Original Word: אַדְמָתָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Admatha'
Pronunciation: ad-maw-THAW
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-maw-thaw')
NASB: Admatha
Word Origin: [probably of Persian derivation]

1. Admatha

Admatha

Probably of Persian derivation: Admatha, a Persian nobleman -- Admatha.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a prince of Pers. and Media
NASB Translation
Admatha (1).

אַדְמָתָא proper name, masculine a prince of Persia & Media Esther 1:14 (compare Persian admâta, unrestrained).

אדן (meaning disputed; (1) compare Assyrian [adannu] firm, strong; adverb adanniš, strongly, exceedingly Dl^{W >} (2) Fü. (a) make firm, fasten (compare ) whence אֶדֶן; (b) determine, command, rule, whence אָדוֺן; (3) Thes Add., MV and others (a) intransitive be under, low, inferior (compare דּוּן, ), whence אֶדֶן; (b) transitive put under command, rule over (compare דִּין) whence אָדוֺן; see also (4) Lag^{M. i. 102}, אָדוֺן from ).

Name and Narrative Placement

Admatha appears once in Scripture, at Esther 1:14, as one of the seven high-ranking nobles who “had ready access to the king and sat first in the kingdom” (Berean Standard Bible). His inclusion in the list anchors the opening chapter of Esther in a specific political context, introducing the inner circle that will advise Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) on Queen Vashti’s defiance and thereby set in motion the chain of events that brings Esther to the throne.

Role among the Seven Persian Princes

The seven princes—Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—served as both counselors and legal authorities. Persian custom granted these officials the right to see the king’s face unbidden, a privilege rarely extended (compare with David’s court in 2 Samuel 14:24). Their counsel carried constitutional weight; what was decided in their presence became “a law of the Persians and Medes, which cannot be revoked” (Esther 1:19). Although Memucan is the spokesman, the text deliberately names all seven, underscoring that the ensuing royal decree is not a unilateral whim but a consensus of the empire’s highest statesmen. Admatha’s voice, though unrecorded, is nevertheless counted among those who shaped the irreversible edict that deposed Vashti and paved the way for Esther.

Historical and Cultural Background

Archaeological and classical sources confirm that the Persian court maintained an elite cadre of seven advisors with privileged access (Herodotus 3.84). The list in Esther reflects authentic Old Persian naming patterns, strengthening the historical reliability of the account. The public festivals, lengthy banquets, and rigid court etiquette portrayed in Esther 1 mirror what is known of Persian protocol during Xerxes I’s reign (circa 486–465 B.C.). Admatha’s presence within that bureaucracy illustrates how Jews in exile navigated a world ruled by powerful Gentile structures, yet remained under God’s sovereign oversight.

Theological Insights

1. Providence through Pagan Powers: God’s redemptive plan often unfolds through secular authorities who may be unaware of His purposes (Romans 13:1). Admatha’s concurrence in Vashti’s removal indirectly facilitates Esther’s rise, positioning her to intercede for her people when extinction looms (Esther 4:14).
2. The Certainty of Divine Timing: The irrevocable nature of Persian law (Esther 8:8) underscores the contrast between human decrees and God’s ultimate authority. Though Admatha helped craft an inflexible edict, the Lord later turned that same legal framework toward Israel’s deliverance.
3. Wisdom and Accountability: Proverbs 11:14 teaches, “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” The seven princes embody the principle of multiple counselors, yet their advice proves morally precarious, reminding believers to ground counsel in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7).

Applications for Faith and Ministry

• Recognize God’s Hand in Civil Structures: Like Admatha, many believers today serve within secular systems. Esther’s narrative encourages faith that God can redirect governmental decisions for His glory and His people’s welfare.
• Guard the Use of Influence: Admatha wielded significant authority; the episode challenges leaders to employ influence ethically, mindful of consequences that can ripple far beyond the moment.
• Prayer for Those in High Office: 1 Timothy 2:1–2 calls for prayers “for kings and all those in authority.” Even unnamed or little-known officials akin to Admatha shape policies affecting God’s people; intercession is therefore strategic.

Related Biblical Themes and References

• Sovereignty over Nations: Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 21:1
• Irrevocable Edicts: Esther 8:8; Daniel 6:8–15
• Counsel and Wisdom: Proverbs 15:22; James 1:5
• God’s Hidden Work in Exile: Jeremiah 29:4–14; Ezra 1:1

In sum, Admatha’s brief cameo highlights the intricate interplay between divine providence and human agency. His participation in Persia’s highest council helped set the stage for the deliverance narrative that bears witness to God’s faithful preservation of His covenant people.

אַדְמָ֣תָא אדמתא ’aḏ·mā·ṯā ’aḏmāṯā adMataInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts