מַרְסְנָא (mar.se.na)
mar.se.na
Marsena
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 proper noun Marsena refers to a Persian nobleman mentioned only once in Scripture, in Esther 1:14. He is identified as one of the seven chief counsellors who attended King Ahasuerus. The name itself carries the meaning "worthy," marking him not as a protagonist but as part of the royal inner circle that advised the king during critical moments.
His appearance in the text highlights the political tension within the Persian court. When the king’s anger flared against Queen Vashti, he consulted this group of nobles to determine how to proceed according to Persian law. Marsena represents the bureaucratic machinery of the empire, a backdrop against which the larger narrative of Esther unfolds.
Because the word occurs just once, it does not develop a broad theological theme on its own. Instead, it grounds the story in historical reality, reminding readers that the events of Purim took place within a complex administrative structure. The name serves as a specific detail of the setting rather than a symbol for broader spiritual concepts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Marsena appears only once in Scripture, listed among the seven chief counsellors of King Ahasuerus in Esther 1:14. While he is not a central character, his presence grounds the biblical narrative in historical reality. He represents the complex political machinery of the Persian Empire, reminding us that God’s plans unfold within real-world structures and human institutions.
For your faith, this detail offers comfort. It shows that even in times of uncertainty or when facing powerful systems, God remains sovereign over history. The events surrounding Queen Vashti and the rise of Esther happened against a backdrop of royal intrigue, yet God’s providence was at work behind the scenes. We can trust that no political shift or human decision falls outside His care.
When you read about Marsena and his colleagues, remember that ordinary people play roles in larger divine stories. You do not need to be a famous leader to have your life matter to God. Your faithful presence in your own context is part of the tapestry of history He oversees. May this truth encourage you to trust Him in every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Marsena1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַרְסְנָ֖א1×
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 Marsena as one of the seven princes who advised the king, highlighting his role in the royal inner circle during a critical moment of political tension.