3771. Karshena
Lexical Summary
Karshena: Karshena

Original Word: כַּרְשְׁנָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Karshna'
Pronunciation: kar-sheh-nah
Phonetic Spelling: (kar-shen-aw')
KJV: Carshena
NASB: Carshena
Word Origin: [of foreign origin]

1. Karshena, a courtier of Xerxes

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Carshena

Of foreign origin; Karshena, a courtier of Xerxes -- Carshena.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a Pers. prince
NASB Translation
Carshena (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
כַּרְשְׁנָא proper name, masculine a Persian prince Esther 1:14.

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Setting

Karshena is one of “the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king and sat first in the kingdom” (Esther 1:14). These officials were the inner circle of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I, 486–465 BC). Their appearance is confined to the opening chapter of Esther, where they are summoned during the royal banquet in Shushan to advise the king after Queen Vashti refuses his command (Esther 1:10-14).

Historical Background

Persian monarchs relied on a select body of nobles who enjoyed personal access to the throne. Classical sources (Herodotus 3.84; 7.8) corroborate the biblical picture of seven counselors who held exceptional privilege, echoing an ancient Near-Eastern custom in which trusted nobles served both as advisors and high administrators. Although Karshena’s specific office is not detailed, his inclusion among the seven indicates significant influence in matters of state and legislation.

Function within the Narrative of Esther

1. Catalyst for Providence

The incident involving Vashti—and the counsel sought from Karshena and his peers—creates the vacancy that ultimately elevates Esther, positioning her to intercede for her people (Esther 2:17; 4:14-16). Thus Karshena’s brief mention situates him at a crucial turning point in salvation history, illustrating how even peripheral figures serve God’s larger redemptive plan.

2. Validation of Royal Authority

By assembling the seven princes, Ahasuerus demonstrates due process consistent with Persian custom. Karshena’s presence underscores the legitimacy of the king’s decision, prefiguring later scenes in which decrees are likewise deliberated and sealed (Esther 3:8-12; 8:8-10).

3. Contrast of Counsel

Memucan alone voices the recommendation against Vashti (Esther 1:16-20), but the inclusion of Karshena and the others implies collective assent. This foreshadows the tension between wise and unwise counsel elsewhere in Scripture (2 Samuel 17:14; Proverbs 12:5).

Theological and Ministry Significance

• God’s Sovereign Use of Secular Structures

Karshena exemplifies how the Lord employs governmental systems—even pagan ones—to advance His purposes (Romans 13:1). The authority of Persia becomes the stage upon which God preserves the covenant people.

• The Weight of Counsel

Karshena reminds contemporary believers that counselors share responsibility before God for their advice (Proverbs 11:14). Leadership teams in church or civil spheres are called to seek wisdom rooted in righteousness rather than expedience.

• Hidden Yet Essential Roles

Although Karshena is mentioned only once, his inclusion attests that no servant is insignificant in God’s narrative. Faithful service, whether recorded extensively like Mordecai or briefly like Karshena, contributes to the unfolding account of redemption (1 Corinthians 12:18-22).

Related Biblical Parallels

Daniel 1:20 – Wise men in the Babylonian court who advise the king.

Ezra 7:14 – Persian officials entrusted with enforcing royal law.

Proverbs 25:5 – “Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness”, highlighting the impact of advisors on governance.

Lessons for Today

1. Seek Righteous Counsel: Decision-makers should surround themselves with God-fearing advisors, recognizing the moral weight of their recommendations.
2. Trust God’s Providence: Even secular authorities, known or unknown, are instruments in His sovereign design.
3. Value Every Role: Whether prominently featured or briefly noted, each believer’s stewardship matters in the overarching mission of the kingdom.

Karshena’s single appearance thus offers a strategic window into Persian court life, an illustration of divine orchestration, and a timeless reminder of the formative power of counsel.

Forms and Transliterations
כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א כרשנא kar·šə·nā karšənā karsheNa
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Esther 1:14
HEB: וְהַקָּרֹ֣ב אֵלָ֗יו כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א שֵׁתָר֙ אַדְמָ֣תָא
NAS: and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar,
KJV: And the next unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar,
INT: and were close to him Carshena Shethar Admatha

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 3771
1 Occurrence


kar·šə·nā — 1 Occ.

3770
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