The word Karshᵉnâʼ, represented by H3771, is a proper name of foreign origin identifying Karshena, a courtier of Xerxes. This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. It serves to identify a specific individual within the highest echelons of the Persian court during the events of the book of Esther.
The sole appearance of Karshᵉnâʼ H3771 occurs in a list of the most powerful men in the Persian empire. He is named as one of the seven H7651 princes H8269 of Persia H6539 and Media H4074 Esther 1:14. These officials held a unique and privileged position, described as those "which saw H7200 the king's H4428 face H6440" and "which sat H3427 the first H7223 in the kingdom H4438." This places Karshᵉnâʼ within the king's innermost circle of advisors.
Several related words help to define the identity and context of Karshᵉnâʼ:
- H8269 sar (prince): This title, given to Karshᵉnâʼ and his colleagues, defines their role as head people or rulers within the kingdom Esther 1:14.
- H8369 Shêthâr (Shethar, a Persian satrap): Named immediately after Karshᵉnâʼ, he was another of the seven princes in this elite council Esther 1:14.
- H4462 Mᵉmûwkân (Memucan, a Persian satrap): The final prince named in the group, he speaks on behalf of the council in response to the king's query Esther 1:16.
- H6539 Pâraç (Persia, Persians): This identifies the empire that Karshᵉnâʼ served, establishing the historical and geographical setting for his role Esther 1:14.
The mention of Karshᵉnâʼ is significant for its contribution to the narrative's structure and setting.
- Council of Seven: Karshᵉnâʼ is part of a council of seven H7651 princes. This specific number establishes the formal and complete nature of the king's advisory body Esther 1:14.
- Proximity to Power: The description of this group as those who "saw the king's face" highlights their exclusive access and elite status, underscoring the authority of both the king and his chosen advisors.
- Witness to a Foundational Event: By being explicitly named, Karshᵉnâʼ is established as a witness to the pivotal event concerning Queen Vashti, which sets the entire plot of the book of Esther in motion.
In summary, Karshᵉnâʼ H3771 is the name of a high-ranking Persian nobleman. Though appearing only once, his mention is not incidental. It serves to add historical texture and detail to the biblical account, defining the powerful council of seven H7651 princes H8269 who held the most prominent positions in the kingdom H4438 of Persia H6539 and Media H4074, and who were present at the beginning of the events that led to Esther's rise Esther 1:14.
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