### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Mᵉmûwkân**, represented by `{{H4462}}`, is of Persian derivation and identifies a specific Persian satrap. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, all within the same narrative context. The name refers to Memucan, one of the seven high-ranking princes of Persia and Media who served King Ahasuerus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Memucan is introduced as one of seven princes who were **near** `{{H7138}}` to the king and "sat the first in the **kingdom** `{{H4438}}`" [[Esther 1:14]]. When King Ahasuerus is publicly defied by Queen Vashti, Memucan is the one who **answered** `{{H559}}` the king's request for counsel. He framed the queen's actions not merely as a wrong against the king, but as a transgression against all the **princes** `{{H8269}}` and all the **people** `{{H5971}}` in the **provinces** `{{H4082}}` of the kingdom [[Esther 1:16]]. The king ultimately **did** `{{H6213}}` according to the **word** `{{H1697}}` of Memucan [[Esther 1:21]], demonstrating his significant influence.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define Memucan's role and the context of his actions:
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (prince): This title defines Memucan's high rank as a "head person" or "ruler" within the Persian court, positioning him as a key advisor to the king [[Esther 1:14]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word for "king" identifies the ultimate authority, King Ahasuerus, whom Memucan serves and whose actions are directly shaped by Memucan's counsel [[Esther 1:16]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (word, saying): This term is crucial as it refers to Memucan's specific advice or "saying" that pleased the king and became the basis for a royal decree [[Esther 1:21]].
* `{{H7138}}` **qârôwb** (near): This word emphasizes the elite status of Memucan, who was among the few officials considered "near" to the king with privileged access and influence [[Esther 1:14]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4462}}` is entirely contained within its narrative function in the book of Esther.
* **Voice of Counsel:** Memucan is not a passive figure but the active counselor who provides a definitive solution in a moment of royal crisis, speaking on behalf of the other princes [[Esther 1:16]].
* **Political Framing:** He skillfully reframes the queen's private disobedience as a public threat to the social order across all the provinces, giving the king a political justification for a severe response [[Esther 1:16]].
* **Narrative Catalyst:** The king's decision to act on Memucan's **word** `{{H1697}}` results in the deposition of Queen Vashti [[Esther 1:21]]. This single act of counsel creates the political vacuum that sets the stage for the entire story of Esther's rise to power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4462}}` is more than a name on a list of Persian officials; it belongs to a pivotal figure in the court of King Ahasuerus. Memucan is defined by his rank as a **prince** `{{H8269}}`, his proximity to the **king** `{{H4428}}`, and the decisive impact of his influential **word** `{{H1697}}`. His shrewd counsel serves as the direct catalyst for the events that drive the book of Esther, demonstrating how the advice of a single individual can alter the course of a kingdom.
TRV