In brief
Haman is a high official of King Ahasuerus in the Persian empire. The book of Esther presents him as the son of Hammedatha the Agagite and an enemy of the Jews. Offended that Mordecai refuses to bow to him, he obtains a decree to wipe out the whole Jewish people. Esther exposes him at a banquet, and he is hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. He is remembered for the downfall of pride and God's faithfulness to his people.
What does the name Haman mean?
The origin and meaning of the name Haman are uncertain, and the Bible gives no explanation. The book of Esther calls him the son of Hammedatha the Agagite (Esther 3:1), which traditionally ties him to King Agag of Amalek. This link is an old reading, not a certainty.
The story of Haman
A minister raised above the rest
Esther 3:1-2King Ahasuerus promotes Haman and sets his seat above those of all the princes. The king's servants at the palace gate must kneel and bow down before him, for such is the king's command. Haman is now at the top of the state, honored by all.
Wounded pride
Esther 3:5-11Haman sees that Mordecai does not bow down, and he is filled with fury. Striking one man is not enough for him: he seeks to destroy all of Mordecai's people. He accuses the Jews before the king, promises ten thousand talents of silver, and receives the king's ring.
A banquet and a gallows fifty cubits high
Esther 5:9-14Invited by Esther to a banquet with the king, Haman leaves in high spirits. But when he sees Mordecai at the king's gate, he is filled with anger. He boasts of his riches and honors to his friends, then admits that none of it means anything as long as Mordecai is there. His wife Zeresh suggests a gallows fifty cubits high.
The honor he wanted for himself
Esther 6:4-13The king asks Haman how to honor a man he wishes to distinguish. Haman, convinced it is about himself, describes the royal robe, the horse and the procession through the city. The king orders him to do exactly that for Mordecai. Haman obeys, then goes home grieving, with his head covered.
Denounced before the king
Esther 7:1-10At the second banquet, Queen Esther pleads for her life and the life of her people, sold to be destroyed. When the king asks who has dared to do this, she answers: the adversary and enemy is Haman. Seized with terror, he begs the queen for mercy. The king has him hanged on the gallows prepared for Mordecai.
What Haman teaches us
- Wounded pride drives hatred far beyond the offense received.
- Riches and honors do not fill a heart eaten up by resentment.
- Whoever digs a pit for another risks falling into it himself.
- God protects his people, even when the enemy seems to hold all the power.
- What we covet for ourselves can be taken from us in an instant.
Key verses
All the king's servants bow down before Haman, except Mordecai. The verse sets up the conflict: one man demanding the honor due to God, facing one man who refuses it.
Haman admits that everything he owns is worth nothing to him as long as he sees Mordecai sitting at the gate. One refusal is enough to spoil the joy of a heart swollen with pride.
Esther names the enemy: “An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman!” The secret plot is brought into the light before the king, and Haman's fate is sealed.
Sermons about Haman
- Pride: The Sin That Separates Us From God and From OthersA sermon on this site about pride, the sin that separates us from God and from others, a theme the story of Haman illustrates.
- Answering the Lord's Challenge and Winning the VictoryA sermon on this site that draws on the story of Esther and on the opposition of Haman.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Haman in the Bible?
Haman was a high official of King Ahasuerus, son of Hammedatha the Agagite. Furious that Mordecai would not bow, he obtained a decree to destroy all the Jews of the empire. Esther exposed him to the king, and he was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
What does the name Haman mean?
The meaning of the name Haman is uncertain and the Bible gives no explanation. The text describes him as the son of Hammedatha the Agagite (Esther 3:1), which led some to link him to Agag, king of the Amalekites. This reading is old but remains an interpretation.
Where can I find the story of Haman in the Bible?
The story of Haman is found in the book of Esther. He is promoted and issues the decree in chapter 3, prepares the gallows for Mordecai in chapter 5, must honor him in chapter 6 and is hanged in chapter 7.