Topical Encyclopedia
Admatha is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, specifically in
Esther 1:14. He is listed as one of the seven princes of Persia and Media who had special access to King Ahasuerus and were considered his closest advisors. The Berean Standard Bible states: "and the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom—Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan."
Historical ContextThe Book of Esther is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus, commonly identified with Xerxes I, who ruled the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC. This period was marked by the vast expanse of the Persian Empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia, encompassing 127 provinces. The narrative of Esther provides a glimpse into the royal court's inner workings and the political dynamics of the time.
Role and SignificanceAdmatha, as one of the seven princes, held a position of significant influence and authority within the Persian Empire. These princes were not only advisors but also had the privilege of direct access to the king, a status that underscored their importance in the administration and governance of the empire. The mention of Admatha and his peers highlights the structured hierarchy and the reliance of the king on a council of trusted nobles for counsel and decision-making.
Cultural and Religious ImplicationsThe inclusion of Admatha in the biblical text, though brief, serves to illustrate the broader cultural and political environment in which the events of Esther unfold. The Persian court, with its elaborate protocols and power structures, provides a backdrop for the account of Esther, a Jewish woman who rises to become queen and plays a pivotal role in the deliverance of her people.
From a religious perspective, the Book of Esther, including the mention of figures like Admatha, underscores themes of providence, divine intervention, and the survival of the Jewish people amidst foreign rule. While Admatha himself is not a central figure in the narrative, his presence as part of the king's advisory council situates the account within the historical and political realities of the time.
Linguistic NotesThe name "Admatha" is of uncertain origin and meaning. In the context of Persian names, it may reflect a title or a designation rather than a personal name. The linguistic roots and etymology remain a subject of scholarly discussion, with some suggesting possible connections to Old Persian or Median languages.
ConclusionAdmatha's mention in the Book of Esther, though limited to a single verse, contributes to the depiction of the Persian court's complexity and the intricate web of relationships that influenced the events described in the narrative. His role as one of the seven princes underscores the importance of advisory councils in ancient Near Eastern monarchies and provides a historical context for understanding the unfolding of the biblical account.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Admathaa cloud of death; a mortal vapor
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Admatha(given by the highest), one of the seven princes of Persia. (Esther 1:14)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ADMATHAad'-ma-tha, ad-ma'-tha ('adhmatha'): One of "the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and sat first in the kingdom" (Esther 1:14); compare2 Kings 25:19Ezra 7:14. The Septuagint gives only three names.
Strong's Hebrew
133.Admatha -- a prince of Pers. and Media... 132, 133.
Admatha. 134 . a prince of Pers. and Media. Transliteration:
Admatha Phonetic Spelling: (ad-maw-thaw') Short Definition:
Admatha.
...Thesaurus
Admatha (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ADMATHA.
... The Septuagint gives only three
names. Multi-Version Concordance
Admatha (1 Occurrence).
...Adma'tha (1 Occurrence)
Adma'tha.Admatha, Adma'tha. Admin . Multi-Version Concordance Adma'tha
(1 Occurrence)....Admatha, Adma'tha. Admin . Reference Bible.
Admah (6 Occurrences)
Tarshish (24 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar,Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the...
Memu'can (3 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:14 and the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar,Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the...
Marse'na (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:14 and the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar,Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the...
Meres (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar,Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the...
Marsena (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar,Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the...
Memucan (3 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar,Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the...
Carshena (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar,Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the...
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