Wife of Haman, enemy of the Jews
Zeresh
Named in 3 verses of Esther, first in Esther 5:10.
זֶ֫רֶשׁZeresh
The name means “misery; strange; dispersed inheritance.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
- Married to
- Haman
About Zeresh Written by AI
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.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Star of Venus, the wife of Haman, whom she instigated to prepare a gallows for Mordecai (Esther 5:10).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names her
- Esther 5:10
Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh,
- 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.
- 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.”
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.