כַּרְשְׁנָא (kar.she.na)
kar.she.na
Carshena
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Karshe-na appears only once in Scripture, in Esther 1:14. It identifies one of the seven princes of Persia and Media who stood before King Ahasuerus. The text lists him among the highest officials in the royal court, representing the powerful advisors who influenced the king’s decisions during the crisis involving Queen Vashti.
Lexical sources indicate that Karshe-na is a proper noun of Persian origin, likely meaning "illustrious" or "noble." Its sole occurrence highlights the specific political landscape of the Persian empire. By naming this prince, the biblical author grounds the narrative in historical reality, showing that the events unfolded within a structured hierarchy of royal counsel rather than in isolation.
Although Karshe-na plays no active role in the story, his inclusion serves a literary purpose. It emphasizes the gravity of the king’s deliberations by surrounding him with named, high-ranking figures. The name itself, meaning "illustrious," reflects the status of these men who held significant sway over royal policy and the fate of the queen.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Carshena appears only once in the Bible, listed among the seven high-ranking princes who advised King Ahasuerus in Esther 1:14. While he does not speak or act in the narrative, his inclusion grounds the story in a real historical setting. The text highlights that royal decisions were made within a structured hierarchy of powerful advisors.
This detail reminds us that God’s providence often works through complex human systems and political landscapes. Even when we feel surrounded by overwhelming circumstances or influential forces beyond our control, Scripture shows that history is not random. The specific naming of officials like Carshena suggests that every part of the royal court was known to the author, and by extension, to God.
For your faith, this offers a quiet assurance. You are not navigating life’s challenges alone or in isolation. Just as the Persian court had its ordered structure, your life is held within a sovereign plan that encompasses both the major events and the smallest details of your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [were] Carshena1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א1×
Key Verses
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Esther 1:14
and next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom),
This verse lists Carshena as one of the seven princes who sat first in the kingdom, establishing the political gravity surrounding the king’s decision regarding Queen Vashti.