of Persian origin; Parshandatha, a son of Haman; Parshandatha.
Transliteration:Parshandâthâʼ
Pronunciation:par-shan-daw-thaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פַּרְשַׁנְדָּתָא (Parshandâthâʼ), Strong's number `{{H6577}}`, is a proper noun of Persian origin. It functions exclusively as the name of one of Haman's ten sons. As a personal name, its semantic range is fixed, identifying a specific individual within the biblical narrative. Its meaning is not derived from Hebrew roots but reflects its foreign, Persian provenance, underscoring the setting of the Book of Esther within the Persian Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Parshandatha appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Esther:
* [[Esther 9:7]]: "And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,"
This verse is part of a list enumerating the ten sons of Haman who were executed by the Jews in Susa, the capital city, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (Adar). The meticulous listing of each son's name, beginning with Parshandatha, emphasizes the completeness of the victory achieved by the Jewish people over their enemies. This act of justice was a direct consequence of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews, which was providentially overturned by God through Esther and Mordecai. The execution of Haman's sons served as a public declaration of the reversal of fortunes and the definitive defeat of the primary antagonists.
### Related Words & Concepts
Parshandatha is inextricably linked to the other sons of Haman, who are listed immediately after him: Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha. The entire group is directly connected to:
* **Haman (`{{H2001}}`):** Their father, the chief antagonist of the Book of Esther, whose wicked scheme led to their downfall.
* **Zeresh (`{{H2226}}`):** Haman's wife and the mother of his sons.
* **Esther (`{{H635}}`):** The queen through whom God's deliverance was orchestrated.
* **Mordecai (`{{H4782}}`):** Esther's cousin, instrumental in uncovering Haman's plot.
* **Ahasuerus (`{{H325}}`):** The Persian king whose decree was manipulated by Haman and later reversed.
* **Purim (`{{H6332}}`):** The festival established to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews and the defeat of their enemies, a central event of which was the execution of Haman's sons.
The Persian origin of the name also connects it to the broader cultural and historical context of the Persian Empire, where the events of Esther unfold.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Parshandatha's name, along with his brothers, carries significant theological weight within the narrative of Esther:
1. **Divine Justice and Retribution:** The execution of Haman's sons, including Parshandatha, serves as a powerful testament to divine justice. Haman's plot to destroy the Jews is turned back upon his own household, illustrating the biblical principle that "whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling" [[Proverbs 26:27]]. Though God's name is not explicitly mentioned in Esther, His providential hand is clearly seen in the complete reversal of Haman's evil intentions.
2. **Completeness of Deliverance:** The detailed naming of each son underscores the thoroughness and finality of God's deliverance for His people. The destruction of Haman's entire male lineage signifies a comprehensive victory over the enemy and the eradication of the threat to Israel's existence.
3. **Symbol of the Enemy's Defeat:** As the first son listed, Parshandatha's name initiates the enumeration of the enemy's downfall, symbolizing the beginning of the end for Haman's house and the triumph of God's people. Their deaths solidify the foundation for the establishment of the festival of Purim.
4. **Preservation of God's Covenant People:** The narrative, culminating in the defeat of Haman and his sons, highlights God's unwavering commitment to preserve His covenant people, even when they are in exile and seemingly vulnerable.
### Summary
Parshandatha (`{{H6577}}`) is a Persian proper noun, identifying one of the ten sons of Haman, the antagonist in the Book of Esther. Mentioned solely in [[Esther 9:7]], his name is part of the list of Haman's sons who were executed, signifying the comprehensive defeat of the enemy. The inclusion of Parshandatha's name underscores the completeness of divine justice, the thoroughness of God's deliverance for His people, and the finality of the enemy's downfall. His death, along with his brothers', is a crucial event leading to the establishment of the festival of Purim, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's providential care and protection of Israel.
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