Illustration created for this project.

Mordecai

Esther's cousin and guardian, whose faithfulness and Haman's downfall saved the Jews of Persia.

Role: Cousin of Esther

Lived: c. 5th century BC

Belonged to: Tribe of Benjamin

Tribe/lineage: Benjamin

Born: Susa

What we know — and how we know it

Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1 Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 1

Life, role & deeds

BibleEsther's cousin and guardian, whose faithfulness and Haman's downfall saved the Jews of Persia.

Esther 2:7; 10:3

↳ Susa

ScholarlyA cuneiform tablet names a court official 'Marduka' at Susa in the early Persian period — a name some scholars connect with Mordecai, though it cannot be proven.

Persian administrative tablet (debated)

Where in scripture

Esther

Esther 2:7 Esther 10:3

Family

In their own words — 1 recorded saying

“Then Mordecai sent this answer back to Esther: Do not have the idea that you in the king's house will be safe from the fate of all the Jews. If at this time you say nothing, then help and salvation will come to the Jews from some other place, but you and your father's family will come to destruction: and who is to say that you have not come to the kingdom even for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:13-14

Speaker attribution: Clear Bible MACULA (CC BY 4.0). Wording: Bible in Basic English (public domain).