### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂgâgîy**, represented by `{{H91}}`, is a patronymic term meaning an **Agagite**, or a descendant of Agag. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, exclusively within the book of Esther, where it is used to identify a single individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H91}}` is used solely to describe Haman, the primary antagonist in the story of Esther. He is introduced as "Haman the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Hammedatha the **Agagite** `{{H91}}`," who is **promoted** `{{H1431}}` by **king** `{{H4428}}` Ahasuerus [[Esther 3:1]]. This designation is consistently used to identify him throughout the account, such as when **Esther** `{{H635}}` pleads with the king to reverse the destructive letters **devised** `{{H4284}}` by Haman [[Esther 8:5]]. The term becomes a marker of his identity as the "Jews' **enemy** `{{H6887}}`" [[Esther 3:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for the identity and role of the Agagite:
* `{{H2001}}` **Haman**: The Persian vizier who is the subject identified as the **Agagite** `{{H91}}`. His actions, from his promotion [[Esther 3:1]] to his downfall, are central to the narrative.
* `{{H4099}}` **Hammedatha**: The father of Haman, whose name is consistently mentioned alongside Haman's title as the **Agagite** `{{H91}}`, establishing his lineage ([[Esther 3:10]], [[Esther 9:24]]).
* `{{H6887}}` **tsarar** (enemy): This term explicitly defines the role of the **Agagite** `{{H91}}` in relation to the Jewish people. Haman is twice labeled "the Jews' **enemy** `{{H6887}}`" [[Esther 3:10]] and "the **enemy** `{{H6887}}` of all the Jews" [[Esther 9:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H91}}` is concentrated in its role within the book of Esther:
* **Identifier of an Adversary:** The term is never used neutrally. It exclusively marks Haman as the chief antagonist who **devised** `{{H2803}}` a plot against the **Jews** `{{H3064}}`. He is identified as the **Agagite** `{{H91}}` specifically in his capacity as the "enemy" [[Esther 3:10]].
* **Marker of a Destructive Plot:** The identity of the **Agagite** `{{H91}}` is inseparable from his malevolent plan. The narrative specifies that Haman the **Agagite** `{{H91}}` cast Pur, the **lot** `{{H1486}}`, in order to **consume** `{{H2000}}` and **destroy** `{{H6}}` the Jews [[Esther 9:24]].
* **Focus of Deliverance:** Esther’s intervention is directed at thwarting the "mischief of Haman the **Agagite**" `{{H91}}` [[Esther 8:3]]. His identity as the **Agagite** `{{H91}}` frames the conflict and highlights the deliverance of the Jews from his specific threat.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H91}}` functions as a specific and loaded descriptor for Haman in the book of Esther. It is more than a simple ancestral link; it serves as the defining title for the enemy of God's people in this narrative. The term encapsulates his identity, his lineage, and the genocidal threat he posed, making the subsequent deliverance of the Jews all the more significant.
TRV