הַמְּדָתָא (me.da.ta)
me.da.ta
Hammedatha
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hammedatha appears only five times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the Book of Esther. It identifies the father of Haman, the antagonist who plots to destroy the Jewish people in Persia. The text introduces him simply as "the son of Hammedatha" (Esther 3:1), establishing his lineage before detailing his rise to power and subsequent downfall.
Lexical sources suggest the name may mean "double father," though its precise etymology remains debated among scholars. Regardless of its linguistic roots, the name serves a narrative function rather than a theological one. It anchors Haman’s identity in a specific historical context, distinguishing him within the Persian court hierarchy without offering deeper spiritual symbolism.
Because the word occurs exclusively in Esther and refers to a minor genealogical detail, it carries no independent doctrinal weight. Its significance lies entirely in its connection to Haman, reminding readers of the personal and familial stakes behind the political conflict that defines the book’s story.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hammedatha appears only in the Book of Esther, identifying the father of Haman. This brief genealogical detail anchors a key antagonist in history, showing how personal family lines intersect with large political events. While the text does not offer deep theological commentary on this name, it reminds us that human conflicts often have specific, tangible roots.
For readers today, this minor reference highlights the reality of opposition. Haman’s plot against the Jewish people was driven by pride and personal grievance. The narrative shows how such attitudes can escalate into serious threats, yet it also points to a larger story where justice prevails. We see that individual actions, even those of powerful figures, do not stand outside God’s ultimate sovereignty.
Understanding these historical details helps us appreciate the full context of Esther’s courage. The mention of Hammedatha is a small but necessary piece of the puzzle, reminding us that faithfulness often requires standing against injustice in complex social environments. It invites reflection on how we handle conflict and trust in God’s protection during difficult times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hammedatha5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַמְּדָ֛תָא3×
- הַמְּדָ֜תָא1×
- הַמְּדָ֙תָא֙1×
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 Hammedatha to establish Haman’s lineage and his high status in the Persian court before the conflict begins.
-
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;
Here the name is recalled to summarize the origin of the Purim festival, linking Hammedatha’s son directly to the threat against the Jews.
-
Esther 8:5
She 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 am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces.
Esther uses this specific genealogical identifier when petitioning the king, emphasizing the need to reverse Haman’s earlier decrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hammedatha mean?
Why is Hammedatha mentioned in the Bible?
Where does this name appear in Scripture?
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 8:5She 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 9:10the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Jews’ enemy, but they didn’t lay their hand on the plunder.
Esther 9:24because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy…