הֲדַסָּה (ha.das.sah)
ha.das.sah
Hadassah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Hadassah identifies Queen Esther in her Hebrew identity, appearing only once in the biblical text at Esther 2:7. It serves as the personal name given to her by her guardian, Mordecai, before she entered the royal palace and adopted the Persian name Esther. The sources confirm that this is a proper noun referring specifically to the daughter of Abihail.
Linguistically, Hadassah derives from the Hebrew word for myrtle, a fragrant evergreen shrub common in the ancient Near East. In biblical literature, the myrtle tree often symbolizes peace, restoration, and joy, as seen in passages like Zechariah 1:10 or Nehemiah 8:15 where branches are used in festival celebrations. This etymological link suggests a name carrying connotations of beauty, sweetness, and resilience.
The dual naming reflects the cultural reality of Jews living in the Diaspora during the Persian period. While Esther was known to the court by her adopted name, Hadassah preserves her Jewish heritage and lineage. The text uses this distinction to highlight her hidden identity, which becomes central to the narrative’s tension and resolution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hadassah means myrtle, a fragrant shrub that thrives even in dry soil. In Esther 2:7, this is the Hebrew name given to the young woman who would become Queen Esther. It reminds us that our true identity is rooted in who we are before God, not just in the roles others assign to us.
Living in a foreign land, Esther carried two names. Hadassah represented her heritage and family history, while Esther was her public face in the Persian court. This duality shows how faithfulness can remain hidden yet strong, like the myrtle tree that blooms quietly but fills the air with sweetness.
Your own life may hold moments where your true self feels concealed or misunderstood. Yet, like Hadassah, you are known fully by God. Your heritage in Christ gives you a steady foundation, even when circumstances change around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hadassah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֲדַסָּ֗ה1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 2:7
He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter.
This verse explicitly links the Hebrew name Hadassah with Esther, establishing her dual identity as both a Jewish orphan and a future queen.