Vashti
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Vashti in the Bible?
Vashti was the queen consort of the Persian King Ahasuerus during the period described in the Book of Esther. She was removed from her position after refusing a royal summons to appear before the king and his guests in Susa.
SIGNIFICANCE
Her refusal to appear before the king and his guests establishes the narrative conflict that necessitates the search for a new queen, thereby setting the stage for Esther's introduction and the subsequent deliverance of the Jewish people.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Vashti reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Vashti in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Vashti clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Vashti." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/vashti/