of Persian origin; Mehuman, a eunuch of Xerxes; Mehuman.
Transliteration:Mᵉhûwmân
Pronunciation:meh-hoo-mawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
**H4104 (מְהוּמָן - Mᵉhûwmân)** is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is "of Persian origin," identifying a specific individual: Mehuman, a eunuch serving King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). As a proper noun, it does not possess a broad semantic range in Hebrew; rather, its meaning is entirely tied to its referent within the biblical narrative. While the precise etymology or meaning of the name in its original Persian language is not provided in the Strong's definition, its function in the text is solely nominative, serving to identify a particular official in the Persian court.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **H4104 (מְהוּמָן - Mᵉhûwmân)** occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Esther:
* [[Esther 1:10]]: "On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to behold."
In this sole occurrence, Mehuman is listed as the first of seven eunuchs (סָרִיס - saris, `{{H5631}}`) or chamberlains who directly served King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. Their role is to execute the king's command to bring Queen Vashti before him. Mehuman, along with his colleagues, represents the immediate agents of the king's will, highlighting the highly structured and hierarchical nature of the Achaemenid Persian court. His presence, as part of a named list of officials, contributes to the historical and cultural verisimilitude of the book of Esther, grounding the narrative in a specific historical setting.
### Related Words & Concepts
Mehuman's identity is intrinsically linked to several key concepts and individuals within the book of Esther:
* **Eunuchs/Chamberlains (סָרִיס - saris, `{{H5631}}`):** Mehuman is identified as one of the king's eunuchs. This term often denotes a high-ranking court official, frequently entrusted with significant administrative duties within the royal household, especially concerning the king's inner chambers and harem. Their proximity to the king signifies a position of trust and influence.
* **King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I):** Mehuman is a servant of this powerful Persian monarch, whose vast empire and absolute authority form the backdrop for the entire book of Esther.
* **Persian Court:** The mention of Mehuman and his colleagues provides a glimpse into the elaborate and hierarchical structure of the Achaemenid Persian court, characterized by specific offices and protocols.
* **Queen Vashti:** Mehuman's only direct action in the narrative is related to the command concerning Queen Vashti, whose refusal to appear sets in motion the events that lead to Esther's elevation.
* **Other Eunuchs:** Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas are Mehuman's direct colleagues, all of whom are listed together, emphasizing their collective role as royal attendants.
### Theological Significance
While Mehuman is a minor character, his inclusion in the biblical text, even as a seemingly insignificant official in a foreign court, carries implicit theological weight:
* **Divine Providence in Detail:** The meticulous naming of various officials, even those with fleeting roles like Mehuman, underscores the detailed nature of the biblical narrative. This attention to detail, even within a seemingly secular book like Esther, suggests that God's providence extends to every aspect of human history, working through the actions of countless individuals, whether they are aware of His overarching plan or not.
* **Historical Grounding and Verisimilitude:** The presence of specific Persian names and court titles like "Mehuman" lends historical authenticity to the narrative. This grounding in real-world historical and cultural settings reinforces the idea that God's redemptive plan unfolds within the tangible realities of human existence, not in a mythical vacuum.
* **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations:** Mehuman's role as a servant in a pagan empire, far removed from the covenant people of Israel, subtly reinforces the biblical theme of God's universal sovereignty. Even the administrative details of a foreign court are subject to His ultimate control, contributing to the unfolding of His purposes, which in the book of Esther, culminate in the preservation of the Jewish people.
### Summary
**H4104 (מְהוּמָן - Mᵉhûwmân)** is a proper noun of Persian origin, identifying Mehuman, one of the seven eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). He is mentioned only once in [[Esther 1:10]], where he is commanded, along with his colleagues, to bring Queen Vashti before the king. Though a minor figure, Mehuman's inclusion contributes to the detailed historical backdrop of the book of Esther, lending verisimilitude to the narrative. Theologically, his presence, alongside other specific Persian names and court titles, implicitly highlights the meticulousness of the biblical account and underscores the pervasive reach of divine providence, which orchestrates events even through seemingly insignificant figures within a foreign empire, ultimately serving God's overarching plan for His people.
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