Original Word: זֵתַר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Zethar
Pronunciation: ZAY-thar
Phonetic Spelling: (zay-thar')
KJV: Zethar
NASB: Zethar
Word Origin: [of Persian origin]

1. Zethar, a eunuch of Xerxes

Zethar

Of Persian origin; Zethar, a eunuch of Xerxes -- Zethar.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a eunuch of Ahasuerus
NASB Translation
Zethar (1).

זֵתַר proper name, masculine an eunuch of Ahasuerus Esther 1:10 (Opp^{Esth. 25} compare Persian zaitar, conqueror).

Biblical Context

Zethar appears once in Scripture, in Esther 1:10, as one of seven court officials summoned by King Ahasuerus during the opening banquet of the book. The verse records: “On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who served King Xerxes” (Esther 1:10).

Historical Background

Persian monarchs typically surrounded themselves with eunuchs who guarded the royal harem, controlled access to the throne, and executed sensitive orders. Their castrated status was intended to ensure loyalty and eliminate dynastic rivalry. Xenophon and Herodotus confirm the prominence of such officials in the Achaemenid court, paralleling the biblical witness. Zethar, therefore, held a trusted position in one of the most powerful empires of the ancient Near East, directly serving the emperor commonly identified with Xerxes I (486–465 BC).

Role in the Narrative

Although unnamed outside this verse, Zethar’s inclusion in the seven eunuchs underscores the ordered structure of the Persian court that frames Esther’s story. These men are dispatched to summon Queen Vashti, setting in motion the chain of events that will elevate Esther and ultimately secure the preservation of the Jewish people. Zethar’s presence testifies to the meticulous detail with which the author of Esther recounts historical personnel, strengthening the reliability of the narrative.

Theological Implications

1. Providence in Ordinary Details: Even peripheral figures such as Zethar contribute to the outworking of God’s sovereign plan. His obedience to the king’s command indirectly leads to Vashti’s dismissal, Esther’s rise, and Israel’s deliverance (Esther 4:14).
2. The Heart of Kings in God’s Hand: The inclusion of specific servants illustrates that human hierarchies operate under divine oversight (Proverbs 21:1). The Lord coordinates the decisions of monarchs and their courtiers alike.
3. Witness amid Secular Power: Zethar serves a pagan ruler, yet his role is preserved in Scripture, reminding believers that God’s people often function within secular systems and that their faithful presence can shape redemptive history.

Lessons for Ministry

• Value of Hidden Service: Many ministries resemble Zethar’s—important yet unnoticed. Faithful, often anonymous service undergirds visible acts of deliverance.
• Integrity in Vocational Callings: Whether one serves in public ministry or secular employment, Scripture upholds diligence and reliability, qualities implicitly attributed to Zethar by his royal appointment.
• Confidence in God’s Timing: The minor appearance of Zethar occurs at a pivotal juncture, encouraging believers that God weaves small moments into larger purposes.

Cross-References and Related Themes

• Similar court officials appear in Genesis 40:1–4; Daniel 1:3–7, reminding readers that God’s people regularly interact with imperial administrations.
• The motif of divine providence through apparently minor agents echoes in 2 Kings 5:2–3 (the Israelite servant girl) and John 6:9 (the boy with five loaves).
• The broader theme of exile and preservation finds resonance in Ezra 7:27–28 and Jeremiah 29:7, where faithful engagement with ruling authorities advances God’s mission.

Summary

Zethar, though mentioned only once, exemplifies the strategic placement of individuals within earthly structures to fulfill heavenly purposes. His fleeting cameo in Esther offers enduring lessons on hidden faithfulness, vocational stewardship, and the meticulous providence of God that operates through the smallest details of history.

זֵתַ֣ר זתר zê·ṯar zeTar zêṯarInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts