Lexical Summary Vashti: Vashti Original Word: וַשְׁתִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Vashti Of Persian origin; Vashti, the queen of Xerxes -- Vashti. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition queen of Pers. NASB Translation Vashti (10). Brown-Driver-Briggs וַשְׁתִּי proper name, feminine (= Persian (Zend) vahista, best, compare JustiHdb. d. Zendsprache, 272) queen of Ahasuerus (Xerxes) king of Persia, Esther 1:9,11,12,15,16,17,19; Esther 2:1,4,17.Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Vashti is introduced in Esther as the principal wife of King Ahasuerus of Persia (commonly identified with Xerxes I). She appears solely in Esther 1–2, yet her actions set the entire narrative of Esther in motion. Biblical Narrative and Usage Ten verses name Vashti (Esther 1:9, 1:11, 1:12, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:19, 2:1, 2:4, 2:17). Her account unfolds in three movements: 1. Royal Position: “Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the royal palace of King Ahasuerus” (Esther 1:9). Historical and Cultural Context Persian custom placed high value on royal honor and the irrevocable nature of royal edicts (Esther 1:19). In a setting where decree and protocol shaped the empire’s stability, Vashti’s refusal was perceived as a threat to societal order, especially marital hierarchy (Esther 1:17). The event reflects Near-Eastern court life, where queens wielded influence yet remained subject to the king’s absolute authority. Character and Controversy Vashti’s motives are unstated. Some see principled modesty; others view proud insubordination. Scripture preserves her silence, focusing instead on divine providence. Her refusal, whatever its impetus, serves God’s larger purpose of positioning Esther for Israel’s deliverance. Theological Significance 1. Providence: Human choices—even the defiant ones—advance God’s redemptive plan (compare Genesis 50:20). Lessons for Leadership and Marriage • Authority and Accountability: Ahasuerus’s impulsive command cautions leaders against rash decisions under social pressure. Practical Ministry Applications • Women’s Gatherings: Vashti hosting a women’s banquet (Esther 1:9) affirms the place of gender-specific ministry settings when conducted with purity and purpose. Relation to the Larger Canon Esther’s drama echoes earlier accounts where a deposed queen makes way for covenant advancement, reminiscent of Pharaoh’s daughter rescuing Moses (Exodus 2:5–10). It anticipates the Church’s call to replace an unfaithful bride motif with a faithful one, culminating in the “bride of Christ” (Revelation 19:7–8). Legacy in Jewish and Christian Tradition In Jewish midrash Vashti is sometimes portrayed negatively, emphasizing Israel’s triumph over oppressive power. Christian commentators from Augustine to modern expositors view her chiefly as a foil to Esther, magnifying God’s orchestration. Contemporary applications often highlight women’s dignity and moral courage. Key References Esther 1:9; Esther 1:11–19; Esther 2:1–4; Esther 2:17. Forms and Transliterations וַשְׁתִּ֑י וַשְׁתִּ֗י וַשְׁתִּ֣י וַשְׁתִּ֧י וַשְׁתִּֽי׃ וַשְׁתִּי֙ ושתי ושתי׃ vashTi waš·tî waštîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:9 HEB: גַּ֚ם וַשְׁתִּ֣י הַמַּלְכָּ֔ה עָשְׂתָ֖ה NAS: Queen Vashti also gave KJV: Also Vashti the queen made INT: also Vashti Queen gave Esther 1:11 Esther 1:12 Esther 1:15 Esther 1:16 Esther 1:17 Esther 1:19 Esther 2:1 Esther 2:4 Esther 2:17 10 Occurrences |