Lexical Summary sochereth: Hireling, hired worker Original Word: סֹחֵרֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance black marble Similar to cocherah; probably a (black) tile (or tessara) for laying borders with -- black marble. see HEBREW cocherah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sachar Definition a stone (used in paving) NASB Translation precious stones (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [סֹחֶ֫רֶת] noun feminine a stone used (with marble) in paving (compare Assyrian si—ru, a precious stone, DlHWB 495); — סֹחָ֑רֶת Esther 1:6. Topical Lexicon Definition and Context סֹחֵרֶת (sōchereth) identifies the silver “rings” or “rods” from which curtains and tapestries were suspended in the palace court of King Ahasuerus during the seven-day feast described in Esther 1:6. The term occurs only here, emphasizing a single but vivid element of Persian court décor: “There were hangings of white and violet linen fastened with cords of fine linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars…” (Esther 1:6). Historical Background of Esther 1:6 The event takes place in Susa around 483 B.C. The lavish banquet celebrates the king’s power after three years of military preparation. Archaeological discoveries from Susa confirm the use of marble columns and elaborate textiles in Persian palaces. The silver rings (סֹחֵרֶת) allowed banners and canopies to sway in the open-air courtyard, creating both shade and spectacle for thousands of nobles. For exiled Jews living under Persian dominion, the scene underscored their vulnerability in a foreign empire, yet also introduced the setting where God would later reverse their fortunes. Material Culture and Architectural Use 1. Composition: Likely cast or hammered silver, valued for malleability and luster. Literary and Theological Significance • Contrast of Glory: The fleeting splendor of Persia foreshadows “all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the field” (1 Peter 1:24). The rings glitter, but their metal cannot prevent divine providence from overruling the king’s decrees (Esther 8:8–9). Typological and Ministry Implications • Sovereignty Behind the Scenes: A small architectural detail reminds readers that God is attentive to every thread and ring in the account of redemption. Practical Application for Today 1. Evaluate Externals: Buildings and décor can serve the gospel, but the heart motive must remain pure (Colossians 3:17). Forms and Transliterations וְסֹחָֽרֶת׃ וסחרת׃ vesoCharet wə·sō·ḥā·reṯ wəsōḥāreṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:6 HEB: וָשֵׁ֖שׁ וְדַ֥ר וְסֹחָֽרֶת׃ NAS: mother-of-pearl and precious stones. KJV: and white, and black, marble. INT: marble mother-of-pearl and precious 1 Occurrence |
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