אֲגָגִי (a.ga.gi)
a.ga.gi
Agagite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term Agagite identifies a person descended from Agag, the king of the Amalekites encountered by Saul in 1 Samuel 15:8. It functions as an ethnic or genealogical marker, linking the bearer to a lineage that had long been at odds with Israel.
In the biblical narrative, this label appears exclusively in the book of Esther, where it describes Haman. By specifying his Agagite heritage, the text connects Haman’s plot against the Jews to the ancient conflict between Amalek and Israel, framing his actions as part of a deeper historical enmity.
The name Agag itself is interpreted by some sources as meaning "I will overtop," though the primary significance lies in its use as a surname. It serves not just as a title but as a reminder of past conflicts, embedding Haman’s personal ambition within a broader story of survival and divine providence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The label Agagite serves as a historical marker, connecting Haman to Amalek, a people defined by their opposition to Israel. This heritage frames his actions not merely as personal ambition but as part of a long-standing conflict. Understanding this background helps readers see the depth of the threat facing the Jewish community in Esther.
For believers today, this distinction highlights how faithfulness can face persistent opposition. The narrative shows that divine providence works through history to protect His people. It reminds us that spiritual struggles often have deeper roots than immediate circumstances suggest.
This word grounds the story of Esther in a broader biblical theme of survival against adversity. It encourages readers to trust in God’s sovereignty even when enemies seem powerful. The resolution offers hope that justice will ultimately prevail.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Agagite5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/אֲגָגִ֖י2×
- הָֽ/אֲגָגִ֗י1×
- הָֽ/אֲגָגִ֔י1×
- הָ/אֲגָגִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 3:1
After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes who were with him.
This verse introduces Haman's Agagite lineage to establish his authority and immediate hostility toward the Jews.
-
Esther 8:3
Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet and begged him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his plan that he had planned against the Jews.
Esther specifically requests the removal of this enemy, linking his identity directly to the plot against her people.
-
Esther 9:24
because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast “Pur”, that is the lot, to consume them and to destroy them;
The text retrospectively identifies Haman as Agagite to explain the enduring nature of the threat he posed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Agagite mean?
Why is Haman called an Agagite?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Esther 5 verses
After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat…
Esther 3:10The king took his ring from his hand, and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.
Esther 8:3Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet and begged him with tears to put away the mischief of…
Esther 8:5She said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seems right to the king, and I…
Esther 9:24because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy…