1The King's Feast and Vashti's Refusal
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)
1This happened in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who ruled over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces stretching from India all the way to Ethiopia.
2That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
2In those days King Ahasuerus was seated on his royal throne in the palace at Shushan.
3In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
3In the third year of his reign he held a feast for all his princes and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media and the nobles and princes of the provinces were there before him,
4When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
4and for many days, a hundred and eighty in all, he displayed the wealth of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his great majesty.
5And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
5When those days were over, the king held a feast for everyone who was in the palace at Shushan, from the greatest to the least. It lasted seven days and was held in the courtyard of the garden of the king's palace.
6Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
6There were hangings of white, green, and blue, tied with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings on marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, set on a pavement of red, blue, white, and black marble.
7And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
7Drinks were served in golden cups, each one different from the others, and there was royal wine in plenty, as generous as a king can be.
8And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
8By the king's order the drinking followed one rule: no one was forced. The king had told all the stewards of his household to let each man do as he pleased.
9Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
9Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the royal palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus.
10On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
10On the seventh day, when the king's heart was cheerful with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus,
11To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
11to bring Queen Vashti before the king wearing her royal crown, so he could show off her beauty to the people and the princes, for she was lovely to look at.
12But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
12But Queen Vashti refused to come when the eunuchs delivered the king's command. The king was furious, and his anger burned inside him.
13Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
13Then the king spoke to the wise men who understood the times, for it was the king's custom to consult everyone who knew law and justice.
14And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
14Closest to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had personal access to the king and held the highest places in the kingdom.
15What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
15"According to the law," he asked, "what should be done to Queen Vashti, since she has not obeyed the command King Ahasuerus sent her by his eunuchs?"
16And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
16Memucan answered in front of the king and the princes, "Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but all the princes and all the people in every province of King Ahasuerus.
17For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
17For what the queen has done will become known to all women, and they will look down on their husbands when it is reported, 'King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti brought before him, but she would not come.'
18Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
18This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard about the queen's action will say the same thing to all the king's princes, and there will be no end of disrespect and anger.
19If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
19If it pleases the king, let him issue a royal order and have it written into the laws of the Persians and the Medes, which cannot be changed, that Vashti may never again come before King Ahasuerus, and let the king give her royal position to another woman who is better than she is.
20And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.
20When the king's decree is proclaimed throughout his whole empire, vast as it is, every wife will give honor to her husband, whether he is great or small."
21And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
21This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did what Memucan suggested.
22For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.
22He sent letters to all the king's provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, declaring that every man should be the ruler in his own household, and that this should be announced in the language of every people.
2Esther Taken to the King's Harem
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
1Later, when King Ahasuerus's anger had cooled, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her.
2Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
2Then the king's attendants who waited on him said, "Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king.
3And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
3Let the king appoint officers in every province of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in the palace at Shushan, under the care of Hege, the king's eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given their beauty treatments.
4And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
4Then let the young woman who pleases the king become queen in place of Vashti." The idea pleased the king, and he did it.
5Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
5Now in the palace at Shushan there was a Jew named Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin.
6Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
6He had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives taken with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried off.
7And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
7He had raised Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, because she had no father or mother. The girl was lovely in form and face, and when her parents died, Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter.
8So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
8So when the king's command and decree were announced and many young women were gathered to the palace at Shushan under Hegai's care, Esther too was brought to the king's palace and placed under Hegai, the keeper of the women.
9And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
9The young woman pleased him and won his kindness. He quickly gave her her beauty treatments and her portion of food, along with seven chosen maids from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maids to the best rooms in the harem.
10Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
10Esther had not revealed her people or her family background, because Mordecai had told her not to.
11And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
11Every day Mordecai walked back and forth in front of the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.
12Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
12Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months of preparation, as the rules for the women required: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and other beauty treatments for women.
13Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.
13Then the young woman would go to the king this way: whatever she asked for was given to her to take with her from the harem to the king's palace.
14In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
14She went in the evening, and in the morning she returned to the second harem, under the care of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch in charge of the concubines. She did not go to the king again unless he was pleased with her and called for her by name.
15Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
15When it was the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing beyond what Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the women, advised. And Esther won the approval of everyone who saw her.
16So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
16So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in his royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
17And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
17The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she won his grace and favor more than any of the other virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.
18Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
18Then the king gave a great feast for all his princes and officials, Esther's feast. He declared a holiday for the provinces and handed out gifts with royal generosity.
19And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.
19When the virgins were gathered a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate.
20Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
20Esther still had not revealed her family or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed her, for Esther kept following Mordecai's instructions as she had when he was raising her.
21In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
21In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who guarded the doorway, grew angry and plotted to kill King Ahasuerus.
22And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.
22Mordecai found out about it and told Queen Esther, and Esther reported it to the king in Mordecai's name.
23And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
23When the matter was investigated and found to be true, both men were hanged on a gallows, and the affair was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the king's presence.
3Haman's Decree Against the Jews
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
1After these events King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, raising him to a seat above all the other princes who served with him.
2And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
2All the king's officials at the king's gate bowed down and paid honor to Haman, because the king had commanded it. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay him honor.
3Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?
3The king's officials at the gate asked Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's command?"
4Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
4They spoke to him day after day, but he would not listen to them. So they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's stand would hold, since he had told them he was a Jew.
5And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
5When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow or pay him honor, he was filled with rage.
6And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
6But he thought it beneath him to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him who Mordecai's people were. So Haman looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, Mordecai's people.
7In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
7In the first month, the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, in Haman's presence, going from day to day and from month to month, until it fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
8And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.
8Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and spread out among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else's, and they do not keep the king's laws, so it is not in the king's interest to put up with them.
9If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.
9If it pleases the king, let a decree be written to destroy them, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of the officials who handle the business, to be placed in the king's treasury."
10And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.
10The king took the signet ring off his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.
11And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
11And the king said to Haman, "Keep the silver, and the people are yours too. Do with them whatever seems good to you."
12Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring.
12So the king's scribes were called in on the thirteenth day of the first month, and everything Haman ordered was written to the king's satraps, to the governors over each province, and to the officials of every people, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language. It was written in King Ahasuerus's name and sealed with the king's ring.
13And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
13Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with orders to destroy, kill, and wipe out all the Jews, young and old, little children and women, in a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to seize their possessions as plunder.
14The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
14A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province and made known to all the peoples, so they would be ready for that day.
15The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
15The couriers hurried out at the king's command, and the decree was issued in the palace at Shushan. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but in the city of Shushan the people were confused and troubled.
4Mordecai Sends Word to Esther
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
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;
1When Mordecai learned everything that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, crying out loudly and bitterly.
2And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
2He went as far as the king's gate, because no one was allowed to enter the king's gate dressed in 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.
3And in every province, wherever the king's command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, 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.
4Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her about it, and the queen was deeply distressed. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear in place of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.
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.
5Then Esther called for Hatach, one of the king's eunuchs who had been assigned to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai and find out what was wrong and why.
6So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.
6So Hatach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of 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.
7Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasury for the destruction of the Jews.
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.
8He also gave him a copy of the written decree issued at Shushan for their destruction, so he could show it to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to urge her to go to the king to plead with him and beg him for mercy for her people.
9And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
9Hatach came back and told Esther what Mordecai had said.
10Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
10Then Esther spoke to Hatach again and gave him a message for 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.
11"All the king's officials and the people of the king's provinces know that for any man or woman who goes to the king in the inner court without being summoned there is only one law: death, unless the king holds out his golden scepter and spares that person's life. And I have not been called to go to the king for thirty days."
12And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
12When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai,
13Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
13Mordecai sent back this answer to Esther: "Do not imagine that because you are in the king's palace you alone of all the Jews will escape.
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?
14For if you stay completely silent at a time like this, help and rescue will come to the Jews from somewhere else, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows whether you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
15Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:
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.
16"Go and gather all the Jews who are in Shushan, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast the same way. Then I will go to the king, even though it is against the law, and if I die, I die."
17So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
17So Mordecai went away and did everything Esther had told him.
5Esther's Banquet and Haman's Gallows
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
1On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, facing the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.
2And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
2When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won his favor, and he held out to her the golden scepter in his hand. Esther came near and touched the tip of the scepter.
3Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
3The king asked her, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even if it is half the kingdom, it will be given to you."
4And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
4Esther answered, "If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for him."
5Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
5Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, so we can do as Esther asks." So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared.
6And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
6As they drank the wine, the king said to Esther, "What is your petition? It will be granted. What is your request? Even if it is half the kingdom, it will be done."
7Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
7Esther answered, "My petition and my request is this:
8If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
8If I have found favor with the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and carry out my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said."
9Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
9Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate, and Mordecai did not stand up or even stir for him, Haman was filled with fury against Mordecai.
10Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
10Still, Haman held himself back and went home. Then he sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh,
11And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
11and he boasted to them about his great wealth, his many sons, all the ways the king had honored him, and how he had raised him above the princes and officials of the king.
12Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
12"What is more," Haman said, "Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the banquet she prepared, and she has invited me again tomorrow along with the king.
13Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
13But none of this means anything to me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate."
14Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
14His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Have a gallows built fifty cubits high, and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself." The idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows built.
6Haman Leads Mordecai Through the City
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
1That night the king could not sleep, so he ordered the book of records, the chronicles, to be brought in, and it was read to him.
2And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
2There it was found written that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs who guarded the doorway, when they plotted to kill King Ahasuerus.
3And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
3The king asked, "What honor or recognition has Mordecai received for this?" The attendants who served the king answered, "Nothing has been done for him."
4And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
4"Who is in the court?" the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had built for him.
5And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
5The king's attendants said, "Haman is standing in the court." "Let him come in," said the king.
6So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
6When Haman came in, the king asked him, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?" Haman thought to himself, "Who would the king want to honor more than me?"
7And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
7So Haman answered the king, "For the man the king delights to honor,
8Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
8let them bring a royal robe the king himself has worn, and a horse the king has ridden, and the royal crown that is set on his head.
9And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
9Let the robe and the horse be handed to one of the king's most noble princes, and let them dress the man the king delights to honor and lead him on horseback through the city square, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'"
10Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
10Then the king said to Haman, "Hurry! Take the robe and the horse, just as you have said, and do all this for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing you have suggested."
11Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
11So Haman took the robe and the horse, dressed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city square, proclaiming before him, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!"
12And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
12Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate, but Haman rushed home in grief, with his head covered.
13And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.
13Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not win against him. You will surely fall before him."
14And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.
14While they were still talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman off to the banquet Esther had prepared.
7Esther Names Haman at the Banquet
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.
1So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther.
2And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.
2On this second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, "What is your petition, Queen Esther? It will be granted. What is your request? Even if it is half the kingdom, it will be done."
3Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
3Queen Esther answered, "If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be spared. That is my petition. And spare my people. That is my request.
4For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.
4For my people and I have been sold to be destroyed, killed, and wiped out. If we had only been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, though the enemy could never repay the king for the loss."
5Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
5King Ahasuerus asked Queen Esther, "Who is he? Where is the man who would dare in his heart to do such a thing?"
6And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.
6Esther said, "The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!" Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.
7And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.
7The king got up from the wine in a rage and went out into the palace garden. Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he could see that the king had already decided his doom.
8Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.
8When the king came back from the palace garden into the banquet hall, Haman had thrown himself on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king said, "Will he even attack the queen right here in front of me, in my own house?" As soon as the words left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.
9And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.
9Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, "Look, there is a gallows fifty cubits high standing at Haman's house. He built it for Mordecai, the man who spoke up to save the king." The king said, "Hang him on it."
10So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
10So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had built for Mordecai, and the king's rage died down.
8Mordecai's Counter-Decree
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.
1That same day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told him how they were related.
2And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
2The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken back from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman's estate.
3And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
3Then Esther spoke to the king once more. She fell at his feet and begged him with tears to put a stop to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, the scheme he had devised against the Jews.
4Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,
4The king held out the golden scepter to Esther, so she rose and stood before the king
5And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces:
5and said, "If it pleases the king, if I have found favor with him, if the thing seems right to the king and he is pleased with me, let an order be written to cancel the letters that Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces.
6For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
6For how can I bear to watch the disaster that is about to fall on my people? How can I bear to watch my own family destroyed?"
7Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.
7King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, "Look, I have given Esther Haman's estate, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he raised his hand against the Jews.
8Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.
8Now write another decree for the Jews, as you see fit, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring. For a document written in the king's name and sealed with the king's ring can never be reversed."
9Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
9So the king's scribes were called in at once, on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan, and everything Mordecai ordered was written to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, to each province in its own script, to each people in its own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language.
10And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:
10He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king's ring, and sent the letters by mounted couriers riding horses, mules, camels, and young dromedaries.
11Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,
11In these letters the king granted the Jews in every city the right to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, kill, and wipe out any armed force of any people or province that attacked them, along with their little children and women, and to seize their possessions as plunder,
12Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
12on a single day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
13The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
13A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province and made known to all the peoples, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to take revenge on their enemies.
14So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
14The couriers, riding mules and camels, raced out, hurried and pressed on by the king's command, and the decree was issued in the palace at Shushan.
15And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
15Mordecai left the king's presence wearing royal robes of blue and white, a large golden crown, and a cloak of fine linen and purple, and the city of Shushan cheered and celebrated.
16The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
16For the Jews there was light and gladness, joy and honor.
17And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.
17And in every province and every city, wherever the king's command and decree arrived, the Jews had joy and gladness, feasting and celebration. And many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews had come over them.
9The Thirteenth of Adar and the First Purim
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
1Now in the twelfth month, the month of Adar, on its thirteenth day, the time came for the king's order and decree to be carried out. It was the day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but things turned out the opposite way, and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.
2The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.
2The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on anyone who wanted to harm them, and no one could stand against them, because everyone had become afraid of them.
3And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.
3All the rulers of the provinces, the governors, the deputies, and the king's officials helped the Jews, because they were afraid of Mordecai.
4For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.
4For Mordecai was powerful in the king's palace, and his reputation spread through all the provinces; this man Mordecai kept growing greater and greater.
5Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
5So the Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did whatever they wished to those who hated them.
6And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.
6In the citadel of Susa the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men.
7And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,
7They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,
8And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
8Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha,
9And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,
9Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha,
10The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.
10the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not take any of the plunder.
11On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.
11That same day the number of those killed in the citadel of Susa was reported to the king.
12And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.
12The king said to Queen Esther, "The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa, along with Haman's ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? Now, what is your petition? It will be granted to you. What further request do you have? It will be done."
13Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.
13Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the Jews in Susa be allowed to do tomorrow what today's decree allowed, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged on the gallows."
14And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.
14The king ordered it to be done. The decree was issued in Susa, and they hanged Haman's ten sons.
15For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.
15The Jews in Susa gathered together again on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and killed three hundred men in Susa, but they did not take any of the plunder.
16But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,
16Meanwhile the rest of the Jews in the king's provinces gathered together to defend their lives and got relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of those who hated them, but they did not take any of the plunder.
17On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
17This happened on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
18But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
18But the Jews in Susa had gathered on both the thirteenth and the fourteenth days, so on the fifteenth day they rested and made that a day of feasting and gladness.
19Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
19That is why the Jews of the countryside, who live in unwalled villages, keep the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of gladness and feasting, a holiday, and a time for sending gifts of food to one another.
20And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
20Mordecai wrote down these events and sent letters to all the Jews in every province of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,
21To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
21to establish among them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and the fifteenth day as well, every year,
22As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
22as the days when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that was turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a holiday. They were to make them days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.
23And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;
23So the Jews agreed to continue what they had begun and to do what Mordecai had written to them.
24Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
24For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast the Pur, that is, the lot, to crush them and wipe them out.
25But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
25But when Esther came before the king, he ordered in writing that the wicked scheme Haman had plotted against the Jews should come back on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
26Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,
26That is why these days are called Purim, from the word Pur. So because of everything written in this letter, and because of what they had seen happen and what had come upon them,
27The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
27the Jews established and took upon themselves, their descendants, and everyone who joined them, that without fail they would keep these two days each year as written and at the appointed time;
28And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.
28and that these days should be remembered and kept in every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should never cease among the Jews, nor their memory die out among their descendants.
29Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.
29Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, together with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim.
30And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
30He sent letters to all the Jews in the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
31To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.
31to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed times, just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had directed them, and as they had bound themselves and their descendants regarding the times of fasting and lamenting.
32And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.
32Esther's decree confirmed these rules for Purim, and it was written down in the book.
10Mordecai Second to the King
📜 The old Bible words
💬 In today’s words
1And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.
1King Ahasuerus imposed a tax on the land and on the islands of the sea.
2And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
2All the deeds of his power and might, along with the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king had raised him, are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia.
3For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
3For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus. He was great among the Jews and well liked by the many people of his nation, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the well-being of all their descendants.