Original Word: מַרְסְנָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Marcna'
Pronunciation: mar-seh-NAH
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-sen-aw')
KJV: Marsena
NASB: Marsena
Word Origin: [of foreign derivation]

1. Marsena, a Persian

Marsena

Of foreign derivation; Marsena, a Persian -- Marsena.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a Persian noble
NASB Translation
Marsena (1).

מַרְסְנָא proper name, masculine a Persian noble Esther 1:14.

[מֵרֵעַ] see רעה.

מִרְעֶה, [מַרְעִית] see רעה.

Name and Context

Marsena is listed once in Scripture, in Esther 1:14, as one of “the seven officials of Persia and Media who had access to the king and occupied the highest positions in the kingdom—Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan” (Berean Standard Bible). His place among these nobles situates him in the Achaemenid court of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) during the early fifth century BC.

Historical Background

1. Persian Court Hierarchy
• The “seven officials” represented an inner circle entitled to see the king’s face without formal summons, a privilege rooted in Median custom and continued by Persian monarchs.
• Their counsel paralleled the role of royal advisors in other Near-Eastern courts, underscoring the political sophistication of the empire into which the Jewish exiles had been dispersed (2 Kings 24:14–17; Ezra 1:1).

2. The Vashti Crisis
• Esther 1 records Queen Vashti’s refusal to appear at the king’s banquet, an act threatening royal authority.
• Although Memucan’s advice is cited, Marsena’s silent presence confirms the unanimity required for royal decrees (Esther 1:20). The episode paves the way for Esther’s later elevation (Esther 2:17).

Biblical Usage

Marsena’s single appearance is enough to reveal Scripture’s characteristic attention to historical detail. Like Jambres (2 Timothy 3:8) or Pilate (Matthew 27:2), Marsena anchors the narrative in verifiable political structures, reinforcing the reliability of the account and the providential theme that God works through both Jewish and Gentile agents.

Spiritual and Ministry Lessons

1. God’s Sovereignty over Secular Powers
• Marsena shows that even those with no covenantal link to Israel stand under divine orchestration (Proverbs 21:1); their decisions ultimately serve redemptive ends (Romans 8:28).

2. The Responsibility of Counselors
• Advisory roles carry weighty consequences. Memucan spoke; Marsena consented. Leaders and counselors today must weigh the ethical and spiritual impact of their agreement or silence (James 3:1).

3. The Value of Faithful Documentation
• The precise naming of foreign officials, including Marsena, models diligence in recording God’s acts in history. Ministry leaders should preserve testimonies accurately for future generations (Psalm 78:4).

Intertextual Connections

• Parallel advisory groups appear with Darius (Daniel 6:6-7) and Artaxerxes (Ezra 4:7-9), highlighting a pattern of royal consultation and potential opposition to God’s people that the Lord nevertheless turns to their benefit (Nehemiah 2:7-8).
• The sevenfold number anticipates the fullness of authority reflected in Revelation 5:6, where the Lamb is depicted with seven horns and seven eyes, uniting earthly governance and divine sovereignty.

Practical Application

• Christian professionals in government or corporate settings can view Marsena as a reminder that influence is a stewardship. Whether speaking or remaining silent, believers must pursue righteousness and serve God’s greater purposes (Micah 6:8).
• The church can pray for and minister to those in advisory roles, recognizing their potential impact on national and local policies (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Summary

Marsena’s fleeting mention affirms the biblical narrative’s historical precision and reinforces the doctrine that God directs human authority for His redemptive objectives. His place among the trusted counselors of Persia challenges modern readers to exercise mindful, righteous influence wherever providence has positioned them.

מַרְסְנָ֖א מרסנא mar·sə·nā marseNa marsənāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts