Esther 1:14 His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom.

◄ Esther 1:14 ►

New International Version
and were closest to the king—Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.

New Living Translation
The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.

English Standard Version
the men next to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom):

Berean Standard Bible
His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom.

King James Bible
And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)

New King James Version
those closest to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had access to the king’s presence, and who ranked highest in the kingdom):

New American Standard Bible
and were close to him, namely, Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven officials of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—

NASB 1995
and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—

NASB 1977
and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—

Legacy Standard Bible
and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—

Amplified Bible
and who were close to him [as advisors]: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven officials of Persia and Media who had access to the king and were ranked highest in the kingdom.

Christian Standard Bible
The most trusted ones were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. They were the seven officials of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and occupied the highest positions in the kingdom.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The most trusted ones were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. They were the seven officials of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and occupied the highest positions in the kingdom.

American Standard Version
and the next unto him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and sat first in the kingdom),

English Revised Version
and the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and sat first in the kingdom:)

GOD'S WORD® Translation
from those closest to him-Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. These seven officials of the Persians and Medes had access to the king and held the highest rank in the kingdom. The king asked these wise men who knew the times,

Good News Translation
Those he most often turned to for advice were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan--seven officials of Persia and Media who held the highest offices in the kingdom.

International Standard Version
(His closest advisers were: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven officials of Persia and Media who had direct access to the king and who held the highest rank in the kingdom.)

Majority Standard Bible
His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom.

NET Bible
Those who were closest to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. These men were the seven officials of Persia and Media who saw the king on a regular basis and had the most prominent offices in the kingdom.

New Heart English Bible
and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven officials of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and sat first in the kingdom),

Webster's Bible Translation
And the next to him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and who sat the first in the kingdom;)

World English Bible
and next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom),

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and he who is near to him [is] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, Memucan, seven heads of Persia and Media seeing the face of the king, who are sitting first in the kingdom—

Young's Literal Translation
and he who is near unto him is Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, Memucan, seven heads of Persia and Media seeing the face of the king, who are sitting first in the kingdom --

Smith's Literal Translation
And there drew near to him Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, Memucan, seven chiefs of Persia and Media, seeing the face of the king, sitting the first in the kingdom;)

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
(Now the chief and nearest him were, Charsena, and Sethar, and Admatha, and Tharsis, and Mares, and Marsana, and Mamuchan, seven princes of the Persians, and of the Medes, who saw the face of the king, and were used to sit first after him :)

Catholic Public Domain Version
(but first and foremost were Carshena, and Shethar, and Admatha, and Tarshish, and Meres, and Marsena, and Memucan, seven rulers of the Persians as well as the Medes, who saw the face of the king and who were accustomed to sitting down first after him,)

New American Bible
He summoned Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven Persian and Median officials who were in the king’s personal service and held first rank in the realm,

New Revised Standard Version
and those next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven officials of Persia and Media, who had access to the king, and sat first in the kingdom):

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And those who were next to him were Barnashi, Shetar, Armoth, Remos, Tarshish, Mesriah, Meaucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who sat in the presence of the king and were seen before him at the gate of the royal palace.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And to those who were close to him: Barnashay and Esthtar and Armuth and Remus and Tarshish and Mesriah and Mukan, Princes of Persia and of Media who were sitting before the King, and they appeared before him in the gate of the Kingdom.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
and the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and sat the first in the kingdom:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So Arkesaeus, and Sarsathaeus, and Malisear, the princes of the Persians and Medes, who were near the king, who sat chief in rank by the king, drew near to him,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Queen Vashti Deposed
13Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice. 14His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom. 15“According to law,” he asked, “what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey the command of King Xerxes delivered by the eunuchs?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Daniel 6:4-5
Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”

1 Kings 4:5-7
Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; / Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor. / Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year,

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 24:6
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

1 Chronicles 27:32-34
David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king. / Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. / Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army.

2 Samuel 16:20-23
Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?” / Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. ...

2 Chronicles 22:3-4
Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in wickedness. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for to his destruction they were his counselors after the death of his father.

2 Chronicles 25:16
While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.”

Isaiah 19:11-13
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.

Jeremiah 38:4
Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.”

Matthew 2:4
And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

Matthew 26:3-4
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, / and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

Mark 15:1
Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.

Luke 22:66
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said,

Treasury of Scripture

And the next to him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)

the seven.

Ezra 7:14
Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;

saw.

2 Kings 25:19
And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:

Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Revelation 22:4
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

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Access Close Closest Face First Friends Heads Highest Kingdom King's Media Memucan Memu'can Nobles Persia Places Presence Princes Rulers Sat Second Seven Sitting Tarshish

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Access Close Closest Face First Friends Heads Highest Kingdom King's Media Memucan Memu'can Nobles Persia Places Presence Princes Rulers Sat Second Seven Sitting Tarshish

Esther 1

1. Xerxes makes royal feasts.
10. Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.
13. Xerxes, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and decrees men's sovereignty.

Berean Study Bible

and closest to him
This phrase indicates a position of intimacy and trust. In the context of ancient Persian courts, those who were closest to the king were not only advisors but also confidants. The Hebrew root for "closest" suggests a nearness that is both physical and relational, emphasizing the importance of these individuals in the king's inner circle. This closeness implies a level of influence and responsibility, as they were privy to the king's thoughts and decisions.

Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan
These names represent the seven princes who were the highest-ranking officials in the Persian Empire. Each name carries its own historical and cultural significance, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and roles within the empire. The listing of these names underscores the structured hierarchy and the importance of counsel in governance. In a spiritual sense, it reminds us of the value of wise counsel and the diversity of gifts within a community.

the seven princes of Persia and Media
The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. These princes were not just any officials; they were the epitome of authority and governance in the vast empire of Persia and Media. Historically, the Medo-Persian Empire was known for its vastness and complexity, requiring a well-organized leadership structure. This phrase highlights the unity and cooperation necessary to govern such a large and diverse empire.

who had access to the king
Access to the king was a privilege reserved for the most trusted and esteemed individuals. In ancient times, the ability to approach the king signified a high level of trust and authority. This access allowed these princes to influence decisions and policies directly. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the access believers have to God through prayer, emphasizing the privilege and responsibility that comes with such access.

and could see the king’s face
Seeing the king's face was a metaphor for being in his presence and having his favor. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the king's face was often associated with his favor and blessing. To see the king's face meant to be in a position of favor and to have the opportunity to present requests or counsel. This phrase can inspire believers to seek the face of God, desiring His presence and favor in their lives.

and sat first in the kingdom
Sitting first in the kingdom indicates a position of preeminence and authority. These princes were not only advisors but also leaders who played a crucial role in the administration of the empire. The phrase suggests a structured order and respect for authority, which is essential for the stability and prosperity of any kingdom. In a spiritual context, it reminds us of the importance of leadership and the responsibility that comes with positions of authority.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) Marsena.--It has been suggested that we may possibly recognise here Mardonius, the commander at Marathon; and in Admatha, Artabanus, the uncle of Xerxes.

The seven princes.--There were seven leading families in Persia, the heads of which were the king's chief advisers, the "seven counsellors" of Ezra 7:14. Herodotus (iii. 84) speaks of the seven nobles who rose against the Pseudo-Smerdis as chief in the nation.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 14. - And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, etc. The chief native advisers of Xerxes in the early part of his reign appear to have been Mardonius (Pera Marduniya) and Artabanus (Pers, Artapana), who was his uncle (Herod., 7:5-17). It is possible that Mardonius may be here represented by Marsena, and Artabanus by Admatha; but the names could only have taken these shapes by a large amount of corruption. The other form have a general Persian air, but do not admit of even conjectural identification. The seven princes of Persia and Media. Ezra assigns to the Persian monarch seven special counsellors (Esther 7:14), and Herodotus says that there were seven leading families in Persia whose heads were specially privileged (3:84). The title, however, "princes of Persia and Media," is not found anywhere but here. Which saw the king's face. Among the privileges said by Herodotus to have been reserved to the heads of the great families, one of the most valued was that of free access to the monarch at all times, unless he were in the seraglio.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

His closest advisors [were]
וְהַקָּרֹ֣ב (wə·haq·qā·rōḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7138: Near

Carshena,
כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א (kar·šə·nā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3771: Carshena -- a person prince

Shethar,
שֵׁתָר֙ (šê·ṯār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8369: Shethar -- a prince of Pers

Admatha,
אַדְמָ֣תָא (’aḏ·mā·ṯā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 133: Admatha -- a prince of person and Media

Tarshish,
תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ (ṯar·šîš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8659: Tarshish -- a son of Javan, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite

Meres,
מֶ֥רֶס (me·res)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4825: Meres -- a Persian noble

Marsena,
מַרְסְנָ֖א (mar·sə·nā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4826: Marsena -- a Persian noble

and Memucan,
מְמוּכָ֑ן (mə·mū·ḵān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4462: Memucan -- a prince of Persia and Media

the seven
שִׁבְעַ֞ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

princes
שָׂרֵ֣י ׀ (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of Persia
פָּרַ֣ס (pā·ras)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6539: Persia -- a country in west Asia which conquered Babylon

and Media
וּמָדַ֗י (ū·mā·ḏay)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4074: Media -- a son of Japheth, also his descendants and their land

who had personal access to
רֹאֵי֙ (rō·’ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7200: To see

the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

[and] ranked
הַיֹּשְׁבִ֥ים (hay·yō·šə·ḇîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

highest
רִאשֹׁנָ֖ה (ri·šō·nāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

in the kingdom.
בַּמַּלְכֽוּת׃ (bam·mal·ḵūṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom

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OT History: Esther 1:14 And the next to him were Carshena (Est Esth. Es)