Original Word: חַרְבוֹנָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Charbowna'
Pronunciation: khar-bo-NAW
Phonetic Spelling: (khar-bo-naw')
KJV: Harbona, Harbonah
NASB: Harbona, Harbonah
Word Origin: [of Persian origin]

1. Charbona or Charbonah, a eunuch of Xerxes

Harbona, Harbonah

Or Charbownah {khar-bo-naw'}; of Persian origin; Charbona or Charbonah, a eunuch of Xerxes -- Harbona, Harbonah.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
eunuch of Ahasuerus
NASB Translation
Harbona (1), Harbonah (1).

חַרְבוֺנָא proper name, masculine eunuch of Ahasuerus Esther 1:10 = חַרְבוֺנָה Esther 7:9 (Persian = donkey driver, Vull^{i, 668 b}).

ךְַרְבּוֺנָה proper name, masculine see foregoing.

Historical context

The Book of Esther unfolds during the reign of the Persian monarch Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, 486–465 BC). The Persian court was administered through a hierarchy of nobles and trusted palace officials, among whom eunuchs often held prominent positions. Harbonah is named among these high–ranking attendants, a role that placed him in close proximity to the king during moments of national consequence.

Scriptural occurrences

• Esther 1:10 records Harbonah as one of seven eunuchs commanded to summon Queen Vashti to the royal banquet.
• Esther 7:9 reintroduces him at the climactic second banquet hosted by Queen Esther, where he draws the king’s attention to Haman’s fifty–cubit gallows: “Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, ‘Look, there is a gallows seventy-five feet high at Haman’s house, which he made for Mordecai, who spoke for the benefit of the king.’ And the king said, ‘Hang him on it!’”.

Character and actions

Harbonah surfaces only twice, yet each appearance links him to pivotal royal decisions. In Esther 1 he is a silent participant in a debate about the queen’s obedience; in Esther 7 he becomes an outspoken agent of justice. His quick disclosure of the gallows reveals discernment, courage, and possibly indignation at Haman’s treachery. By naming Mordecai as one who “spoke for the benefit of the king,” Harbonah subtly aligns himself with the righteous cause already acknowledged in Esther 6. His initiative provides Ahasuerus an immediate means of judgment, turning Haman’s own scheme against him.

Theological significance

1. Providential agency: Harbonah illustrates how God can employ minor figures—even in a pagan court—to safeguard His covenant people. His timely suggestion propels the reversal central to Esther’s narrative.
2. Divine justice and reversal: The dramatic hanging of Haman on his own gallows echoes Proverbs 26:27, “He who digs a pit will fall into it.” Harbonah’s words trigger this poetic justice.
3. Preservation of the Messianic line: By contributing to Jewish deliverance, Harbonah indirectly serves the larger redemptive plan that culminates in Jesus Christ (cf. Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16).

Lessons for believers

• Faithful presence: God positions individuals, sometimes without prior notice or explicit covenant identity, to influence history for His glory.
• Bold witness: Speaking truth at the right moment—particularly before those in authority—can expose evil and defend the innocent (cf. Proverbs 31:8–9).
• Trust in providence: The narrative affirms that the Lord orchestrates details through both primary and secondary agents; no role is insignificant when surrendered to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

Related themes and cross-references

Reversal of fortune (Esther 9:1); hidden yet active providence (Genesis 45:5–8); justice executed by unexpected instruments (Judges 4:21; 2 Kings 5:1–4); court officials aiding God’s people (Nehemiah 2:1–8; Daniel 6:1–4).

חַ֠רְבוֹנָה חַרְבוֹנָ֜א חרבונא חרבונה charvoNa Charvonah ḥar·ḇō·w·nā ḥar·ḇō·w·nāh ḥarḇōwnā ḥarḇōwnāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts