Lexical Summary Admatha: Admatha Original Word: אַדְמָתָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Admatha Probably of Persian derivation: Admatha, a Persian nobleman -- Admatha. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a prince of Pers. and Media NASB Translation Admatha (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַדְמָתָא proper name, masculine a prince of Persia & Media Esther 1:14 (compare Persian admâta, unrestrained). אדן (meaning disputed; (1) compare Assyrian [adannu] firm, strong; adverb adanniš, strongly, exceedingly DlW > (2) Fü. (a) make firm, fasten (compare Topical Lexicon Name and Narrative Placement Admatha appears once in Scripture, at Esther 1:14, as one of the seven high-ranking nobles who “had ready access to the king and sat first in the kingdom” (Berean Standard Bible). His inclusion in the list anchors the opening chapter of Esther in a specific political context, introducing the inner circle that will advise Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) on Queen Vashti’s defiance and thereby set in motion the chain of events that brings Esther to the throne. Role among the Seven Persian Princes The seven princes—Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—served as both counselors and legal authorities. Persian custom granted these officials the right to see the king’s face unbidden, a privilege rarely extended (compare with David’s court in 2 Samuel 14:24). Their counsel carried constitutional weight; what was decided in their presence became “a law of the Persians and Medes, which cannot be revoked” (Esther 1:19). Although Memucan is the spokesman, the text deliberately names all seven, underscoring that the ensuing royal decree is not a unilateral whim but a consensus of the empire’s highest statesmen. Admatha’s voice, though unrecorded, is nevertheless counted among those who shaped the irreversible edict that deposed Vashti and paved the way for Esther. Historical and Cultural Background Archaeological and classical sources confirm that the Persian court maintained an elite cadre of seven advisors with privileged access (Herodotus 3.84). The list in Esther reflects authentic Old Persian naming patterns, strengthening the historical reliability of the account. The public festivals, lengthy banquets, and rigid court etiquette portrayed in Esther 1 mirror what is known of Persian protocol during Xerxes I’s reign (circa 486–465 B.C.). Admatha’s presence within that bureaucracy illustrates how Jews in exile navigated a world ruled by powerful Gentile structures, yet remained under God’s sovereign oversight. Theological Insights 1. Providence through Pagan Powers: God’s redemptive plan often unfolds through secular authorities who may be unaware of His purposes (Romans 13:1). Admatha’s concurrence in Vashti’s removal indirectly facilitates Esther’s rise, positioning her to intercede for her people when extinction looms (Esther 4:14). Applications for Faith and Ministry • Recognize God’s Hand in Civil Structures: Like Admatha, many believers today serve within secular systems. Esther’s narrative encourages faith that God can redirect governmental decisions for His glory and His people’s welfare. Related Biblical Themes and References • Sovereignty over Nations: Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 21:1 In sum, Admatha’s brief cameo highlights the intricate interplay between divine providence and human agency. His participation in Persia’s highest council helped set the stage for the deliverance narrative that bears witness to God’s faithful preservation of His covenant people. Forms and Transliterations אַדְמָ֣תָא אדמתא ’aḏ·mā·ṯā ’aḏmāṯā adMataLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:14 HEB: כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א שֵׁתָר֙ אַדְמָ֣תָא תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ מֶ֥רֶס NAS: Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, KJV: Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, INT: Carshena Shethar Admatha Tarshish Meres 1 Occurrence |
    |
) whence אֶדֶן; (b) determine, command, rule, whence אָדוֺן; (3) Thes Add., MV and others (a) intransitive be under, low, inferior (compare דּוּן, 
), whence אֶדֶן; (b) transitive put under command, rule over (compare דִּין) whence אָדוֺן; see also (4) LagM. i. 102, אָדוֺן from 
).