### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼEçtêr**, represented by `{{H635}}`, is the name of the Jewish heroine **Esther**. Derived from Persian, the name appears **55 times** across **45 unique verses**, exclusively within the book that bears her name. She is introduced as Hadassah `{{H1919}}`, the daughter `{{H1323}}` of Abihail `{{H32}}`, a fair `{{H3303}}` and beautiful `{{H2896}}` young woman `{{H5291}}` brought up `{{H539}}` by her cousin Mordecai `{{H4782}}` after her father `{{H1}}` and mother `{{H517}}` were dead `{{H4194}}` ([[Esther 2:7]], [[Esther 2:15]]).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H635}}` is central to the story of the Jewish people's deliverance from annihilation. After being taken `{{H3947}}` into the king's `{{H4428}}` house `{{H1004}}`, Esther `{{H635}}` obtained `{{H5375}}` grace `{{H2580}}` and favour `{{H2617}}` from King Ahasuerus `{{H325}}`, who loved `{{H157}}` her and made `{{H4427}}` her queen `{{H4436}}` [[Esther 2:17]]. Initially, she concealed her Jewish identity at Mordecai's `{{H4782}}` command `{{H6680}}` ([[Esther 2:10]], [[Esther 2:20]]). However, when Haman `{{H2001}}` the Agagite `{{H91}}` devised `{{H2803}}` a plot to destroy `{{H8045}}` her people `{{H5971}}`, she courageously approached the king to make a request `{{H1245}}` for their lives ([[Esther 4:8]], [[Esther 7:3]]). She exposed Haman as the adversary `{{H6862}}` and enemy `{{H341}}`, leading to his downfall and the preservation of the Jews [[Esther 7:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key individuals and terms are directly associated with the story of Esther:
* `{{H1919}}` **Hădaççâh** (Hadassah): This is explicitly mentioned as Esther's original name before she was known as `{{H635}}` [[Esther 2:7]].
* `{{H4782}}` **Mordᵉkay** (Mordecai): Esther's cousin who raised her and guided her to her royal `{{H4438}}` position, charging `{{H6680}}` her to act for her people `{{H5971}}` ([[Esther 2:7]], [[Esther 4:8]]). Esther certified `{{H559}}` the king `{{H4428}}` of a plot in Mordecai's name `{{H8034}}` [[Esther 2:22]].
* `{{H325}}` **ʼĂchashvêrôwsh** (Ahasuerus): The Persian king `{{H4428}}` who made Esther queen `{{H4436}}` and granted `{{H5414}}` her petitions `{{H7596}}`, holding out the golden `{{H2091}}` sceptre `{{H8275}}` to her ([[Esther 5:2]], [[Esther 5:6]]).
* `{{H2001}}` **Hâmân** (Haman): The wicked `{{H7451}}` adversary `{{H6862}}` whose plot to destroy the Jews was thwarted by Esther's intercession [[Esther 7:6]]. The king gave `{{H5414}}` the house `{{H1004}}` of Haman to Esther [[Esther 8:1]].
* `{{H6332}}` **Pûwr** (Purim): The festival established by the decree `{{H3982}}` of Esther `{{H635}}` and Mordecai to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews, named after the lot `{{H6332}}` cast by Haman [[Esther 9:31-32]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H635}}` highlights several key themes:
* **Courage and Intercession:** Esther risked her life by going before the king `{{H4428}}` unsummoned to make supplication `{{H2603}}` for her people `{{H5971}}` ([[Esther 4:8]], [[Esther 5:1]]). She fell at his feet `{{H7272}}` and besought `{{H2603}}` him with tears `{{H1058}}` to put away `{{H5674}}` Haman's evil `{{H7451}}` device `{{H4284}}` [[Esther 8:3]].
* **Hidden Identity and Divine Placement:** Mordecai questioned if Esther had come to the kingdom `{{H4438}}` "for such a time as this" [[Esther 4:14]], suggesting a greater purpose for her position. Her initial concealment of her kindred `{{H4138}}` ultimately allowed her to act at the decisive moment [[Esther 2:10]].
* **Authority and Justice:** After proving her loyalty, Esther was given great authority. She set `{{H7760}}` Mordecai over the house `{{H1004}}` of Haman [[Esther 8:2]] and, along with Mordecai, wrote `{{H3789}}` with all authority `{{H8633}}` to establish the days of Purim `{{H6332}}` [[Esther 9:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H635}}` is not merely a name but the representation of a pivotal figure in biblical history. The story of Esther is one of transformation from an orphaned maid `{{H5291}}` to a powerful queen `{{H4436}}` who became the instrument of her people's salvation. Through her strategic banquets `{{H4960}}`, courageous petitions `{{H7596}}`, and bold confrontation of evil `{{H7451}}`, she averted a genocide and established a lasting memorial of deliverance [[Esther 9:31]]. Her name is synonymous with bravery, loyalty, and the profound impact one individual can have on the destiny of a nation.
TRV