Lexical Summary Parmashta: Parmashta Original Word: פַרְמַשְׁתָּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Parmasta Of Persian origin; Parmashta, a son of Haman -- Parmasta. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a son of Haman NASB Translation Parmashta (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַּרְמַשְׁתָּא proper name, masculine son of Haman Esther 9:9, Μαρμασιμ(ν)α.. Topical Lexicon Overview Parmashta is the seventh–listed son of Haman the Agagite, mentioned once in Scripture in the account of Israel’s deliverance recorded in Esther 9:9. Though virtually unknown apart from this single reference, his name is set within a pivotal narrative that magnifies the providence of God, the preservation of the covenant people, and the outworking of divine justice against unrepentant opposition. Biblical Occurrence Esther 9:7–10 records: “They struck down Haman’s ten sons—Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha—but they did not lay their hands on the plunder.” Parmashta’s appearance in this verse ties him directly to the downfall of his father and the thwarting of an empire–wide plot against the Jews. Historical Setting The scene unfolds in the Persian capital of Susa during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). Haman, having been elevated to high office (Esther 3:1), plotted genocide against the Jews after Mordecai refused to bow to him. The divine reversal following Esther’s courageous intercession culminated in Haman’s execution (Esther 7:9–10) and, later, the execution of his ten sons, including Parmashta. Ancient Persian custom often viewed the annihilation of male heirs as removing any lingering threat of future rebellion; the narrative adopts this cultural backdrop while simultaneously revealing God’s sovereign protection of His people. Genealogical and Amalekite Connection Haman is identified as “the son of Hammedatha the Agagite” (Esther 3:1), linking him to Agag, king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:8). The Amalekites had a long–standing enmity with Israel (Exodus 17:14–16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19). The demise of Haman and his sons thus represents the final recorded outworking of God’s judgment on the Amalekite line, a judgment initially commanded through Saul yet incompletely carried out (1 Samuel 15:32–33). Parmashta’s death contributes to this redemptive–historical closure. Theological Themes 1. Divine Justice and Retribution Parmashta’s execution underscores God’s unwavering justice. The plot that threatened to eradicate the Jews ultimately recoiled upon its architects (Proverbs 26:27). Scripture’s consistent message is that unrepentant hostility toward God’s covenant people invites divine judgment. 2. The Reversal Motif The narrative of Esther celebrates “reversal” as the hallmark of providence. The edict of death is reversed to life; mourning turns to feasting; the gallows built for Mordecai become Haman’s demise. Parmashta’s inclusion in the list of the condemned amplifies this theme by showing the totality of the reversal—extending even to the next generation. 3. Corporate Solidarity The fate of Haman’s sons illustrates the biblical principle that families often share in the blessings or consequences associated with their patriarchs (Exodus 20:5–6; Joshua 7:24–25). While each person bears individual responsibility before God, Scripture also acknowledges covenantal and familial solidarity within redemptive history. 4. Restraint and Witness Twice the text notes that the Jews “did not lay their hands on the plunder” (Esther 9:10, 15). By refraining from personal enrichment, they distinguished their deliverance from mere vengeance or greed, testifying to righteous motives. Parmashta’s execution, therefore, occurs in a context that highlights both justice and ethical restraint. Liturgical Remembrance: Purim The feast of Purim, instituted in Esther 9:26–28, annually commemorates this deliverance. Parmashta’s name is read aloud among the ten sons when the Megillah (Scroll of Esther) is recited. Tradition dictates that all ten names be pronounced in a single breath, symbolizing the rapidity of their downfall. His inclusion in the liturgy reinforces the collective memory of God’s faithfulness. Typological Insights The defeat of Haman’s house anticipates the ultimate triumph of Christ over the forces that seek the destruction of God’s people (Colossians 2:15). As Haman’s decree of death was rendered powerless, so the condemning power of sin is annulled in the cross. Parmashta’s fate becomes one thread in the broader tapestry foreshadowing the complete and final victory secured by the Messiah. Lessons for Ministry Today • God remains vigilant on behalf of His people; apparent delays in justice do not signal divine indifference. Related Scripture References Esther 3:1–6; Esther 7:9–10; Esther 9:12–14 Exodus 17:8–16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19 1 Samuel 15:2–33; Proverbs 11:5; Proverbs 26:27 Conclusion Though mentioned only once, Parmashta occupies a significant place within the biblical narrative of Esther. His death, alongside that of his brothers, serves as a stark testimony to the justice of God, the protection of the covenant community, and the overarching theme of redemptive reversal that threads through Scripture—from the days of Amalek to the fullness of salvation in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations פַּרְמַ֙שְׁתָּא֙ פרמשתא par·maš·tā parMashta parmaštāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 9:9 HEB: וְאֵ֤ת ׀ פַּרְמַ֙שְׁתָּא֙ וְאֵ֣ת ׀ אֲרִיסַ֔י NAS: Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai KJV: And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, INT: Parmashta Arisai Aridai 1 Occurrence |
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