Harbona חַרְבוֹנָא
A eunuch in King Ahasuerus' court.
Who is Harbona in the Bible?
Harbona was a eunuch in the court of King Ahasuerus of Persia, one of seven officials who served in the king's presence (Esther 1:10). He appears twice in the book of Esther, first as one of the eunuchs commanded to bring Queen Vashti before the king during his lavish banquet (Esther 1:10), and again later in the narrative (Esther 7:9). Though Harbona is mentioned only briefly, his inclusion in the text underscores the structured hierarchy of the Persian court and the role these officials played in the events that led to Vashti's removal and Esther's rise to queen. His second mention connects him to a pivotal moment in the resolution of the book's central conflict.
Biography
Harbona is mentioned in Est.1.10 as one of the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, the Persian king who ruled over a vast empire from India to Ethiopia. He is the only one of the seven to be mentioned again (at Est.7.9). In the context of Esther 1, King Ahasuerus held a lavish banquet for all his officials and servants, displaying his wealth and splendor. On the seventh day of the feast, when the king was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs, including Harbona, to bring Queen Vashti before him wearing her royal crown, to show off her beauty to the people and officials. However, Queen Vashti refused to come, defying the king's command. This incident led to Vashti's removal as queen and paved the way for Esther to become the new queen. The mention of Harbona as one of the seven eunuchs highlights the importance of these court officials in the Persian royal court and their role in carrying out the king's orders.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEsther 2 verses
- Esther 1:10
"On the seventh day, when the king’s heart was merry with wine, he ordered the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas—"
Study Esther → - Esther 7:9
"Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king."
Study Esther →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חַרְבוֹנָא |