of foreign origin; Karshena, a courtier of Xerxes; Carshena.
Transliteration:Karshᵉnâʼ
Pronunciation:kar-shen-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3771}}` (כַּרְשְׁנָא, Karshᵉnâʼ) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is "of foreign origin," which is consistent with its context within the Persian Empire. It refers uniquely to Karshena, one of the seven princes or chief courtiers who served King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. As a proper noun, its semantic range is strictly limited to this individual; it does not carry broader conceptual or theological meanings inherent in its etymology, which is likely Old Persian. Its significance is derived solely from its identification of a specific historical figure within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3771}}` (Karshᵉnâʼ) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Esther:
* [[Esther 1:14]]: "And the next to him were Karshᵉnâʼ, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had access to the king’s presence and sat first in the kingdom."
In this sole occurrence, Karshena is listed as the first among the seven high-ranking officials who served as the king's closest advisors. These men were not merely courtiers but held significant political power, having direct access to the monarch and occupying the highest positions in the kingdom's administration. The context is the lavish feast given by King Ahasuerus in Susa, where the king's authority and the grandeur of his empire are on full display. Karshena's inclusion in this elite group underscores his prominence within the Persian court and his role in the decision-making processes of the empire, particularly concerning the decree against Queen Vashti.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that `{{H3771}}` (Karshᵉnâʼ) is a proper noun of foreign (likely Old Persian) origin, there are no direct Hebrew linguistic cognates or etymological connections within the biblical Hebrew lexicon. However, related concepts include:
* **Courtier/Prince/Advisor:** The role Karshena occupied is central to understanding the administrative structure of the Persian Empire as depicted in Esther. He is part of the king's inner circle, akin to modern cabinet members or high-ranking government officials.
* **Persian Empire:** The name is intrinsically linked to the historical and cultural context of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, particularly during the reign of Xerxes I (Ahasuerus).
* **Other Princes:** The other six princes mentioned alongside Karshena—Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—are similarly proper nouns of foreign origin, collectively representing the highest echelons of Persian authority. Memucan, in particular, plays a more active role in the narrative by advising the king to depose Vashti.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H3771}}` (Karshᵉnâʼ) refers to a pagan courtier and carries no inherent theological meaning in its etymology, its inclusion in the divinely inspired text is significant.
1. **Historical Veracity and Detail:** The meticulous listing of such specific, seemingly minor, foreign figures contributes to the historical grounding of the book of Esther. It demonstrates the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy, even in details concerning a foreign empire.
2. **Divine Providence:** The presence of Karshena and his fellow courtiers highlights the human political machinery through which God's providential plan unfolds. Even in a seemingly secular environment, without explicit mention of God's name, the narrative of Esther subtly demonstrates God's sovereign control over kings, empires, and their advisors. These men, in their human decisions, unwittingly serve as instruments in God's overarching purpose to protect and preserve His people, Israel.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Nations:** The detailed portrayal of the Persian court, including its specific officials, serves to emphasize God's ultimate authority over all nations and their rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him. The power of Ahasuerus and his advisors, though immense, is ultimately subordinate to the divine will.
### Summary
`{{H3771}}` (כַּרְשְׁנָא, Karshᵉnâʼ) is a proper noun designating one of the seven chief princes and advisors of King Ahasuerus of Persia. Appearing only once in [[Esther 1:14]], Karshena represents a high-ranking official within the Persian court, demonstrating the detailed historical context provided by the biblical narrative. While the name itself, being of foreign origin, carries no intrinsic theological meaning, its inclusion underscores the historical veracity of the book of Esther and, more profoundly, illustrates God's meticulous providence and sovereign control over all human affairs, even those of powerful pagan empires, for the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive purposes for His people.
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