of Persian origin; Parmashta, a son of Haman; Parmasta.
Transliteration:Parmashtâʼ
Pronunciation:par-mash-taw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
**H6534** (פַּרְמַשְׁתָּא, Parmashtâʼ) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymology is noted as being "of Persian origin," which aligns with the historical setting of the Book of Esther. The base definition identifies Parmashta as one of the ten sons of Haman, the antagonist in the biblical narrative. As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently limited; it refers exclusively and uniquely to this specific individual. There is no broader meaning or metaphorical application beyond identifying the person named.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Parmashta occurs only once in the biblical text, in the Book of Esther:
* [[Esther 9:7]] – "And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha," This verse lists the ten sons of Haman who were executed by the Jews in Susa.
The context is crucial: following Haman's failed plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire, and his own execution, a royal decree was issued allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. In the capital city of Susa, this defense culminated in the killing of Haman's ten sons. Parmashta, as one of these sons, is a direct participant in the tragic culmination of Haman's anti-Jewish machinations. His inclusion in the list signifies the thoroughness of the judgment against Haman's household and the complete reversal of fortune for the Jewish people.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Parmashta's primary relationships are familial and narrative:
* **Haman** (`{{H2001}}`): Parmashta's father, the arch-enemy of the Jews whose plot led to the events of Esther and the eventual demise of his family.
* **The Other Nine Sons of Haman**: Listed alongside Parmashta in [[Esther 9:7-9]], these individuals share his fate and represent the complete lineage of Haman. Their names, like Parmashta, are likely of Persian origin.
* **Purim**: The festival established to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot, directly linked to the events that saw Parmashta's demise.
* **Retribution/Justice**: The concept of divine justice is strongly evidenced in the reversal of Haman's plans and the execution of his sons, including Parmashta, on the very gallows intended for Mordecai.
* **Divine Providence**: Although God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, the narrative powerfully illustrates God's unseen hand orchestrating events to protect His people, turning the enemy's plans against them.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Parmashta is not found in the meaning of his name, but rather in his identity as one of Haman's sons and his role in the narrative of divine deliverance. Parmashta's execution, alongside his brothers, serves as a powerful symbol of:
1. **The Overthrow of Evil**: The complete eradication of Haman's lineage represents the thoroughness of God's judgment against those who seek to destroy His people. It signifies the ultimate failure of evil plots against the righteous.
2. **Divine Justice and Reversal**: The fate of Parmashta and his brothers vividly illustrates the principle of *lex talionis* and the reversal of fortune. Haman's plans for the Jews were turned back upon his own house, demonstrating that "the wicked falls into the pit he digs" ([[Psalm 7:15]]).
3. **God's Protection of His Covenant People**: Even in a book where God's name is absent, the narrative of Esther, culminating in the destruction of Haman's house, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to protect His covenant people from annihilation. Parmashta's death, therefore, contributes to the larger message of God's sovereign care.
4. **The Finality of Judgment**: The public execution of Haman's sons, specifically their hanging, underscores the finality and public nature of the judgment meted out to those who oppose God's purposes.
### Summary
Parmashta (`{{H6534}}`) is a proper noun of Persian origin, identifying one of the ten sons of Haman mentioned in [[Esther 9:7]]. His singular biblical appearance is within the pivotal moment of the Book of Esther, detailing the execution of Haman's family as a consequence of Haman's genocidal plot against the Jewish people. As a character, Parmashta holds no individual theological significance beyond his identity as a son of the primary antagonist. His inclusion in the list of those executed serves as a powerful symbol within the broader narrative, underscoring the themes of divine justice, the complete overthrow of evil, and God's sovereign protection of His people from their enemies. His fate, alongside his brothers, marks the definitive reversal of fortune and the triumph of God's plan over the machinations of the wicked.
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