Esther Before the King

Esther 4

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Berean Standard Bible

BSB and T4T shown with Greek annotations — · Why we show the Greek →

1When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.

2But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.

3In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

4When Esther’s maidens and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, the queen was overcome with distress. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.

5Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why.

6So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king’s gate,

7and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury in order to destroy the Jews.

8Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.

9So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s response to Esther.

10Then Esther spoke to Hathach and instructed him to tell Mordecai,

11“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”

12When Esther’s words were relayed to Mordecai,

13he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews.

14For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:

16“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ”

17So Mordecai went and did all that Esther had instructed him.

King James Version

BSB and T4T shown with Greek annotations — · Why we show the Greek →

1When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

2And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.

3And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

4So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.

5Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.

6So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.

7And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.

8Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

9And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

10Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

11All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

12And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.

13Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.

14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

15Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

17So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Translation for Translators

BSB and T4T shown with Greek annotations — · Why we show the Greek →

1When Mordecai found out about those letters, he was so anguished that he tore his clothes and put on rough sackcloth and threw ashes over himself. Then he went into the city, crying very loudly.

2He stood outside the gate of the palace, because no one who was wearing sackcloth was allowed to enter the palace.

3In every province of the empire, when the letter from the king was read to the Jewish people, they cried and mourned. They ◄fasted/abstained from eating food►, and wailed loudly. Many of them also put on sackcloth and threw ashes on themselves and lay on the ground.

4When Esther’s maids and other officials came to her and told her what Mordecai had done, she was very distressed. So she sent to Mordecai some good clothes to wear instead of the sackcloth, but he refused to take them.

5Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s officials whom he had appointed to help take care of Esther. She told him to go out and talk to Mordecai to find out what was distressing him and why he was wearing sackcloth to show that he was grieving.

6Hathach went to Mordecai, who was in the plaza in front of the palace gate.

7Mordecai told him everything that had happened. He told him how much money Haman had promised to give to the government if the king commanded that all the Jews be killed.

8Mordecai also gave to Hathach a copy of the decree that had been read in Susa, in which it was stated that all the Jews must be killed. He told Hathach to show the copy to Esther. He told Hathach to explain to Esther what ◄it meant/would happen►. Then he told him to urge her to go to the king and request the king to act mercifully to her people.

9So Hathach returned to Esther and told her what Mordecai said.

10Then Esther told Hathach to return to Mordecai and tell this to him:

11“There is a law about people going to talk to the king. All the king’s officials and all the people in the empire know this law. In that law it states that anyone who goes to the king in his inner court without having been summoned by the king must be executed. Only those to whom the king has extended his scepter/staff will not be executed. And a month has passed since the king has summoned me, so what will happen to me if I try to see him and he doesn’t want to see me?”

12So Hathach went back to Mordecai and told him what Esther had said.

13Mordecai replied, “Go back and tell this to Esther: 'Do not think that just because you live there in the palace, you will escape when all the other Jews are killed.

14If you say nothing now, someone from some other place will rescue many of us Jews, but you and your relatives will be killed. Furthermore, ◄perhaps God/who knows if God► has put you here as queen ◄for a situation like this/to prevent this from happening to us►!' ” [RHQ]

15Then after Hathach told this to Esther, she told him to return to Mordecai and say this to him:

16“Gather together all the Jews here in Susa, and tell them to ◄fast/abstain from food► for my sake. Tell them to not eat or drink anything for three days and nights. My maids and I will also fast. Then, I will go to talk to the king. Even if ◄I am executed/they execute me► for disobeying the law by seeing him when he does not hold out the scepter/staff toward me, I am willing for that to happen”.

17So after Hathach told this to Mordecai, Mordecai went and did what Esther told him to do.

Berean Standard Bible

King James Version

BSB and T4T shown with Greek annotations — · Why we show the Greek →

When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.

And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.

In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

When Esther’s maidens and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, the queen was overcome with distress. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.

So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.

Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why.

Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.

So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king’s gate,

So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.

and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury in order to destroy the Jews.

And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.

Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.

Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s response to Esther.

And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

Then Esther spoke to Hathach and instructed him to tell Mordecai,

Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”

All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

When Esther’s words were relayed to Mordecai,

And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.

he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews.

Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:

Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ”

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

So Mordecai went and did all that Esther had instructed him.

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Berean Standard Bible

King James Version

Translation for Translators

BSB and T4T shown with Greek annotations — · Why we show the Greek →

When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

When Mordecai found out about those letters, he was so anguished that he tore his clothes and put on rough sackcloth and threw ashes over himself. Then he went into the city, crying very loudly.

But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.

And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.

He stood outside the gate of the palace, because no one who was wearing sackcloth was allowed to enter the palace.

In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

In every province of the empire, when the letter from the king was read to the Jewish people, they cried and mourned. They ◄fasted/abstained from eating food►, and wailed loudly. Many of them also put on sackcloth and threw ashes on themselves and lay on the ground.

When Esther’s maids and other officials came to her and told her what Mordecai had done, she was very distressed. So she sent to Mordecai some good clothes to wear instead of the sackcloth, but he refused to take them.

Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why.

Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.

Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s officials whom he had appointed to help take care of Esther. She told him to go out and talk to Mordecai to find out what was distressing him and why he was wearing sackcloth to show that he was grieving.

So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king’s gate,

So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.

Hathach went to Mordecai, who was in the plaza in front of the palace gate.

and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury in order to destroy the Jews.

And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.

Mordecai told him everything that had happened. He told him how much money Haman had promised to give to the government if the king commanded that all the Jews be killed.

Mordecai also gave to Hathach a copy of the decree that had been read in Susa, in which it was stated that all the Jews must be killed. He told Hathach to show the copy to Esther. He told Hathach to explain to Esther what ◄it meant/would happen►. Then he told him to urge her to go to the king and request the king to act mercifully to her people.

So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s response to Esther.

And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

So Hathach returned to Esther and told her what Mordecai said.

Then Esther spoke to Hathach and instructed him to tell Mordecai,

Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

Then Esther told Hathach to return to Mordecai and tell this to him:

“There is a law about people going to talk to the king. All the king’s officials and all the people in the empire know this law. In that law it states that anyone who goes to the king in his inner court without having been summoned by the king must be executed. Only those to whom the king has extended his scepter/staff will not be executed. And a month has passed since the king has summoned me, so what will happen to me if I try to see him and he doesn’t want to see me?”

When Esther’s words were relayed to Mordecai,

And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.

So Hathach went back to Mordecai and told him what Esther had said.

he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews.

Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.

Mordecai replied, “Go back and tell this to Esther: 'Do not think that just because you live there in the palace, you will escape when all the other Jews are killed.

If you say nothing now, someone from some other place will rescue many of us Jews, but you and your relatives will be killed. Furthermore, ◄perhaps God/who knows if God► has put you here as queen ◄for a situation like this/to prevent this from happening to us►!' ” [RHQ]

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:

Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

Then after Hathach told this to Esther, she told him to return to Mordecai and say this to him:

“Gather together all the Jews here in Susa, and tell them to ◄fast/abstain from food► for my sake. Tell them to not eat or drink anything for three days and nights. My maids and I will also fast. Then, I will go to talk to the king. Even if ◄I am executed/they execute me► for disobeying the law by seeing him when he does not hold out the scepter/staff toward me, I am willing for that to happen”.

So Mordecai went and did all that Esther had instructed him.

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

So after Hathach told this to Mordecai, Mordecai went and did what Esther told him to do.

WLC

Hebrew, word by word

וּמָרְדֳּכַ֗י Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. יָדַע֙ acknowledge יָדַע yâdaʻ a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (inc אֶת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb ־ כָּל all כֹּל kôl or (Jeremiah 33:8) כּוֹל; from H3634 (כָּלַל); properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) (in) all (manne ־ אֲשֶׁ֣ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha נַעֲשָׂ֔ה accomplish עָשָׂה ʻâsâh a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruis וַיִּקְרַ֤ע cut out קָרַע qâraʻ a primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them) cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. מָרְדֳּכַי֙ Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. אֶת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb ־ בְּגָדָ֔יו apparel בֶּגֶד beged from H898 (בָּגַד); a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously וַיִּלְבַּ֥שׁ apparel לָבַשׁ lâbash or לָבֵשׁ; a primitive root; properly, wrap around, i.e. (by implication) to put on agarment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively (in) app שַׂ֖ק sack שַׂק saq from H8264 (שָׁקַק); properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag וָאֵ֑פֶר ashes אֵפֶר ʼêpher from an unused root meaning to bestrew; ashes ashes. וַיֵּצֵא֙ appear יָצָא yâtsâʼ a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim. [idiom] after, appear, [idi בְּת֣וֹךְ among תָּוֶךְ tâvek from an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle הָעִ֔יר Ai עִיר ʻîyr or (in the plural) עָר; or עָיַר; (Judges 10:4), from H5782 (עוּר) a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment וַיִּזְעַ֛ק assemble זָעַק zâʻaq a primitive root; to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), c זְעָקָ֥ה cry זַעַק zaʻaq and (feminine) זְעָקָהxlit zᵉâqâh corrected to zᵉʻâqâh; from H2199 (זָעַק); a shriek or outcry cry(-ing). גְדֹלָ֖ה elder גָּדוֹל gâdôwl or גָּדֹל; (shortened) from H1431 (גָּדַל); great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far וּמָרָֽה bitter מַר mar or (feminine) מָרָה; from H4843 (מָרַר); bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -n ׃

When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.

וַיָּב֕וֹא way בּוֹא bôwʼ a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass) עַ֖ד against עַד ʻad properly, the same as H5703 (עַד) (used as a preposition, adverb or conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space לִפְנֵ֣י fore פָּנִים pânîym plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from H6437 (פָּנָה)); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (lite שַֽׁעַר city שַׁעַר shaʻar from H8176 (שָׁעַר) in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). ־ הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. כִּ֣י and כִּי kîy a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widel אֵ֥ין else אַיִן ʼayin as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, לָב֛וֹא way בּוֹא bôwʼ a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass) אֶל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ שַׁ֥עַר city שַׁעַר shaʻar from H8176 (שָׁעַר) in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. בִּלְב֥וּשׁ apparel לְבוּשׁ lᵉbûwsh or לְבֻשׁ; from H3847 (לָבַשׁ); a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment שָֽׂק sack שַׂק saq from H8264 (שָׁקַק); properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag ׃

But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.

וּבְכָל all כֹּל kôl or (Jeremiah 33:8) כּוֹל; from H3634 (כָּלַל); properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) (in) all (manne ־ מְדִינָ֣ה province מְדִינָה mᵉdîynâh from H1777 (דִּין); properly, a judgeship, i.e. jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region ([idiom] every) province. וּמְדִינָ֗ה province מְדִינָה mᵉdîynâh from H1777 (דִּין); properly, a judgeship, i.e. jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region ([idiom] every) province. מְקוֹם֙ country מָקוֹם mâqôwm or מָקֹם; also (feminine) מְקוֹמָה; or מְקֹמָה; from H6965 (קוּם); properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also אֲשֶׁ֨ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha דְּבַר word דָּבָר dâbâr from H1696 (דָבַר); a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), becaus ־ הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. וְדָתוֹ֙ law דָּת dâth of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; a royal edict or statute commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. מַגִּ֔יעַ beat נָגַע nâgaʻ a primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to אֵ֤בֶל mourning אֵבֶל ʼêbel from H56 (אָבַל); lamentation mourning. גָּדוֹל֙ elder גָּדוֹל gâdôwl or גָּדֹל; (shortened) from H1431 (גָּדַל); great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far לַיְּהוּדִ֔ים Jew יְהוּדִי Yᵉhûwdîy patronymically from H3063 (יְהוּדָה); a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah) Jew. וְצ֥וֹם fast צוֹם tsôwm or צֹם; from H6684 (צוּם); a fast fast(-ing). וּבְכִ֖י overflowing בְּכִי Bᵉkîy from H1058 (בָּכָה); a weeping; by analogy, a dripping overflowing, [idiom] sore, (continual) weeping, wept. וּמִסְפֵּ֑ד lamentation מִסְפֵּד miçpêd from H5594 (סָפַד); a lamentation lamentation, one mourneth, mourning, wailing. שַׂ֣ק sack שַׂק saq from H8264 (שָׁקַק); properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag וָאֵ֔פֶר ashes אֵפֶר ʼêpher from an unused root meaning to bestrew; ashes ashes. יֻצַּ֖ע make bed יַצַע yatsaʻ a primitive root; to strew as a surface make (one's) bed, [idiom] lie, spread. לָֽרַבִּֽים abound רַב rab by contracted from H7231 (רָבַב); abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality) (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedin ׃

In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

וַ֠תָּבוֹאינָה way בּוֹא bôwʼ a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass) נַעֲר֨וֹת damsel נַעֲרָה naʻărâh feminine of H5288 (נַעַר); a girl (from infancy to adolescence) damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). אֶסְתֵּ֤ר Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. וְסָרִיסֶ֙יהָ֙ chamberlain סָרִיס çârîyç or סָרִס; from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state chamberl וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ bewray נָגַד nâgad a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mo לָ֔הּ וַתִּתְחַלְחַ֥ל bear חוּל chûwl or חִיל; a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e. (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturit הַמַּלְכָּ֖ה queen מַלְכָּה malkâh feminine of H4428 (מֶלֶךְ); a queen queen. מְאֹ֑ד diligently מְאֹד mᵉʼôd from the same as H181 (אוּד); properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words וַתִּשְׁלַ֨ח appoint שָׁלַח shâlach a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idio בְּגָדִ֜ים apparel בֶּגֶד beged from H898 (בָּגַד); a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously לְהַלְבִּ֣ישׁ apparel לָבַשׁ lâbash or לָבֵשׁ; a primitive root; properly, wrap around, i.e. (by implication) to put on agarment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively (in) app אֶֽת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb ־ מָרְדֳּכַ֗י Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. וּלְהָסִ֥יר be סוּר çûwr or שׂוּר; (Hosea 9:12), a primitive root; to turn off (literal or figurative) be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idio שַׂקּ֛וֹ sack שַׂק saq from H8264 (שָׁקַק); properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag מֵעָלָ֖יו above עַל ʻal properly, the same as H5920 (עַל) used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, וְלֹ֥א ere לֹא lôʼ or לוֹא; or לֹה; (Deuteronomy 3:11), a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles [idiom] before קִבֵּֽל choose קָבַל qâbal a primitive root; to admit, i.e. take (literally or figuratively) choose, (take) hold, receive, (under-) take. ׃

וַתִּקְרָא֩ name קָרָא qârâʼ a primitive root (rather identical with H7122 (קָרָא) through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a אֶסְתֵּ֨ר Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. לַהֲתָ֜ךְ Hatach הֲתָךְ Hăthâk probably of foreign origin; Hathak, a Persian eunuch Hatach. מִסָּרִיסֵ֤י chamberlain סָרִיס çârîyç or סָרִס; from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state chamberl הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. אֲשֶׁ֣ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha הֶעֱמִ֣יד abide עָמַד ʻâmad a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, לְפָנֶ֔יהָ fore פָּנִים pânîym plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from H6437 (פָּנָה)); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (lite וַתְּצַוֵּ֖הוּ appoint צָוָה tsâvâh a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, עַֽל above עַל ʻal properly, the same as H5920 (עַל) used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, ־ מָרְדֳּכָ֑י Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. לָדַ֥עַת acknowledge יָדַע yâdaʻ a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (inc מַה how מָה mâh or מַה; or מָ; or מַ; also מֶה; a primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), o ־ זֶּ֖ה he זֶה zeh a primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other וְעַל above עַל ʻal properly, the same as H5920 (עַל) used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, ־ מַה how מָה mâh or מַה; or מָ; or מַ; also מֶה; a primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), o ־ זֶּֽה he זֶה zeh a primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other ׃

Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why.

וַיֵּצֵ֥א appear יָצָא yâtsâʼ a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim. [idiom] after, appear, [idi הֲתָ֖ךְ Hatach הֲתָךְ Hăthâk probably of foreign origin; Hathak, a Persian eunuch Hatach. אֶֽל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ מָרְדֳּכָ֑י Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. אֶל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ רְח֣וֹב broad place רְחֹב rᵉchôb or רְחוֹב; from H7337 (רָחַב); a width, i.e. (concretely) avenue or area broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). הָעִ֔יר Ai עִיר ʻîyr or (in the plural) עָר; or עָיַר; (Judges 10:4), from H5782 (עוּר) a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment אֲשֶׁ֖ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha לִפְנֵ֥י fore פָּנִים pânîym plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from H6437 (פָּנָה)); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (lite שַֽׁעַר city שַׁעַר shaʻar from H8176 (שָׁעַר) in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). ־ הַמֶּֽלֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. ׃

So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king’s gate,

וַיַּגֶּד bewray נָגַד nâgad a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mo ־ל֣וֹ מָרְדֳּכַ֔י Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. אֵ֖ת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb כָּל all כֹּל kôl or (Jeremiah 33:8) כּוֹל; from H3634 (כָּלַל); properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) (in) all (manne ־ אֲשֶׁ֣ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha קָרָ֑הוּ appoint קָרָה qârâh a primitive root; to light upon (chiefly by accident); causatively, to bring about; specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor) appoint, lay (make) beam וְאֵ֣ת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb ׀ פָּרָשַׁ֣ת declaration פָּרָשָׁה pârâshâh from H6567 (פָּרָשׁ); exposition declaration, sum. הַכֶּ֗סֶף money כֶּסֶף keçeph from H3700 (כָּסַף); silver (from its pale color); by implication, money money, price, silver(-ling). אֲשֶׁ֨ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha אָמַ֤ר name אָמַר ʼâmar a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude) answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command( הָמָן֙ Haman הָמָן Hâmân of foreign derivation; Haman, a Persian vizier Haman. לִ֠שְׁקוֹל pay שָׁקַל shâqal a primitive root; to suspend or poise (especially in trade) pay, receive(-r), spend, [idiom] throughly, weigh. עַל above עַל ʻal properly, the same as H5920 (עַל) used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, ־ גִּנְזֵ֥י chest גֶּנֶז genez from an unused root meaning to store; treasure; by implication, a coffer chest, treasury. הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. ביהודיים Jew יְהוּדִי Yᵉhûwdîy patronymically from H3063 (יְהוּדָה); a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah) Jew. לְאַבְּדָֽם break אָבַד ʼâbad a primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy) break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, ׃

and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury in order to destroy the Jews.

וְאֶת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb ־ פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן copy פַּרְשֶׁגֶן parshegen or פַּתְשֶׁגֶן; of foreign origin; a transcript copy. כְּתָֽב register כָּתָב kâthâb from H3789 (כָּתַב); something written, i.e. a writing, record or book register, scripture, writing. ־ הַ֠דָּת law דָּת dâth of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; a royal edict or statute commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. אֲשֶׁר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha ־ נִתַּ֨ן add נָתַן nâthan a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed בְּשׁוּשָׁ֤ן Shushan שׁוּשַׁן Shûwshan the same as H7799 (שׁוּשַׁן); Shushan, a place in Persia Shushan. לְהַשְׁמִידָם֙ destory שָׁמַד shâmad a primitive root; to desolate destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. נָ֣תַן add נָתַן nâthan a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed ל֔וֹ לְהַרְא֥וֹת advise self רָאָה râʼâh a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative) advise self, appear, אֶת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb ־ אֶסְתֵּ֖ר Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. וּלְהַגִּ֣יד bewray נָגַד nâgad a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mo לָ֑הּ וּלְצַוּ֣וֹת appoint צָוָה tsâvâh a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, עָלֶ֗יהָ above עַל ʻal properly, the same as H5920 (עַל) used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, לָב֨וֹא way בּוֹא bôwʼ a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass) אֶל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. לְהִֽתְחַנֶּן beseech חָנַן chânan a primitive root (compare H2583 (חָנָה)); properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by ־ל֛וֹ וּלְבַקֵּ֥שׁ ask בָּקַשׁ bâqash a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, mak מִלְּפָנָ֖יו fore פָּנִים pânîym plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from H6437 (פָּנָה)); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (lite עַל above עַל ʻal properly, the same as H5920 (עַל) used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, ־ עַמָּֽהּ people עַם ʻam from H6004 (עָמַם); a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flo ׃

וַיָּב֖וֹא way בּוֹא bôwʼ a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass) הֲתָ֑ךְ Hatach הֲתָךְ Hăthâk probably of foreign origin; Hathak, a Persian eunuch Hatach. וַיַּגֵּ֣ד bewray נָגַד nâgad a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mo לְאֶסְתֵּ֔ר Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. אֵ֖ת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb דִּבְרֵ֥י word דָּבָר dâbâr from H1696 (דָבַר); a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), becaus מָרְדֳּכָֽי Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. ׃

So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s response to Esther.

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר name אָמַר ʼâmar a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude) answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command( אֶסְתֵּר֙ Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. לַהֲתָ֔ךְ Hatach הֲתָךְ Hăthâk probably of foreign origin; Hathak, a Persian eunuch Hatach. וַתְּצַוֵּ֖הוּ appoint צָוָה tsâvâh a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, אֶֽל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ מָרְדֳּכָֽי Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. ׃

Then Esther spoke to Hathach and instructed him to tell Mordecai,

כָּל all כֹּל kôl or (Jeremiah 33:8) כּוֹל; from H3634 (כָּלַל); properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) (in) all (manne ־ עַבְדֵ֣י bondman עֶבֶד ʻebed from H5647 (עָבַד); a servant [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. וְעַם people עַם ʻam from H6004 (עָמַם); a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flo ־ מְדִינ֨וֹת province מְדִינָה mᵉdîynâh from H1777 (דִּין); properly, a judgeship, i.e. jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region ([idiom] every) province. הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. יֽוֹדְעִ֗ים acknowledge יָדַע yâdaʻ a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (inc אֲשֶׁ֣ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha כָּל all כֹּל kôl or (Jeremiah 33:8) כּוֹל; from H3634 (כָּלַל); properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) (in) all (manne ־ אִ֣ישׁ man אִישׁ ʼîysh contracted for H582 (אֱנוֹשׁ) (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to וְאִשָּׁ֡ה ess אִשָּׁה ʼishshâh feminine of H376 (אִישׁ) or H582 (אֱנוֹשׁ); irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as H582 (אֱנוֹשׁ)) a woman (adulter) ess, each, every, female אֲשֶׁ֣ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha יָבֽוֹא way בּוֹא bôwʼ a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass) ־ אֶל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ הַמֶּלֶךְ֩ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. אֶל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ הֶחָצֵ֨ר court חָצֵר châtsêr (masculine and feminine); from H2690 (חָצַר) in its original sense; a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls) court, t הַפְּנִימִ֜ית in פְּנִימִי pᵉnîymîy from H6440 (פָּנִים); interior (with-) in(-ner, -ward). אֲשֶׁ֣ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha לֹֽא ere לֹא lôʼ or לוֹא; or לֹה; (Deuteronomy 3:11), a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles [idiom] before ־ יִקָּרֵ֗א name קָרָא qârâʼ a primitive root (rather identical with H7122 (קָרָא) through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a אַחַ֤ת alike אֶחָד ʼechâd a numeral from H258 (אָחַד); properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, e דָּתוֹ֙ law דָּת dâth of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; a royal edict or statute commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. לְהָמִ֔ית death מוּת mûwth a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death לְ֠בַד alone בַּד bad from H909 (בָּדַד); properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of atree, bar forcarrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha יֽוֹשִׁיט hold out יָשַׁט yâshaṭ a primitive root; to extend hold out. ־ל֥וֹ הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. אֶת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb ־ שַׁרְבִ֥יט sceptre שַׁרְבִיט sharbîyṭ for H7626 (שֵׁבֶט); a rod of empire sceptre. הַזָּהָ֖ב gold זָהָב zâhâb from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky gold(-en), fair weather. וְחָיָ֑ה keep alive חָיָה châyâh a primitive root (compare H2331 (חָוָה), H2421 (חָיָה)); to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] ce וַאֲנִ֗י me אֲנִי ʼănîy contracted from H595 (אָנֹכִי); I I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. לֹ֤א ere לֹא lôʼ or לוֹא; or לֹה; (Deuteronomy 3:11), a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles [idiom] before נִקְרֵ֙אתי֙ name קָרָא qârâʼ a primitive root (rather identical with H7122 (קָרָא) through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a לָב֣וֹא way בּוֹא bôwʼ a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass) אֶל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. זֶ֖ה he זֶה zeh a primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים thirty שְׁלוֹשִׁים shᵉlôwshîym or שְׁלֹשִׁים; multiple of H7969 (שָׁלוֹשׁ); thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). יֽוֹם life יוֹם yôwm from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a spa ׃

וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ bewray נָגַד nâgad a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mo לְמָרְדֳּכָ֔י Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. אֵ֖ת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb דִּבְרֵ֥י word דָּבָר dâbâr from H1696 (דָבַר); a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), becaus אֶסְתֵּֽר Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. ׃ פ

When Esther’s words were relayed to Mordecai,

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר name אָמַר ʼâmar a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude) answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command( מָרְדֳּכַ֖י Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. לְהָשִׁ֣יב answer שׁוּב shûwb a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting אֶל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ אֶסְתֵּ֑ר Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. אַל nay אַל ʼal a negative particle (akin to H3808 (לֹא)); not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun, nothing nay, neither, [phrase] never ־ תְּדַמִּ֣י primitive root דָּמָה dâmâh a primitive root; to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think, use similitudes. בְנַפְשֵׁ֔ךְ man נֶפֶשׁ nephesh from H5314 (נָפַשׁ); properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodi לְהִמָּלֵ֥ט deliver מָלַט mâlaṭ a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring for בֵּית court בַּיִת bayith probably from H1129 (בָּנָה) abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, ־ הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. מִכָּל all כֹּל kôl or (Jeremiah 33:8) כּוֹל; from H3634 (כָּלַל); properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) (in) all (manne ־ הַיְּהוּדִֽים Jew יְהוּדִי Yᵉhûwdîy patronymically from H3063 (יְהוּדָה); a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah) Jew. ׃

he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews.

כִּ֣י and כִּי kîy a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widel אִם either אִם ʼim a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, ־ הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ cease חָרַשׁ chârash a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (i תַּחֲרִישִׁי֮ cease חָרַשׁ chârash a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (i בָּעֵ֣ת ways עֵת ʻêth from H5703 (עַד); time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc. [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening הַזֹּאת֒ hereby זֹאת zôʼth irregular feminine of H2089 (זֶה); this (often used adverb) hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefo רֶ֣וַח enlargement רֶוַח revach from H7304 (רָוַח); room, literally (an interval) or figuratively (deliverance) enlargement, space. וְהַצָּלָ֞ה deliverance הַצָּלָה hatstsâlâh from H5337 (נָצַל); rescue deliverance. יַעֲמ֤וֹד abide עָמַד ʻâmad a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, לַיְּהוּדִים֙ Jew יְהוּדִי Yᵉhûwdîy patronymically from H3063 (יְהוּדָה); a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah) Jew. מִמָּק֣וֹם country מָקוֹם mâqôwm or מָקֹם; also (feminine) מְקוֹמָה; or מְקֹמָה; from H6965 (קוּם); properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also אַחֵ֔ר other man אַחֵר ʼachêr from H309 (אָחַר); properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc. (an-) other man, following, next, strange. וְאַ֥תְּ thee אַתָּה ʼattâh or (shortened); אַתָּ; or אַת; feminine (irregular) sometimes אַתִּי; plural masculine אַתֶּם; feminine אַתֶּן; or אַתֵּנָהlemma אתֵּנָה missing vowel, correcte וּבֵית court בַּיִת bayith probably from H1129 (בָּנָה) abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, ־ אָבִ֖יךְ father אָב ʼâb a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare n תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ break אָבַד ʼâbad a primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy) break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, וּמִ֣י any מִי mîy an interrogative pronoun of persons, as H4100 (מָה) is of things, who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used i יוֹדֵ֔עַ acknowledge יָדַע yâdaʻ a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (inc אִם either אִם ʼim a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, ־ לְעֵ֣ת ways עֵת ʻêth from H5703 (עַד); time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc. [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening כָּזֹ֔את hereby זֹאת zôʼth irregular feminine of H2089 (זֶה); this (often used adverb) hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefo הִגַּ֖עַתְּ beat נָגַע nâgaʻ a primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to לַמַּלְכֽוּת empire מַלְכוּת malkûwth or מַלְכֻת; or (in plural) מַלְכֻיָּה; from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a rule; concretely, a dominion empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. ׃

וַתֹּ֥אמֶר name אָמַר ʼâmar a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude) answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command( אֶסְתֵּ֖ר Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. לְהָשִׁ֥יב answer שׁוּב shûwb a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting אֶֽל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ מָרְדֳּכָֽי Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. ׃

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:

לֵךְ֩ away יָלַךְ yâlak a primitive root (compare H1980 (הָלַךְ)); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carr כְּנ֨וֹס gather כָּנַס kânaç a primitive root; to collect; hence, to enfold gather (together), heap up, wrap self. אֶת apparent contracted אֵת ʼêth apparent contracted from H226 (אוֹת) in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb ־ כָּל all כֹּל kôl or (Jeremiah 33:8) כּוֹל; from H3634 (כָּלַל); properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) (in) all (manne ־ הַיְּהוּדִ֜ים Jew יְהוּדִי Yᵉhûwdîy patronymically from H3063 (יְהוּדָה); a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah) Jew. הַֽנִּמְצְאִ֣ים befall מָצָא mâtsâʼ a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present [p בְּשׁוּשָׁ֗ן Shushan שׁוּשַׁן Shûwshan the same as H7799 (שׁוּשַׁן); Shushan, a place in Persia Shushan. וְצ֣וּמוּ fast צוּם tsûwm a primitive root; to cover over (the mouth), i.e. to fast [idiom] at all, fast. עָ֠לַי above עַל ʻal properly, the same as H5920 (עַל) used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, וְאַל nay אַל ʼal a negative particle (akin to H3808 (לֹא)); not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun, nothing nay, neither, [phrase] never ־ תֹּאכְל֨וּ burn up אָכַל ʼâkal a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively) [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [ וְאַל nay אַל ʼal a negative particle (akin to H3808 (לֹא)); not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun, nothing nay, neither, [phrase] never ־ תִּשְׁתּ֜וּ banquet שָׁתָה shâthâh a primitive root; to imbibe (literally or figuratively) [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. in שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת third שָׁלוֹשׁ shâlôwsh or שָׁלֹשׁ; masculine שְׁלוֹשָׁה; or שְׁלֹשָׁה; a primitive number; three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-tim יָמִים֙ life יוֹם yôwm from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a spa לַ֣יְלָה night לַיִל layil or (Isaiah 21:11) לֵיל; also לַיְלָה; from the same as H3883 (לוּל); properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity (mid-)night (sea וָי֔וֹם life יוֹם yôwm from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a spa גַּם again גַּם gam by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather; properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and ־ אֲנִ֥י me אֲנִי ʼănîy contracted from H595 (אָנֹכִי); I I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. וְנַעֲרֹתַ֖י damsel נַעֲרָה naʻărâh feminine of H5288 (נַעַר); a girl (from infancy to adolescence) damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). אָצ֣וּם fast צוּם tsûwm a primitive root; to cover over (the mouth), i.e. to fast [idiom] at all, fast. כֵּ֑ן as as כֵּן kên from H3559 (כּוּן); properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications וּבְכֵ֞ן as as כֵּן kên from H3559 (כּוּן); properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications אָב֤וֹא way בּוֹא bôwʼ a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass) אֶל about אֵל ʼêl (but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, ־ הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ king מֶלֶךְ melek from H4427 (מָלַךְ); a king king, royal. אֲשֶׁ֣ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha לֹֽא ere לֹא lôʼ or לוֹא; or לֹה; (Deuteronomy 3:11), a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles [idiom] before ־ כַדָּ֔ת law דָּת dâth of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; a royal edict or statute commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha אָבַ֖דְתִּי break אָבַד ʼâbad a primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy) break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, אָבָֽדְתִּי break אָבַד ʼâbad a primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy) break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, ׃

וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר alienate עָבַר ʻâbar a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to co מָרְדֳּכָ֑י Mordecai מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite Mordecai. וַיַּ֕עַשׂ accomplish עָשָׂה ʻâsâh a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruis כְּכֹ֛ל all כֹּל kôl or (Jeremiah 33:8) כּוֹל; from H3634 (כָּלַל); properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) (in) all (manne אֲשֶׁר as אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order tha ־ צִוְּתָ֥ה appoint צָוָה tsâvâh a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, עָלָ֖יו above עַל ʻal properly, the same as H5920 (עַל) used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, אֶסְתֵּֽר Esther אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine Esther. ׃ ס

So Mordecai went and did all that Esther had instructed him.

Functional Faith Reading

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