מְמוּכָן (me.mu.khan)
me.mu.khan
Memucan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Memucan, or מְמוּכָן, appears exclusively in the Book of Esther as one of the seven princes serving King Ahasuerus (Esther 1:14). Its meaning is rendered as "dignified" or "prepared," reflecting a status of honor and readiness within the Persian court.
As a proper noun, it identifies a specific historical figure rather than conveying a general theological concept. The sources note his role among the king’s advisors during the events surrounding Queen Vashti, highlighting his position in the royal hierarchy without further biographical detail.
This entry serves as a lexical marker for a character who plays a minor but distinct part in the narrative of Esther. His inclusion helps ground the story in its specific political context, illustrating the complex web of court officials involved in the unfolding drama.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Memucan appears in the Book of Esther as one of the seven highest-ranking officials in the Persian court. The meaning of his name, often translated as "dignified" or "prepared," reflects a status of honor and readiness within the royal hierarchy. He is listed alongside other princes who served King Ahasuerus, highlighting his position among those who saw the king’s face and sat first in the kingdom.
Memucan plays a specific role in the narrative surrounding Queen Vashti. In Esther 1:16, he answers before the king and the princes, arguing that the queen’s actions affected not just the monarch but all the people in the provinces. His counsel pleased the king and the other officials, leading to the implementation of his advice.
While Memucan is a minor character, his inclusion grounds the story in its political context. He illustrates the complex web of court officials involved in the unfolding drama of Esther. This historical detail helps readers understand the setting and the pressures faced by the Jewish people during this period of exile.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Memucan3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְמוּכָֽן\׃1×
- מְמוּכָ֗ן1×
- מְמוּכָ֑ן1×
Key Verses
-
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 Memucan among the seven princes who held high rank in the Persian court, establishing his authority and proximity to the king.
-
Esther 1:16
Memucan answered before the king and the princes, “Vashti the queen has not done wrong to just the king, but also to all the princes, and to all the people who are in all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus.
Here Memucan delivers a pivotal argument to the king and princes, asserting that the queen's disobedience threatened social order throughout the entire empire.
-
Esther 1:21
This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
The text records that both the king and the princes approved of Memucan's advice, demonstrating his influence in shaping the royal decree regarding Vashti.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Memucan mean?
Who was Memucan in the Bible?
What role did Memucan play in Esther 1?
Why is Memucan included in the biblical narrative?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Esther 3 verses
and next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and…
Esther 1:16Memucan answered before the king and the princes, “Vashti the queen has not done wrong to just the king, but also to…
Esther 1:21This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan: