Original Word: אֲדַלְיָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Adalya'
Pronunciation: ah-dal-YAH
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-al-yaw')
KJV: Adalia
NASB: Adalia
Word Origin: [of Persian derivation]

1. Adalja, a son of Haman

Adalia

Of Persian derivation; Adalja, a son of Haman -- Adalia.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
the fifth son of Haman
NASB Translation
Adalia (1). Esther 9:8 (Persian ?).

I. (compare Assyrian [adâmu] make, produce (?) Dl^W & ^{Prov 104}).

Biblical Setting

Adalia (Hebrew אֲדַלְיָא, Strong’s 118) appears once in Scripture—in Esther 9:8—as the fifth-named son of Haman. His placement in the list of ten sons (Esther 9:7-10) situates him within the dramatic reversal in which “the Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them” (Esther 9:5). The mention is brief, but it fits a strategic moment in the narrative when the Lord’s providence turns intended genocide into deliverance and vindication for His covenant people.

Family Lineage and Historical Context

1. Amalekite Heritage

Haman is called “the Agagite” (Esther 3:1), linking him to King Agag of Amalek (1 Samuel 15:8). Amalek was Israel’s first national foe (Exodus 17:8-16). Adalia, as an Amalekite prince, embodies a lineage historically hostile toward Israel. His downfall signifies the culmination of the long-standing divine decree: “The LORD will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation” (Exodus 17:16).

2. Persian Nobility

Haman had risen to become “above all the officials who were with him” (Esther 3:1). His sons, including Adalia, would have enjoyed high social standing, likely serving in administrative or military roles. Their simultaneous execution underscores the total collapse of Haman’s house and the expunging of his influence (cf. Psalm 37:35-36).

Role in the Purim Narrative

• Retributive Justice

The same gallows Haman prepared for Mordecai became his own undoing (Esther 7:10). Similarly, his sons’ death reversed the decree meant for Jewish annihilation. As Esther 9:25 recounts, “He wrote: ‘May his evil scheme return on his own head’.” Adalia’s death is part of this divinely orchestrated irony.

• Public Display

Esther requested that the ten bodies be hanged publicly (Esther 9:13-14). In Persian culture such exposure deterred rebellion; biblically, it magnified God’s deliverance and warned future adversaries (Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Galatians 3:13 as a later theological echo).

Theological Implications

1. Covenant Vindication

Adalia’s fall demonstrates the inviolability of God’s covenant promises. Threats to Israel’s existence cannot overturn divine purposes (Jeremiah 31:35-37).

2. Sovereignty Over Nations

Although Israel dwells under Persian rule, the narrative shows that the Lord “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Even powerful families such as Haman’s are subject to His decree.

3. Foreshadowing Final Judgment

Revelation 19 depicts the ultimate overthrow of hostile powers. Adalia’s fate prefigures that climactic justice, affirming that unrepentant opposition to God’s people will not stand (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

Lessons for Believers

• Pride’s Downfall

Haman’s arrogance extended to his sons’ aspirations. Believers are warned: “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).

• Generational Responsibility

While each individual answers personally to God (Ezekiel 18:20), Adalia illustrates how familial influence can draw descendants into corporate sin and judgment.

• God’s Silent Yet Active Hand

Though Esther omits the divine Name, the outcome—culminating in Adalia’s demise—reveals God quietly but decisively at work. This encourages trust when His hand is unseen.

Tradition and Commemoration

During Purim readings of Esther, Jewish communities recite the ten sons’ names (including Adalia) in a single breath, symbolizing their simultaneous execution. Christian reflection finds in this practice a vivid reminder that God’s deliverance may come swiftly and decisively.

Summary

Adalia stands as a minor yet instructive figure. His single appearance highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant, the certainty of retributive justice, and the downfall of entrenched opposition to the people of God.

אֲדַלְיָ֖א אדליא ’ă·ḏal·yā ’ăḏalyā adalYaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts

Esther 9:8
HEB: פּוֹרָ֛תָא וְאֵ֥ת ׀ אֲדַלְיָ֖א וְאֵ֥ת ׀ אֲרִידָֽתָא׃
NAS: Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha,
KJV: And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
INT: Poratha Adalia Aridatha

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 118
1 Occurrence

’ă·ḏal·yā — 1 Occ.