פַּרְמַשְׁתָּא

Parmashta, a son of Haman

Definition

Parmashta is the name of one of the ten sons of Haman the Agagite, the primary antagonist in the book of Esther. As a proper noun, it refers solely to this individual, who was executed alongside his father and brothers after Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people in the Persian Empire was foiled (Esther 9:7-10). The name is of Persian origin, and its specific meaning in that language is uncertain, though it likely denoted a personal or familial identity. The biblical narrative lists him among those destroyed, marking the complete end of Haman's lineage and the overturning of his genocidal decree.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Esther 9:9, within the list of Haman's ten sons who were killed. Its usage is purely identificatory, serving to name a specific individual within a historical narrative. The context is the culmination of the story's conflict, where the Jews, empowered by the king's edict, defend themselves and execute justice upon their would-be destroyers.

Etymology

The name פַּרְמַשְׁתָּא (Parmashtâʼ) is of Persian origin, not Hebrew. It is a transliteration of an Old Persian name into Hebrew characters. The exact etymology and meaning within Persian are unclear to modern scholars, but it follows the pattern of other names in the book of Esther (like Bigtha, Abagtha, and Harbona) that reflect the Persian court setting of the story.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is not theologically loaded, its bearer's fate is significant. Parmashta's execution represents the complete judicial end of Haman's house, fulfilling the biblical principle that those who plot evil against God's people will be held accountable (Proverbs 11:5, Esther 9:25). It underscores the theme of divine providence and reversal in Esther, where the enemy's intended destruction returns upon his own head. Understanding this as part of a Persian name list grounds the story in its historical setting, affirming the reality of God's intervention in specific human events.

As a Persian name in a Hebrew text, it highlights the diaspora context of the book of Esther. The Jews lived under foreign rule, and their adversaries held positions of power with distinctly non-Hebrew identities. The recording of these Persian names adds historical authenticity and emphasizes the clash between the Jewish community and the assimilated power structures of the empire. The execution of Haman's sons, including Parmashta, was a public and legal act under Persian law, as authorized by the king's edict, demonstrating a decisive legal victory.

Word Details

Scripture References