Zeresh זֶ֫רֶשׁ
Wife of Haman, enemy of the Jews
Who is Zeresh in the Bible?
Zeresh was the wife of Haman, the chief antagonist of the Book of Esther who sought to destroy the Jewish people. When Haman became furious at Mordecai's refusal to bow to him, Zeresh and Haman's friends encouraged him to build a gallows and request the king's permission to hang Mordecai (Esther 5:10, 5:14). After Haman was humiliated by being forced to honor Mordecai instead, Zeresh and the wise men predicted that Haman could not prevail against Mordecai if he was of Jewish descent (Esther 6:13). Her prophecy proved accurate when Haman was hanged on the very gallows he had constructed for Mordecai, demonstrating the consequences of plotting evil and the failure of human pride against God's purposes.
Biography
Zeresh was the wife of Haman, the chief antagonist in the Book of Esther. When Haman became enraged at Mordecai's refusal to bow down to him, Zeresh and Haman's friends advised him to have a gallows built and to ask the king's permission to hang Mordecai on it. This plan reveals Zeresh's support for her husband's evil schemes and her own animosity towards the Jews. However, after Haman was humiliated by having to honor Mordecai, Zeresh and his wise men predicted Haman's downfall, stating that he could not prevail against Mordecai if he was of Jewish descent. Zeresh's words proved true, as Haman was ultimately hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. The story of Zeresh and Haman serves as a warning against pride, hatred, and the consequences of plotting evil against others.
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Offspring
- Vaizatha MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman, enemy of the JewsView full profile →
- Parshandatha MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman killed by the JewsView full profile →
- Dalphon MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman, enemy of the JewsView full profile →
- Aspatha MaleSon of HamanOne of the ten sons of HamanView full profile →
- Poratha MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman, enemy of the JewsView full profile →
- Adalia MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman, enemy of the JewsView full profile →
- Aridatha MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman, enemy of the JewsView full profile →
- Parmashta MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman, killed by the JewsView full profile →
- Arisai MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman, enemy of the JewsView full profile →
- Aridai MaleSon of HamanSon of Haman, enemy of the JewsView full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEsther 3 verses
- Esther 5:10
"Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh,"
Study Esther → - Esther 5:14
"His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed."
Study Esther → - Esther 6:13
"Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is Jewish, you will not prevail against him—for surely you will fall before him.”"
Study Esther →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | זֶ֫רֶשׁ |