a Persian king; Ahasuerus.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **ʼĂchashvêrôwsh**, represented by `{{H325}}`, is a title of Persian origin for a **Persian king** `{{H4428}}`, known as **Ahasuerus**. It appears **31 times** across **30 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is described as a title rather than a personal name. In the context of the book of Esther, it refers to King Xerxes, a monarch who reigned over a vast empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H325}}` is the central royal figure in the book of Esther. His **reign** `{{H4438}}` is described as stretching from India to Ethiopia over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces [[Esther 1:1]], with his royal **throne** `{{H3678}}` in **Shushan** `{{H7800}}` the **palace** `{{H1002}}` [[Esther 1:2]]. His actions drive the plot: he banishes Queen **Vashti** `{{H2060}}` [[Esther 1:19]], takes **Esther** `{{H635}}` as his new queen [[Esther 2:16]], and promotes Haman [[Esther 3:1]]. Ahasuerus authorizes both Haman's **decree** `{{H1881}}` to **destroy** `{{H8045}}` the Jews [[Esther 3:12]] and the later decree allowing them to defend themselves [[Esther 8:10]]. Outside of Esther, an **accusation** `{{H7855}}` against the inhabitants of Judah is written to Ahasuerus [[Ezra 4:6]], and he is also identified as the father of **Darius** `{{H1867}}` the Mede [[Daniel 9:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words define the context of Ahasuerus's authority and the key figures in his court:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is consistently applied to Ahasuerus, establishing his royal status. The phrase "**king** Ahasuerus" appears throughout the narrative, such as when he commands his chamberlains [[Esther 1:10]] or sits on his throne [[Esther 1:2]].
* `{{H4438}}` **malkûwth** (a rule; concretely, a dominion; empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal): This word defines the vast scope of Ahasuerus's power. His **kingdom** is the setting for the entire story of Esther [[Esther 3:6]], and his **reign** is mentioned as a historical marker in Ezra [[Ezra 4:6]].
* `{{H2060}}` **Vashtîy** (Vashti, the queen of Xerxes): Ahasuerus's first **queen** `{{H4436}}`, whose refusal to appear before the king led to a **decree** `{{H1504}}` for her banishment, setting the stage for Esther's rise [[Esther 2:1]].
* `{{H635}}` **ʼEçtêr** (Ester, the Jewish heroine): The Jewish woman who is **taken** `{{H3947}}` to king Ahasuerus and becomes queen in Vashti's place, ultimately interceding for her people [[Esther 2:16]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of `{{H325}}` is primarily to serve as a vehicle for demonstrating God's sovereign power.
* **Instrument of Divine Providence:** Although a gentile king acting on his own impulses, Ahasuerus's decisions are pivotal in God's preservation of the Jewish people. He promotes Haman [[Esther 3:1]], but also gives Haman's **house** `{{H1004}}` to Esther and allows Mordecai to issue a counter-decree ([[Esther 8:1]], [[Esther 8:7]]).
* **Sovereignty over a Gentile Empire:** The story of Ahasuerus demonstrates that God's authority extends over the most powerful earthly rulers. The king of a vast empire [[Esther 1:1]] ultimately elevates **Mordecai** `{{H4782}}` the **Jew** `{{H3064}}` to a position of great power, bringing **peace** `{{H7965}}` to the Jewish people [[Esther 10:3]].
* **Limitation of Human Law:** The decrees of Ahasuerus, once sealed with his **ring** `{{H2885}}`, are presented as unalterable according to the **law** `{{H1881}}` of the Medes and Persians ([[Esther 1:19]], [[Esther 8:8]]). This creates a dramatic conflict where divine purpose must work around this human constraint, highlighting the supremacy of God's plan.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĂchashvêrôwsh** `{{H325}}` is the title for the powerful Persian **king** who presides over the events of the book of Esther. His **kingdom** `{{H4438}}` is vast and his **decrees** `{{H1881}}` hold absolute power, setting the stage for a threat against the entire Jewish **people** `{{H5971}}`. Though not a follower of God, his personal decisions—from his **wrath** `{{H2534}}` being **appeased** `{{H7918}}` after banishing **Vashti** `{{H2060}}` to his favor upon **Esther** `{{H635}}`—become the means through which God's sovereign plan of deliverance is accomplished. Ahasuerus serves as a critical example of how God works through worldly authorities to protect His people.
TRV