of Persian origin; a grandee; (most) noble, prince.
Transliteration:partam
Pronunciation:par-tam'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פַּרְתַּם (partam), Strong's number H6579, is identified as being of Persian origin, indicating its likely entry into the Hebrew lexicon during or after the Babylonian exile, a period of significant Persian influence. Its core meaning denotes a person of high social and political standing within a governmental structure, specifically "a grandee," "noble," or "prince." The definition "most noble" suggests a superlative degree of eminence, implying individuals at the very pinnacle of the aristocracy or official hierarchy. This term thus describes a member of the elite ruling class, possessing significant authority, wealth, or hereditary status within the Persian Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פַּרְתַּם (partam) appears exclusively in the book of Esther, occurring twice.
1. **[[Esther 1:3]]**: "in the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media, the nobles (פַּרְתַּם), and the princes of the provinces were before him." Here, פַּרְתַּם is listed among other high-ranking individuals – "officials," "servants," and "princes of the provinces" – who attend King Ahasuerus's grand feast. This placement firmly establishes them as a distinct and prominent category within the Persian court's hierarchy, representing the highest echelons of nobility from both Persia and Media. Their presence at such a significant royal event underscores their importance and influence.
2. **[[Esther 6:9]]**: "and let the robe and the horse be delivered to one of the king's most noble (פַּרְתַּם) princes, that they may array the man whom the king delights to honor, and lead him on horseback through the open square of the city, and proclaim before him, 'Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.'" In this instance, Haman, intending to honor himself, suggests that the public recognition of the "man whom the king delights to honor" should be carried out by "one of the king's most noble princes." The use of פַּרְתַּם here emphasizes that only an individual of the highest possible rank and prestige could appropriately bestow such an honor, thereby magnifying the honor itself. The context highlights the superlative aspect of the word's meaning, indicating supreme nobility.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its meaning and context, פַּרְתַּם (partam) relates to several other Hebrew terms denoting leadership, nobility, and authority, particularly within the context of monarchical or imperial administration.
* `{{H8269}}` (sar): A very common word for "prince," "chief," or "official," often used for military commanders or heads of groups.
* `{{H5081}}` (nasi): Generally translated as "prince" or "leader," often with a tribal or communal connotation, distinct from a royal prince.
* `{{H2715}}` (chor): Refers to a "noble" or "freeborn" person, often indicating social status rather than an official position.
* `{{H6105}}` (atzil): Denotes a "noble" or "chief," conveying a sense of eminence or distinction.
* Concepts related to the Persian court and administration, such as `{{H5631}}` (sagan - "governor" or "prefect") and `{{H7218}}` (rash - "head" or "chief"), further contextualize the role of a פַּרְתַּם within the broader imperial structure. The existence of a specific Persian loanword for this high rank underscores the distinct administrative and social hierarchy of the Achaemenid Empire as perceived by the biblical authors.
### Theological Significance
While פַּרְתַּם (partam) is a descriptive term for a secular administrative title and does not carry inherent theological meaning, its presence in the book of Esther contributes significantly to the theological message of the narrative.
1. **Divine Providence amidst Human Grandeur**: The frequent mention of the Persian king's vast empire, his numerous officials, and these "grandees" (פַּרְתַּם) serves to emphasize the immense human power and splendor that forms the backdrop for the unfolding drama. Against this seemingly overwhelming display of earthly might, God's subtle yet decisive providential hand is revealed, demonstrating His sovereignty over even the most powerful human empires and their most esteemed officials.
2. **Reversal of Fortune**: The instruction in [[Esther 6:9]] for one of the "most noble princes" (פַּרְתַּם) to honor Mordecai is a pivotal moment. It highlights the dramatic reversal of fortune orchestrated by God. The very system of power that Haman sought to exploit for the destruction of the Jews is divinely manipulated to elevate a Jew (Mordecai) to honor, using the highest-ranking officials of the empire. This demonstrates that God works through, and even overrules, human political structures to accomplish His purposes for His people.
3. **God's Hidden Hand**: The book of Esther famously does not mention God's name, yet His active presence is undeniable. The presence of פַּרְתַּםs, as key figures in the Persian court, underscores the human agency involved in the narrative while simultaneously pointing to the unseen divine orchestrator who guides the actions of kings and their nobles to protect His covenant people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פַּרְתַּם (H6579) is a Persian loanword appearing exclusively in the book of Esther. It denotes a "grandee," "noble," or "prince," signifying an individual of the highest social and political standing within the Persian Empire. Its occurrences in [[Esther 1:3]] and [[Esther 6:9]] consistently portray these individuals as key figures in the royal court, underscoring their prominence and authority. Related to other Hebrew terms for leadership such as `{{H8269}}` (sar) and `{{H2715}}` (chor), פַּרְתַּᆷ specifically highlights the unique administrative structure of the Persian Empire. Theologically, the presence of פַּרְתַּםs in the narrative of Esther serves to magnify the grandeur of the human empire, thereby accentuating God's sovereign and providential power, which subtly yet powerfully works through and even over the highest earthly authorities to ensure the deliverance and preservation of His people.
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