8369. Shethar

Lexical Summary

Shethar: Shethar

Original Word: שֵׁתָר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Shethar
Pronunciation: SHEH-thar
Phonetic Spelling: (shay-thawr')
KJV: Shethar
NASB: Shethar
Word Origin: [of foreign derivation]

1. Shethar, a Persian satrap

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Shethar

Of foreign derivation; Shethar, a Persian satrap -- Shethar.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a prince of Pers.
NASB Translation
Shethar (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

שֵׁתָר proper name, masculine a prince of Persia Esther 1:14; Σαρσαθαιος.

Topical Lexicon

Name and Meaning

Shethar (שֵׁתָר‎) is a Persian courtier whose name is often connected to the idea of a “star,” a fitting title in a royal entourage where servants were meant to reflect their sovereign’s glory.

Biblical Occurrence

Esther 1:14 lists Shethar second among “the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had access to the king and sat first in the kingdom”. His lone appearance is enough to identify him as one of the highest-ranking officials during the early years of King Ahasuerus’ reign.

Historical Context

1. Persian Protocol: Persian monarchs surrounded themselves with a small cadre of trusted counselors who literally “saw the king’s face.” Archaeological finds from Persepolis confirm that such men held authority just below the crown.
2. Setting in Esther: The narrative opens with Queen Vashti’s refusal (Esther 1:12). The seven nobles, including Shethar, are summoned to advise the king. Their presence highlights the legal and political weight behind the coming decree that will remove Vashti and pave the way for Esther.
3. Near-Eastern Court Culture: Advisors were expected to be learned in both Persian law and Median custom (Esther 1:13). Shethar therefore represents a fusion of wisdom and administrative power characteristic of the Achaemenid bureaucracy.

Role in the Persian Court

• Inner-circle Counselor – Shethar stood among those who could approach the king without formal summons, an honor guarding both the ruler’s person and policy.
• Legal Authority – Royal edicts in Persia carried the force of immutable law (Esther 1:19). Being consulted placed Shethar at the pivot point where royal impulse became binding statute.
• National Influence – His decisions affected 127 provinces (Esther 1:1), underlining how a single courtier’s counsel could ripple across the empire.

Theological Reflection

1. Divine Providence – Though unnamed later, Shethar’s early cameo is part of the tapestry God wove to exalt Esther and save the Jews. His silence when Memucan spoke reminds the reader that the Lord directs even the speech of advisors (Proverbs 21:1).
2. Human Authority under Sovereign Rule – Shethar exemplifies the legitimate yet limited authority of civil servants. God’s purposes stand whether counselors speak wisely or foolishly (Psalm 33:10–11).
3. Accountability of Counselors – The book later shows Haman’s destructive counsel (Esther 3). Shethar’s more neutral role cautions believers to weigh advice carefully, knowing that positions of influence carry moral responsibility (Proverbs 11:14).

Ministry Applications

• Serve Faithfully in Secular Posts – Like Shethar, Christians may be placed within governmental systems. Loyalty and integrity in such roles advance God’s larger plan (Daniel 6:3).
• Guard the Power of Counsel – Leaders and advisors today shape legislation and corporate policy. Scripture urges counselors to seek righteousness lest their influence foster injustice (Micah 6:8).
• Pray for Those in High Office – Paul instructs believers to intercede for “kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:2). Shethar’s proximity to power underscores the vital impact of prayer for advisors.

Related Biblical Parallels

• Nathan confronting David (2 Samuel 12:1–13) – the prophetic dimension of court counsel.
• Daniel among the satraps (Daniel 6:1–4) – an exile entrusted with imperial authority.
• Joseph before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:39–44) – wisdom elevating a servant to second in the kingdom.

Summary

Although mentioned only once, Shethar embodies the strategic placement of influential counselors within God’s redemptive storyline. His role in Esther 1 sets the stage for the fall of Vashti, the rise of Esther, and ultimately the deliverance of the Jewish people, reminding readers that every office—however briefly noted—lies under the Lord’s sovereign governance.

Forms and Transliterations

שֵׁתָר֙ שתר šê·ṯār šêṯār sheTar

Englishman's Concordance

Esther 1:14
HEB: אֵלָ֗יו כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א שֵׁתָר֙ אַדְמָ֣תָא תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ
NAS: to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha,
KJV: unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha,
INT: to him Carshena Shethar Admatha Tarshish

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 8369
1 Occurrence

šê·ṯār — 1 Occ.