### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Mordᵉkay**, represented by `{{H4782}}`, is of foreign derivation and identifies a prominent Israelite figure. It appears **60 times** across **52 unique verses** in the Bible. The name belongs to a man who rises from a position at the king's gate to become a great leader, instrumental in the preservation of his people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Mordecai `{{H4782}}` is identified as a **Jew** `{{H3064}}` dwelling in Shushan `{{H7800}}` the palace [[Esther 2:5]]. He is known as the guardian of his uncle's `{{H1730}}` daughter, Esther `{{H635}}`, whom he **took** `{{H3947}}` as his own daughter after her parents died [[Esther 2:7]]. His refusal to **bow** `{{H3766}}` to Haman led to a plot to **destroy** `{{H8045}}` all the Jews in the kingdom [[Esther 3:2-6]]. Despite this threat, Mordecai's faithfulness was recorded when he uncovered a plot against King Ahasuerus `{{H325}}` ([[Esther 2:22]], [[Esther 6:2]]). In response to Haman's decree, Mordecai **rent** `{{H7167}}` his clothes and put on **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}` with **ashes** `{{H665}}`, crying out bitterly [[Esther 4:1]]. Ultimately, he was greatly honored by the king and became **next** `{{H4932}}` to Ahasuerus, securing the safety of his people [[Esther 10:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related figures and terms are central to the story of Mordecai `{{H4782}}`:
* `{{H635}}` **ʼEçtêr** (Esther): His adopted daughter, who became queen. Mordecai charged `{{H6680}}` her to act on behalf of her people, and she obeyed his commandment `{{H3982}}` [[Esther 2:20]].
* `{{H325}}` **ʼĂchashvêrôwsh** (Ahasuerus): The Persian king whose life Mordecai saved [[Esther 6:2]]. The king ultimately honored Mordecai, gave him his **ring** `{{H2885}}`, and set him over the house of Haman [[Esther 8:2]].
* `{{H3064}}` **Yᵉhûwdîy** (Jew): This defines Mordecai's identity and the central conflict. Haman sought to destroy the **Jews** `{{H3064}}` because of Mordecai's defiance [[Esther 3:6]], but Mordecai's rise led to their deliverance and his recognition as "Mordecai the **Jew**" [[Esther 10:3]].
* `{{H6086}}` **ʻêts** (tree, gallows): This word is used for the **gallows** Haman prepared for Mordecai, which became the instrument of Haman's own execution [[Esther 7:9-10]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Mordecai `{{H4782}}` carries significant thematic weight, illustrating key principles of faith and divine justice.
* **Unwavering Integrity:** Mordecai's refusal to **bow** `{{H3766}}` to Haman demonstrates a commitment to his principles, even in the face of death [[Esther 3:2]]. His loyalty to the king, even before being recognized, highlights his character [[Esther 2:22]].
* **Providential Reversal:** Haman built a **gallows** `{{H6086}}` for Mordecai but was **hanged** `{{H8518}}` on it himself [[Esther 7:10]]. Mordecai, dressed in **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}`, was later arrayed in **royal** `{{H4438}}` **apparel** `{{H3830}}` ([[Esther 4:1]], [[Esther 8:15]]). The **fear** `{{H6343}}` of Mordecai fell upon the rulers of the provinces [[Esther 9:3]].
* **Advocacy for God's People:** Mordecai actively worked for the preservation of the Jews. He **commanded** `{{H6680}}` Esther to intervene [[Esther 4:10]], wrote `{{H3789}}` letters `{{H5612}}` to organize their defense [[Esther 9:20]], and ultimately is remembered for **seeking** `{{H1875}}` the **wealth** `{{H2896}}` of his people and **speaking** `{{H1696}}` **peace** `{{H7965}}` to them [[Esther 10:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4782}}` **Mordᵉkay** is more than just a name; it represents a figure of profound faithfulness and leadership. As the guardian of Esther and a loyal **Jew** `{{H3064}}`, he stood with integrity against the pride of Haman. His story is a powerful depiction of providential reversal, moving from the king's **gate** `{{H8179}}` and mourning in **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}` to a position of great `{{H1419}}` authority. His actions secured not only his own life but the deliverance and **peace** `{{H7965}}` of his entire people `{{H5971}}`.
TRV