The Hebrew word ʼĂrîyday, represented by H742, is a proper name of Persian origin. Its base definition is Aridai, a son of Haman. This name is exceptionally rare in scripture, appearing just 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The single appearance of H742 is in the book of Esther. The name is found in a list documenting the sons of Haman. The verse records the names "And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha" Esther 9:9, placing Aridai within the context of his brothers.
Several related words appear alongside H742 in the same passage, all identified as sons of Haman and having Persian origins:
- H6534 Parmashtâʼ (Parmasta): This name is listed directly before Aridai in the biblical text Esther 9:9. The definition identifies him as a son of Haman.
- H747 ʼĂrîyçay (Arisai): Also identified as a son of Haman, this name is mentioned with his brothers in the same verse Esther 9:9.
- H2055 Vayzâthâʼ (Vajezatha): This individual is also defined as a son of Haman and concludes the list in which Aridai is found Esther 9:9.
The significance of H742 is tied directly to its narrative function rather than to broad theological concepts.
- Genealogical Identification: The name serves primarily to identify a specific individual, Aridai, as a son of Haman.
- Narrative Detail: Its inclusion in Esther 9:9 contributes to the specific and detailed record-keeping that characterizes the historical account in the book of Esther.
- Cultural Context: As a name of Persian origin, it helps situate the events of the narrative within its specific historical and cultural setting.
In summary, H742 ʼĂrîyday is a specific and seldom-used proper name. Its sole function in the biblical text is to identify one of the sons of Haman in the list provided in Esther 9:9. The name's importance lies in its contribution to the historical precision of the biblical narrative, marking a specific person within a specific family.
TRV