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Esther 3

BSB·15 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Afterאַחַ֣ר׀’a·ḥar — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → theseהָאֵ֗לֶּהhā·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → eventsהַדְּבָרִ֣יםhad·də·ḇā·rîm — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →, Kingהַמֶּ֨לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Xerxesאֲחַשְׁוֵר֜וֹשׁ’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš — Persian KingH325 — Full Word Study → honoredגִּדַּל֩gid·dal — to grow, become great, magnifyH1431 — Full Word Study → Hamanהָמָ֧ןhā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּֽן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Hammedathaהַמְּדָ֛תָאham·mə·ḏā·ṯā — Father of HamanH4099 — Full Word Study →, the Agagiteהָאֲגָגִ֖יhā·’ă·ḡā·ḡî — Descendant of AgagH91 — Full Word Study →, elevating himוַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּway·naś·śə·’ê·hū — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → to a positionכִּסְא֔וֹkis·’ōw — Throne; seat of authority and rulershipH3678 — Full Word Study → aboveמֵעַ֕לmê·‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the princesהַשָּׂרִ֖יםhaś·śā·rîm — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → were with him. 2Allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the royalהַמֶּ֜לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → servantsעַבְדֵ֨י‘aḇ·ḏê — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → at the king’sהַמֶּ֗לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → gateבְּשַׁ֣עַרbə·ša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → bowed downכֹּרְעִ֤יםkō·rə·‘îm — to bow down, kneel, or fall to the groundH3766 — Full Word Study → and paid homageוּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ū·miš·ta·ḥă·wîm — To bow down; to worship or show reverenceH7812 — Full Word Study → to Hamanלְהָמָ֔ןlə·hā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → had commandedצִוָּה־ṣiw·wāh- — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → that this be done for him. But Mordecaiוּמָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔יū·mā·rə·do·ḵay — A Persian officialH4782 — Full Word Study → would notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → bow downיִכְרַ֖עyiḵ·ra‘ — to bow down, kneel, or fall to the groundH3766 — Full Word Study → or pay homageיִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה׃yiš·ta·ḥă·weh — To bow down; to worship or show reverenceH7812 — Full Word Study →. 3Then the royalהַמֶּ֛לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → servantsעַבְדֵ֥י‘aḇ·ḏê — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → at the king’sהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → gateבְּשַׁ֥עַרbə·ša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Mordecaiלְמָרְדֳּכָ֑יlə·mā·rə·do·ḵāy — A Persian officialH4782 — Full Word Study →, “Whyמַדּ֙וּעַ֙mad·dū·a‘ — Why? For what reason?H4069 — Full Word Study → do youאַתָּ֣ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → disobeyעוֹבֵ֔ר‘ō·w·ḇêr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the commandמִצְוַ֥תmiṣ·waṯ — A command or commandment; divine instruction or lawH4687 — Full Word Study → of the kingהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →?” 4Dayי֣וֹםyō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → after dayוָי֔וֹםwā·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → they warnedבְּאָמְרָםbə·ʾå̄·mə·rå̄m — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → himאֵלָיו֙’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, but he would notוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → complyשָׁמַ֖עšā·ma‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →. So they reported itוַיַּגִּ֣ידוּway·yag·gî·ḏū — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → to Hamanלְהָמָ֗ןlə·hā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → to seeלִרְאוֹת֙lir·’ō·wṯ — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → whether Mordecai’sמָרְדֳּכַ֔יmā·rə·do·ḵay — A Persian officialH4782 — Full Word Study → behaviorדִּבְרֵ֣יdiḇ·rê — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → would be toleratedהֲיַֽעַמְדוּ֙hă·ya·‘am·ḏū — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study →, sinceכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he had toldהִגִּ֥ידhig·gîḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → themאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → heה֥וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → was a Jewיְהוּדִֽי׃yə·hū·ḏî — A Jew; descendant of JudahH3064 — Full Word Study →. 5When Hamanהָמָ֔ןhā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → sawוַיַּ֣רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Mordecaiמָרְדֳּכַ֔יmā·rə·do·ḵay — A Persian officialH4782 — Full Word Study → would notאֵ֣ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → bow downכֹּרֵ֥עַkō·rê·a‘ — to bow down, kneel, or fall to the groundH3766 — Full Word Study → or pay him homageוּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖הū·miš·ta·ḥă·weh — To bow down; to worship or show reverenceH7812 — Full Word Study →, heהָמָ֖ןhā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → was filledוַיִּמָּלֵ֥אway·yim·mā·lê — to fill, fulfill, completeH4390 — Full Word Study → with rageחֵמָֽה׃ḥê·māh — Intense rage, burning wrath, divine angerH2534 — Full Word Study →. 6And whenכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he learned the identityהִגִּ֥ידוּhig·gî·ḏū — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → of Mordecai’sמָרְדֳּכָ֑יmā·rə·do·ḵāy — A Persian officialH4782 — Full Word Study → peopleעַ֣ם‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, he scorned the notion ofוַיִּ֣בֶזway·yi·ḇez — to despise, treat with contemptH959 — Full Word Study → layingלִשְׁלֹ֤חliš·lōḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → handsיָד֙yāḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → on Mordecaiבְּמָרְדֳּכַ֣יbə·mā·rə·do·ḵay — A Persian officialH4782 — Full Word Study → aloneלְבַדּ֔וֹlə·ḇad·dōw — alone, apart, or bar/poleH905 — Full Word Study →. Instead, heהָמָ֗ןhā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → soughtוַיְבַקֵּ֣שׁway·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → to destroyלְהַשְׁמִ֧ידlə·haš·mîḏ — to destroy utterly, annihilate, or lay wasteH8045 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → of Mordecai’sמָרְדֳּכָֽי׃mā·rə·do·ḵāy — A Persian officialH4782 — Full Word Study → peopleעַ֥ם‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, the Jewsהַיְּהוּדִ֛יםhay·yə·hū·ḏîm — A Jew; descendant of JudahH3064 — Full Word Study →, throughoutבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the kingdomמַלְכ֥וּתmal·ḵūṯ — kingdom, royal rule, sovereigntyH4438 — Full Word Study → of Xerxesאֲחַשְׁוֵר֖וֹשׁ’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš — Persian KingH325 — Full Word Study →. 7In the twelfthשְׁתֵּ֣יםšə·têm — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → yearבִּשְׁנַת֙biš·naṯ — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → of Kingלַמֶּ֖לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Xerxesאֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš — Persian KingH325 — Full Word Study →, in the firstהָרִאשׁוֹן֙hā·ri·šō·wn — First, foremost, or former; earliest in time or orderH7223 — Full Word Study → monthבַּחֹ֤דֶשׁba·ḥō·ḏeš — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study →, the monthחֹ֣דֶשׁḥō·ḏeš — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study → of Nisanנִיסָ֔ןnî·sān — First month of the Hebrew calendarH5212 — Full Word Study →, the Purפּוּר֩pūr — Lots; PurimH6332 — Full Word Study → (that isה֨וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study →, the lotהַגּוֹרָ֜לhag·gō·w·rāl — lot, portion, inheritance, destinyH1486 — Full Word Study →) was castהִפִּ֣ילhip·pîl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵ֣יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → Hamanהָמָ֗ןhā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → to determine a dayמִיּ֧וֹם׀mî·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → and monthוּמֵחֹ֛דֶשׁū·mê·ḥō·ḏeš — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study →. And the lot fell on the twelfth monthחֹ֥דֶשׁḥō·ḏeš — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study →, the month of Adarאֲדָֽר׃ס’ă·ḏār — Twelfth Hebrew monthH143 — Full Word Study →. 8Then Hamanהָמָן֙hā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → informedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Kingלַמֶּ֣לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Xerxesאֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš — Persian KingH325 — Full Word Study →, “Thereיֶשְׁנ֣וֹyeš·nōw — there is, exists, has beingH3426 — Full Word Study → is a certainאֶחָ֗ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → peopleעַם־‘am- — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → scatteredמְפֻזָּ֤רmə·p̄uz·zār — to scatter, disperse, spread abroadH6340 — Full Word Study → and dispersedוּמְפֹרָד֙ū·mə·p̄ō·rāḏ — to separate, divide, or disperseH6504 — Full Word Study → amongבֵּ֣יןbên — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → the peoplesהָֽעַמִּ֔יםhā·‘am·mîm — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → of everyבְּכֹ֖לbə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → provinceמְדִינ֣וֹתmə·ḏî·nō·wṯ — province; administrative districtH4082 — Full Word Study → of your kingdomמַלְכוּתֶ֑ךָmal·ḵū·ṯe·ḵā — kingdom, royal rule, sovereigntyH4438 — Full Word Study →. Their lawsוְדָתֵיהֶ֞םwə·ḏā·ṯê·hem — Law, decree, or binding commandH1881 — Full Word Study → are differentשֹׁנ֣וֹתšō·nō·wṯ — To repeat, change, or alter; to do againH8138 — Full Word Study → from everyoneמִכָּל־mik·kāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → else’sעָ֗ם‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, and they do notאֵינָ֣ם’ê·nām — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → obeyעֹשִׂ֔ים‘ō·śîm — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → the king’sהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → lawsדָּתֵ֤יdā·ṯê — Law, decree, or binding commandH1881 — Full Word Study →. So it is notאֵין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → in the king’sוְלַמֶּ֥לֶךְwə·lam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → best interestשֹׁוֶ֖הšō·weh — to level, equalize, make equal or suitableH7737 — Full Word Study → to tolerate themלְהַנִּיחָֽם׃lə·han·nî·ḥām — To rest, cease, or remain in a state of quietnessH5117 — Full Word Study →. 9Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → it pleasesט֔וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֣לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, let a decree be issued to destroy themלְאַבְּדָ֑םlə·’ab·bə·ḏām — To perish, be destroyed, or lostH6 — Full Word Study →, and I will depositלְהָבִ֖יאlə·hā·ḇî — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → tenוַעֲשֶׂ֨רֶתwa·‘ă·śe·reṯ — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → thousandאֲלָפִ֜ים’ă·lā·p̄îm — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → talentsכִּכַּר־kik·kar- — circular loaf; disk-shaped object; plainH3603 — Full Word Study → of silverכֶּ֗סֶףke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → intoאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the royalהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → treasuryגִּנְזֵ֥יgin·zê — Treasury or storage chest for valuablesH1595 — Full Word Study → to payאֶשְׁקוֹל֙’eš·qō·wl — to weigh; to pay or reckon valueH8254 — Full Word Study → those who carry it outעֹשֵׂ֣י‘ō·śê — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →.” 10So the kingהַמֶּ֛לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → removedוַיָּ֧סַרway·yā·sar — to turn aside, depart, removeH5493 — Full Word Study → the signet ringטַבַּעְתּ֖וֹṭab·ba‘·tōw — a ring; a circular band worn on the finger or used as a sealH2885 — Full Word Study → fromמֵעַ֣לmê·‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his fingerיָד֑וֹyā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → and gaveוַֽיִּתְּנָ֗הּway·yit·tə·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → it to Hamanלְהָמָ֧ןlə·hā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּֽן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Hammedathaהַמְּדָ֛תָאham·mə·ḏā·ṯā — Father of HamanH4099 — Full Word Study →, the Agagiteהָאֲגָגִ֖יhā·’ă·ḡā·ḡî — Descendant of AgagH91 — Full Word Study →, the enemyצֹרֵ֥רṣō·rêr — to bind, squeeze, or oppress; to distress or afflictH6887 — Full Word Study → of the Jewsהַיְּהוּדִֽים׃hay·yə·hū·ḏîm — A Jew; descendant of JudahH3064 — Full Word Study →. 11Keep your moneyהַכֶּ֖סֶףhak·ke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →,” saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → to Hamanלְהָמָ֔ןlə·hā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study →. “These peopleוְהָעָ֕םwə·hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → are given to you to doלַעֲשׂ֥וֹתla·‘ă·śō·wṯ — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → with them as you pleaseבְּעֵינֶֽיךָ׃bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study →.” 12On the thirteenthבִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֨הbiš·lō·wō·šāh — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → dayיוֹם֮yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of the firstהָרִאשׁ֗וֹןhā·ri·šō·wn — First, foremost, or former; earliest in time or orderH7223 — Full Word Study → monthבַּחֹ֣דֶשׁba·ḥō·ḏeš — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study →, the royalהַמֶּ֜לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → scribesסֹפְרֵ֨יsō·p̄ə·rê — A professional scribe or secretary; one who writes and recordsH5613 — Full Word Study → were summonedוַיִּקָּרְאוּ֩way·yiq·qā·rə·’ū — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → and the order was writtenוַיִּכָּתֵ֣בway·yik·kā·ṯêḇ — to write, inscribe, or record in written formH3789 — Full Word Study → exactly asכְּֽכָל־kə·ḵāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Hamanהָמָ֡ןhā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → commandedצִוָּ֣הṣiw·wāh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → the royalהַ֠מֶּלֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → satrapsאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵֽי־’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nê- — Satrap; provincial governorH323 — Full Word Study →, the governorsהַפַּח֞וֹתhap·pa·ḥō·wṯ — Provincial governor or administrative officialH6346 — Full Word Study → of each provinceמְדִינָ֣הmə·ḏî·nāh — province; administrative districtH4082 — Full Word Study →, and the officialsשָׂ֤רֵיśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of eachעַם֙‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → peopleוָעָ֔םwā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, in the scriptכִּכְתָבָ֔הּkiḵ·ṯā·ḇāh — Writing, written document, or written recordH3791 — Full Word Study → of each provinceוּמְדִינָה֙ū·mə·ḏî·nāh — province; administrative districtH4082 — Full Word Study → and the languageכִּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹkil·šō·w·nōw — Tongue; language; speechH3956 — Full Word Study → of every peopleוָעָ֖םwā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. It was writtenנִכְתָּ֔בniḵ·tāḇ — to write, inscribe, or record in written formH3789 — Full Word Study → in the nameבְּשֵׁ֨םbə·šêm — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → of Kingהַמֶּ֤לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Xerxesאֲחַשְׁוֵרֹשׁ֙’ă·ḥaš·wê·rōš — Persian KingH325 — Full Word Study → and sealedוְנֶחְתָּ֖םwə·neḥ·tām — to seal, close, or mark with a sealH2856 — Full Word Study → with the royalהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → signet ringבְּטַבַּ֥עַתbə·ṭab·ba·‘aṯ — a ring; a circular band worn on the finger or used as a sealH2885 — Full Word Study →. 13And the lettersסְפָרִ֜יםsə·p̄ā·rîm — A written document, scroll, or bookH5612 — Full Word Study → were sentוְנִשְׁל֨וֹחַwə·niš·lō·w·aḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → byבְּיַ֣דbə·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → couriersהָרָצִים֮hā·rā·ṣîm — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → eachכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → of the royalהַמֶּלֶךְ֒ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → provincesמְדִינ֣וֹתmə·ḏî·nō·wṯ — province; administrative districtH4082 — Full Word Study → with the order to destroyלְהַשְׁמִ֡ידlə·haš·mîḏ — to destroy utterly, annihilate, or lay wasteH8045 — Full Word Study →, killלַהֲרֹ֣גla·hă·rōḡ — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study →, and annihilateוּלְאַבֵּ֣דū·lə·’ab·bêḏ — To perish, be destroyed, or lostH6 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the Jewsהַ֠יְּהוּדִיםhay·yə·hū·ḏîm — A Jew; descendant of JudahH3064 — Full Word Study →youngמִנַּ֨עַרmin·na·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → andוְעַד־wə·‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → oldזָקֵ֜ןzā·qên — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study →, womenוְנָשִׁים֙wə·nā·šîm — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → and childrenטַ֤ףṭap̄ — young child; little one; infantH2945 — Full Word Study →and to plunderלָבֽוֹז׃lā·ḇō·wz — to plunder, spoil, or seize as preyH962 — Full Word Study → their possessionsוּשְׁלָלָ֖םū·šə·lā·lām — Plunder, spoils of war; prey taken in battleH7998 — Full Word Study → on a singleאֶחָ֔ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → dayבְּי֣וֹםbə·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, the thirteenthבִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֥הbiš·lō·wō·šāh — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → day of Adarאֲדָ֑ר’ă·ḏār — Twelfth Hebrew monthH143 — Full Word Study →, the twelfthשְׁנֵים־šə·nêm- — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → monthחֹ֣דֶשׁḥō·ḏeš — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study →. 14A copyפַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶןpaṯ·še·ḡen — A copy or duplicate of an official documentH6572 — Full Word Study → of the textהַכְּתָ֗בhak·kə·ṯāḇ — Writing, written document, or written recordH3791 — Full Word Study → of the edictדָּת֙dāṯ — Law, decree, or binding commandH1881 — Full Word Study → was to be issuedלְהִנָּ֤תֵֽןlə·hin·nā·ṯên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → in everyבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → provinceמְדִינָ֣הmə·ḏî·nāh — province; administrative districtH4082 — Full Word Study → and publishedגָּל֖וּיgā·lui — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study → to allלְכָל־lə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָֽעַמִּ֑יםhā·‘am·mîm — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, so that they would be readyעֲתִדִ֖ים‘ă·ṯi·ḏîm — prepared, ready, destinedH6264 — Full Word Study → on thatהַזֶּֽה׃haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → dayלַיּ֥וֹםlay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. 15The couriersהָֽרָצִ֞יםhā·rā·ṣîm — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study → leftיָצְא֤וּyā·ṣə·’ū — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study →, spurred onדְחוּפִים֙ḏə·ḥū·p̄îm — to hasten; to press forward urgentlyH1765 — Full Word Study → by the king’sהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → commandבִּדְבַ֣רbiḏ·ḇar — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →, and the edictוְהַדָּ֥תwə·had·dāṯ — Law, decree, or binding commandH1881 — Full Word Study → was issuedנִתְּנָ֖הnit·tə·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → in the citadelהַבִּירָ֑הhab·bî·rāh — palace, fortified citadelH1002 — Full Word Study → of Susaבְּשׁוּשַׁ֣ןbə·šū·šan — Capital of PersiaH7800 — Full Word Study →. Then the kingוְהַמֶּ֤לֶךְwə·ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → and Hamanוְהָמָן֙wə·hā·mān — Haman the AgagiteH2001 — Full Word Study → sat downיָשְׁב֣וּyā·šə·ḇū — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → to drinkלִשְׁתּ֔וֹתliš·tō·wṯ — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study →, but the cityוְהָעִ֥ירwə·hā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → of Susaשׁוּשָׁ֖ןšū·šān — Capital of PersiaH7800 — Full Word Study → was in confusionנָבֽוֹכָה׃פnā·ḇō·w·ḵāh — to perplex, entangle, or confuseH943 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Esther 3
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Chapter Overview

Esther chapter 3 marks the turning point in our narrative from court intrigue to existential crisis. After the king promotes the proud Haman to a position of supreme authority, Mordecai's refusal to bow becomes the spark that ignites a genocidal plot against all the Jews in the Persian Empire. In this chapter, we witness how personal pride and prejudice can metastasize into systematic evil, and how the sovereignty of God remains at work even when His name is never mentioned. The passage demonstrates both the danger of unchecked wickedness and the providence of God protecting His covenant people.

Verses 1–5: The Clash of Wills

King Ahasuerus elevates Haman the Agagite to the highest position among his princes, commanding all royal servants to bow and show reverence. This detail—that Haman is an Agagite—carries historical weight: the Agagites were descendants of Agag, king of the Amalekites, ancient enemies of Israel (1 Samuel 15). Mordecai, however, refuses to bow. Verse 4 reveals his reason: he has identified himself as a Jew, suggesting his refusal stems from religious conviction rather than mere stubbornness. The Jewish understanding of worship and honor belonged to God alone, making such deference to a human potentially idolatrous in Mordecai's conscience.

Application: Mordecai's steadfastness teaches us that following God sometimes means standing apart from cultural expectations, even at great personal cost. Our convictions matter more than our comfort.

Verses 6–9: From Personal Hatred to Genocide

Haman's response reveals a dangerous escalation. Rather than deal with Mordecai alone, he seeks to destroy an entire people. Verse 6 explains his reasoning: learning that Mordecai is a Jew, Haman decides to eliminate all Jews throughout the kingdom. This is not justice; it is genocidal hatred born from wounded pride. In verse 7, lots (Purim) are cast to determine the appointed day—the thirteenth of Adar, nearly a year away. Haman then deceives the king, characterizing the Jews as a threat to Persian law and order (verse 8). His bribe of ten thousand talents of silver (verse 9) sweetens the proposition for the king's treasury.

Application: This passage warns us of the spiritual danger of unchecked anger and pride. When we nurse resentment without addressing it through repentance or reconciliation, it can grow into something monstrous. Haman's hatred consumed him—and ultimately destroyed him.

Verses 10–15: Authority Corrupted

The king grants Haman absolute authority: he gives him his signet ring and declares the people and their possessions forfeit (verses 10–11). The decree is drafted, sealed with the king's ring, and dispatched throughout the empire on the thirteenth of Nisan (verses 12–13). Every province receives the command in its own language—a chilling testament to the thoroughness of the intended genocide. The decree targets all Jews: young and old, children and women, on a single day. The callous efficiency of bureaucracy serves evil.

Yet notice verse 15: while the king and Haman celebrate their agreement with wine, the city of Shushan is perplexed. The common people sense something is terribly wrong. This detail hints that God's justice is not indifferent, and that His people will not be abandoned.

Application: We see here how authority without accountability becomes tyranny, and how systems of power can be weaponized against the innocent. It reminds us to pray for our leaders and to stand against injustice when we encounter it.

Application for Today

Esther 3 teaches us that God's providence is never absent, even when evil seems to prevail. As Christians, we trust that the God who protected the Jews in ancient Persia is the same God who keeps His church today. When we face opposition for our faith or witness injustice in the world, we remember Mordecai's courage and God's unseen hand guiding history toward redemption.

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