Lexical Summary Medatha: Medatha Original Word: מְדָתָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hammedatha including the article Of Persian origin; Medatha, the father of Haman -- Hammedatha (including the article). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee Hammedatha. Brown-Driver-Briggs הַמְּדָתָא proper name, masculine father of Haman (Persian mâh, moon (mâha, month, SpiegAPK 236) + data, given? so (written hamaodata Öttli; ᵐ5 Ἁμαδαθου (always Genitive); in Greek perhaps Μαδάτης [Μαδάτας, Μαδέτης], compare XenCyr, see 3. 41 Diodxvii,67 PottZMG 1859, 424); — הַמְּדָתָא הָֽאֲגָגִי Esther 3:1,10; Esther 8:5; Esther 9:24; without האגגי Esther 9:10. Topical Lexicon Identity and Genealogical Note Hammedatha is known exclusively as the father of Haman, the principal antagonist in the Book of Esther. Each mention of the name appears in patronymic form—“Haman son of Hammedatha”—indicating a lineage that the author of Esther wishes readers to remember whenever Haman is introduced. Occurrences in Scripture • Esther 3:1 “After these events King Ahasuerus promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other officials.” (Esther 3:1) Historical Background The events of Esther unfold during the reign of “Ahasuerus” (generally identified with Xerxes I, 486–465 BC). Hammedatha himself does not act within the narrative, but his mention roots Haman in a family of standing within the Persian Empire. The retention of Hammedatha’s name in the text reflects the Persian custom of emphasizing noble descent, and it prepares the reader for the opposition between the house of Saul (represented by Mordecai, a Benjamite) and the house of Agag (represented by Haman, son of Hammedatha). The Agagite Connection Haman is repeatedly called “the Agagite.” Agag was the royal title of Amalekite kings (Numbers 24:7; 1 Samuel 15:8). By tethering Haman to Agag through Hammedatha, Scripture reminds the reader of the ancient hostility between Amalek and Israel that began in Exodus 17:8–16 and continued through the incomplete obedience of Saul in 1 Samuel 15. Hammedatha’s inclusion therefore intensifies the theological stakes of the story: the survival of God’s covenant people is once again threatened by an Amalekite adversary. Role in the Narrative of Esther Although Hammedatha never speaks or acts in the text, his name functions rhetorically: 1. It signals that Haman’s vendetta against the Jews is not merely personal but springs from an inherited enmity. Theological Significance Providence. By recording Hammedatha’s name, the narrative testifies to God’s sovereign oversight of history. Generations may conspire against God’s people, but “relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews” (Esther 4:14). Divine Justice. The downfall of “Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews” (Esther 9:24) fulfills the divine sentence pronounced on Amalek (Exodus 17:14). Spiritual Warfare. Hammedatha’s family line personifies the ongoing conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). The victory recorded in Esther reassures believers that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. Lessons for Christian Ministry 1. Recognize unseen influences. Like Hammedatha, generational attitudes can shape present actions; ministry must address roots, not only symptoms. Thus, though Hammedatha stands silently in the background, his brief appearances sharpen the drama of redemption and underscore the steadfast purpose of God in history. Forms and Transliterations הַמְּדָ֙תָא֙ הַמְּדָ֛תָא הַמְּדָ֜תָא המדתא ham·mə·ḏā·ṯā hammeData hamməḏāṯāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 3:1 HEB: הָמָ֧ן בֶּֽן־ הַמְּדָ֛תָא הָאֲגָגִ֖י וַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּ KJV: the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, INT: Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite and advanced Esther 3:10 Esther 8:5 Esther 9:10 Esther 9:24 5 Occurrences |
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