Esther 3:1 in Hebrew
אַחַ֣ר הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה גִּדַּל֩ הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹ֜ושׁ אֶת־הָמָ֧ן בֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֛תָא הָאֲגָגִ֖י וַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּ וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת־כִּסְאֹ֔ו מֵעַ֕ל כָּל־הַשָּׂרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתֹּֽו׃
Introduction to the Verse
Esther 3:1 introduces the elevation of Haman to a position of high authority. The verb forms in this verse follow the wayyiqtol construction, which is a primary narrative tense in Biblical Hebrew. This tense is essential in structuring sequential events in biblical storytelling.
Understanding the Wayyiqtol Form
1. What is Wayyiqtol?
– The wayyiqtol form is a past narrative tense used frequently in biblical prose.
– It consists of the conjunction וַ (va-) attached to the imperfect verb, forming a consecutive preterite (past tense narrative sequence).
– It is used to advance a storyline, marking each step in a sequence of events.
2. Examples of Wayyiqtol in Esther 3:1
– וַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּ (Vaynasʾehu) – “And he exalted him”
– This verb comes from נ־שׂ־א (n-s-ʾ), meaning “to lift up, exalt.”
– The wayyiqtol form (וַ + imperfect) shows that this action follows the previous statement chronologically.
– It moves the narrative forward, showing the progression of Haman’s promotion.
– וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ (Vayasem) – “And he placed”
– This verb comes from ש־י־ם (s-y-m), meaning “to set, place.”
– The wayyiqtol form shows that after exalting Haman, the king assigned him a position of higher authority.
– Each wayyiqtol verb builds upon the previous event, creating a structured timeline.
The Function of the Wayyiqtol Form in This Verse
1. Structuring the Narrative
– The wayyiqtol verbs (וַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּ and וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙) indicate that Haman’s rise to power was a step-by-step process in the king’s decision-making.
– First, the king exalted him, and then he placed him above the other officials.
2. Highlighting Sequential Authority
– The double use of wayyiqtol emphasizes progressive honor:
– First, Haman is lifted up (וַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּ).
– Then, his seat is positioned above others (וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת־כִּסְאֹ֔ו מֵעַ֕ל כָּל־הַשָּׂרִ֖ים).
– This linguistic choice reinforces Haman’s status elevation and shows the formal process of his promotion.
The Role of Wayyiqtol in Esther 3:1
Esther 3:1 effectively uses wayyiqtol verbs to narrate sequential actions in a structured way:
– The first wayyiqtol verb (וַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּ) shows Haman’s promotion.
– The second wayyiqtol verb (וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙) shows his appointment over all officials.
– This grammatical structure ensures a smooth and logical flow of the narrative.
The wayyiqtol form is a key tool in Biblical Hebrew storytelling, ensuring that events unfold in a clear and ordered manner, as seen in Haman’s rise to power.
