מׇרְדֳּכַי (mor.de.khay)
mor.de.khay
Mordecai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 52 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Mordecai is a proper name appearing fifty-two times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the Book of Esther but also listed among those who returned from exile with Zerubbabel in Ezra and Nehemiah. The sources indicate the name is of foreign derivation, likely Persian, with traditional interpretations suggesting meanings such as "little man" or "worshipper of Mars." It identifies two distinct figures: a Benjaminite who served as a key leader during the restoration period, and the more widely known cousin and adoptive father of Queen Esther.
The narrative weight of this name rests on its bearer in the Persian court. This Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, an act that sparked a plot to destroy the Jewish people. Through divine providence working through human agency, he uncovered an assassination attempt on the king and later orchestrated the reversal of Haman’s decree. His actions led directly to the institution of the feast of Purim, commemorating the deliverance of his people.
Translators consistently render this name as Mordecai, preserving its phonetic identity across languages. The sources highlight his dual role as both a political figure in the Persian administration and a spiritual deliverer for Israel. His story illustrates how God’s people could maintain their identity and safety even while living in diaspora, relying on courage and wisdom rather than miraculous intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Mordecai’s name appears fifty-two times in Scripture, anchoring us in stories of quiet faithfulness and sudden courage. In Esther, he is not a king or priest, yet his steady presence helps save his people. He raises Esther with care, watches over her daily, and speaks truth even when it costs him safety. His life shows that God works through ordinary people who stay alert and obedient.
When Haman demands honor, Mordecai refuses to bow, not out of pride, but because his loyalty belongs to God alone. This stance sparks a crisis, but it also opens the door for deliverance. He uncovers a plot against the king, records the event, and later guides Esther to act at just the right moment. His story reminds us that faithfulness in small things often leads to great outcomes.
Even outside Esther, Mordecai is listed among those who returned from exile with Zerubbabel. This detail connects him to a broader community rebuilding their lives after hardship. Whether in Persia or Jerusalem, his name stands for steadfast trust in God’s providence. We can learn from his example: stay watchful, speak truth, and let God handle the results.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 52 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mordecai42×
- and/ Mordecai7×
- to/ Mordecai4×
- for/ Mordecai4×
- on/ Mordecai1×
- and/ to/ Mordecai1×
- [was] Mordecai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָרְדֳּכַ֖י7×
- מָרְדֳּכָ֑י6×
- מָרְדֳּכַ֔י6×
- מָרְדֳּכָֽי\׃5×
- מָרְדֳּכַי֙5×
- מָרְדֳּכַ֣י3×
- לְ/מָרְדֳּכָ֑י3×
- מָרְדֳּכַ֥י2×
- מָרְדֳּכַ֜י2×
- מָרְדֳּכַ֛י2×
- מָרְדֳּכַ֗י2×
- וּ/מָרְדֳּכַ֗י2×
Key Verses
-
Esther 2:5
There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite,
This verse introduces Mordecai as a Benjamite in Susa, establishing his lineage and setting the stage for his role in the narrative.
-
Esther 3:2
All the king’s servants who were in the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai didn’t bow down or pay him homage.
Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman highlights his unwavering commitment to God over political pressure, driving the central conflict of the book.
-
Esther 4:13
Then Mordecai asked them to return this answer to Esther: “Don’t think to yourself that you will escape in the king’s house any more than all the Jews.
Here Mordecai challenges Esther with the truth that her position may have been for such a time as this, urging her to act despite fear.
-
Ezra 2:2
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
Listing Mordecai among the exiles returning with Zerubbabel connects the Esther narrative to the broader historical restoration of Israel.