Par-shan-da'tha is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, specifically in Esther 9:7. He is identified as one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who was an enemy of the Jews during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. Haman is infamously known for his plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire, a plan that was ultimately thwarted by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai.

Biblical Reference:
In the Book of Esther, Par-shan-da'tha is listed among the sons of Haman who were killed by the Jews in the citadel of Susa. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows:

"On that day the number of those killed in the citadel of Susa was reported to the king, and the king said to Queen Esther, 'The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa. What have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your further request? It will be fulfilled.'" (Esther 9:11-12)

Historical and Theological Context:
The account of Par-shan-da'tha and his brothers' deaths is part of the larger narrative of the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal scheme. The execution of Haman's sons, including Par-shan-da'tha, is seen as a fulfillment of divine justice and a reversal of the intended destruction of the Jews.

Theologically, the account of Esther, including the fate of Par-shan-da'tha, underscores themes of providence, justice, and the protection of God's chosen people. The narrative demonstrates how God can work through individuals and circumstances to bring about His purposes, even in a foreign land and under the rule of a pagan king.

Name and Meaning:
The name Par-shan-da'tha is of Persian origin, and like many names in the Book of Esther, it reflects the cultural and linguistic context of the Persian Empire. The exact meaning of the name is not definitively known, but it is consistent with the naming conventions of the time.

Significance in Jewish Tradition:
In Jewish tradition, the account of Esther and the downfall of Haman and his sons, including Par-shan-da'tha, is celebrated annually during the festival of Purim. This celebration includes the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), feasting, and the giving of gifts to friends and the poor. The defeat of Haman's sons is an integral part of the Purim narrative, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the survival of the Jewish people against all odds.

Par-shan-da'tha's mention in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the historical enmity faced by the Jewish people and the enduring faithfulness of God in preserving His covenant community.Par-shan-da'tha (1 Occurrence)

Esther 9:7
And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,
(See RSV)

Par-shan-da'tha (1 Occurrence)
Par-shan-da'tha. Parshandatha, Par-shan-da'tha. Parsin . Multi-Version
Concordance Par-shan-da'tha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:7 And ...
/p/par-shan-da'tha.htm - 6k

Parshandatha (1 Occurrence)
...par-shan-da'-tha, par-shan'-da-tha (parshandatha; Septuagint Pharsan, or Pharsanestan;
perhaps from the Persian fratsna-data, "given by prayer"): One of the ...
/p/parshandatha.htm - 7k

Parsin (1 Occurrence)

/p/parsin.htm - 6k

What is the Jewish Targum? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that tongues will cease? | GotQuestions.org

Is there value in studying comparative religions? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus