Meaning of the Name Vashti

The etymology of Vashti is not certain. It is often linked with an Old Persian root and suggestions such as 'best,' 'good,' or 'beautiful' are proposed, but these explanations are not fully secure. The meaning should therefore be given with caution.

Origin

The name Vashti is of Probably Old Persian; uncertain origin.

Who is Vashti in the Bible?

Vashti is introduced at the beginning of Esther as the queen of King Ahasuerus of Persia. Her refusal to comply with the king's command leads to her removal from the court and sets the stage for Esther's rise.

The story of Vashti in the Bible

Vashti appears at the opening of the book of Esther as the queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. While the king hosts a lavish banquet lasting many days at his palace in Susa, Vashti gives a separate feast for the women. On the final day the king orders that Vashti be brought before his guests so her beauty can be displayed, but she refuses to come. Her refusal enrages the king, and on the advice of his counselors she is removed from her royal position; the decision is issued as a decree meant to uphold the honor of husbands throughout the empire. Later, when his anger subsides, the king remembers Vashti and what was decreed against her, and his attendants propose gathering young women from across the provinces. The place Vashti leaves empty thus prepares the way for Esther to become queen. Though her time on stage is brief, her stand sets the entire plot of the book in motion.

Is Vashti mentioned in the Quran?

The name Vashti does not appear in the Quran; she is known from the book of Esther in the Bible as the queen who refused the Persian king's command and was removed from her position.

Verses where Vashti appears

• Esther 1:9 — Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to King Ahasuerus.
• Esther 1:12 — But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by the eunuchs. Therefore the king was very angry, and his anger burned in him.
• Esther 2:1 — After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.