← Esther

On the Hebrew text. The Hebrew follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition, as represented by standard diplomatic editions in their main wording; distinctively copyrighted critical apparatus is not reproduced. Versification follows the MT.

The Book of Esther (MT) — Interlinear Summary

A consolidated companion to the Masoretic-Text Esther data set: each chapter rendered as a six-tier Hebrew reverse-interlinear (Hebrew · gloss · parsing · syntax · semantic force · lexical note), with per-verse discourse analysis and a chapter argument-outline.

This document gathers, for each annotated chapter, the theme, the argument outline, and the textual / exegetical note (the text_note of each file, with the shared critical-text preface removed since it is stated once above). Reversal and deliverance for the Jews in Persia. The Hebrew follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition (Westminster Leningrad Codex / OSHB); distinctively copyrighted apparatus is not reproduced, and Hebrew (MT) versification is used throughout.

Scope. 10 chapters · 167 verses · 3,057 annotated words.

Esther

Esther 1 — אסתר 1

Theme. Esther 1 (22 verses in the MT) opens: Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even to Ethiopia, an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) The middle of the chapter continues: But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him. It closes: For 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 should be.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 1 comprises 22 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-5) — Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this Ahasuerus which reig. Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even to Ethiopia, an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which in Shushan the palace, In the third year of his reign, he made a feast to all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia. Movement II (vv. 6-10) — white, green, and blue, , fastened with cords of fine linen and purple t. white, green, and blue, , fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. And they gave drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. And the. Movement III (vv. 11-15) — To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew. To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she fair to look on. But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him. Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so the king's. Movement IV (vv. 16-20) — And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen h. And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen has not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus. For deed of the queen shall come abroad to all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king. Movement V (vv. 21-22) — And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did accord. And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: For 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 should be published according to the language of. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 2 — אסתר 2

Theme. Esther 2 (23 verses in the MT) opens: After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. The middle of the chapter continues: Now 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, , six months with. It closes: And 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.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 2 comprises 23 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-5) — After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he re. After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. Then said the king's servants that ministered to him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all. Movement II (vv. 6-10) — Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had be. Who 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. And he brought up Hadassah, that , Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were. Movement III (vv. 11-15) — And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to. And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her. Now 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, , six months with oil of myrrh, and. Movement IV (vv. 16-20) — So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth. So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And 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. Then the king. Movement V (vv. 21-23) — In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's. In 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. And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told to Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king in Mordecai's name. And when inquisition was made of the matter, it. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 3 — אסתר 3

Theme. Esther 3 (15 verses in the MT) opens: After 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 with him. The middle of the chapter continues: And Haman said to king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; and their laws diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's. It closes: The 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.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 3 comprises 15 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedath. After 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 with him. And all the king's servants, that in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did reverence. Then the king's servants,. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. And 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 throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, the people of Mordecai. In the first month, that , the month. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and. If 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 into the king's treasuries. And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy. And the king said to Haman, The. Movement IV (vv. 13-15) — And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to des. And 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, upon the thirteenth of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 4 — אסתר 4

Theme. Esther 4 (17 verses in the MT) opens: 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; The middle of the chapter continues: And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. It closes: So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 4 comprises 17 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, an. 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; And came even before the king's gate: for none enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — Then called Esther for Hatach, of the king's chamberlains, whom he had a. Then called Esther for Hatach, of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it , and why it . So Hatach went forth to Mordecai to the street of the city, which before the king's gate. And Mordecai told him of all that had happened to him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. Again Esther spake to Hatach, and gave him commandment to Mordecai; All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come to the king into the inner court, who is not called, one law of his to put to death, except such to whom the king. Movement IV (vv. 13-16) — Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that yo. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that you shall escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if you altogether holdest your peace at this time, shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but you and your father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether you are come to. Movement V (vv. 17) — So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had comma. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 5 — אסתר 5

Theme. Esther 5 (14 verses in the MT) opens: Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on royal , 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 middle of the chapter continues: If 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. It closes: Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends to him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak you to the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go you in merrily with the king to the.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 5 comprises 14 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on royal , and sto. Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on royal , 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. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favour in his sight: and the. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther. Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther has said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared. And the king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, What your petition? and it shall be granted you: and what your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. Then answered Esther, and. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Ha. Then 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. Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. And Haman told them of the glory of his. Movement IV (vv. 13-14) — Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitt. Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate. Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends to him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak you to the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go you in merrily with the king to the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 6 — אסתר 6

Theme. Esther 6 (14 verses in the MT) opens: On 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. The middle of the chapter continues: Let the royal apparel be brought which the king to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: It closes: And while they yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 6 comprises 14 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the bo. On 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. And 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. And the king said, What honour and dignity. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — And the king's servants said to him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king's servants said to him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in. So Haman came in. And the king said to him, What shall be done to 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? And Haman answered the king, For the man. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the ki. And 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 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. Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, take. Movement IV (vv. 13-14) — And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every that had befall. And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife to him, If Mordecai of the seed of the Jews, before whom you have begun to fall, you shall not prevail against him, but shall surely fall before him. And while they yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 7 — אסתר 7

Theme. Esther 7 (10 verses in the MT) opens: So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. The middle of the chapter continues: And Esther said, The adversary and enemy this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. It closes: So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 7 comprises 10 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. And the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What your petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted you: and what your request? and it shall be performed, to the half of the kingdom. Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in your sight, O. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said to Esther the queen, Who is he. Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said to Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? And Esther said, The adversary and enemy this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make. Movement III (vv. 9-10) — And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also. And 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. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 8 — אסתר 8

Theme. Esther 8 (17 verses in the MT) opens: On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy to Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he to her. The middle of the chapter continues: Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that , the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the. It closes: And 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.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 8 comprises 17 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' ene. On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy to Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he to her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight. And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing right before the king, and I 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 in all the king's provinces: For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come to. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, tha. Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that , the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which from India to Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, to every province. Movement IV (vv. 13-16) — The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province published to all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. the posts that rode upon mules camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace. And Mordecai went. Movement V (vv. 17) — And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's comma. And 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. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 9 — אסתר 9

Theme. Esther 9 (32 verses in the MT) opens: Now in the twelfth month, that , 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. The middle of the chapter continues: On 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. It closes: And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 9 comprises 32 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-7) — Now in the twelfth month, that , the month Adar, on the thirteenth day o. Now in the twelfth month, that , 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;) The Jews gathered themselves together. Movement II (vv. 8-14) — And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha. And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. And the king said to Esther the queen, The. Movement III (vv. 15-21) — For the Jews that in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourtee. For the Jews that 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. But the other Jews that 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. Movement IV (vv. 22-28) — As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month wh. As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned to 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. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written to them; Because. Movement V (vv. 29-32) — Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wr. Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. And he sent the letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, words of peace and truth, To confirm these days of Purim in their times , according as Mordecai the Jew and. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Esther 10 — אסתר 10

Theme. Esther 10 (3 verses in the MT) opens: And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and the isles of the sea. The middle of the chapter continues: And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? It closes: For Mordecai the Jew next to 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.

Outline.

Textual note. Esther 10 comprises 3 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-3) — And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and the isles of th. And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and the isles of the sea. And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Jew next to king Ahasuerus, and great among the. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.