### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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]].
TRV