Esther 1:6
Esther 1:6 in Multiple Translations
Hangings of white and blue linen were fastened with cords of fine white and purple material to silver rings on the marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
Where 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.
There were hangings of white cloth, of green, and of blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the couches were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and white, and yellow, and black marble.
There were fair hangings of white and green and blue, fixed with cords of purple and the best linen to silver rings and pillars of polished stone: the seats were of gold and silver on a floor of red and white and yellow and black stone.
It was decorated with white and blue cotton curtains tied with cords of fine linen and purple thread on silver rings, held up by marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were placed on a pavement made of purple porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and expensive stones.
Vnder an hanging of white, greene, and blue clothes, fastened with cordes of fine linen and purple, in siluer rings, and pillars of marble: the beds were of golde, and of siluer vpon a pauement of porphyre, and marble and alabaster, and blue colour.
white linen, white cotton, and blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on rings of silver, and pillars of marble, couches of gold, and of silver, on a pavement of smaragdus, and white marble, and mother-of-pearl, and black marble —
There were hangings of white and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble.
Where 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.
And there were hung up on every side sky coloured, and green, and violet hangings, fastened with cords of silk, and of purple, which were put into rings of ivory, and were held up with marble pillars. The beds also were of gold and silver, placed in order upon a floor paved with porphyry and white marble: which was embellished with painting of wonderful variety.
In the courtyard were beautiful blue and white curtains that were fastened by white and purple cords/ribbons to rings that were on pillars made from expensive white stone called marble. The guests sat on gold and silver couches. The couches were on a pavement/floor which had on top of it designs made from various kinds of expensive stones.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 1:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Esther 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ח֣וּר
כַּרְפַּ֣ס
וּ/תְכֵ֗לֶת
אָחוּז֙
בְּ/חַבְלֵי
ב֣וּץ
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן
עַל
גְּלִ֥ילֵי
כֶ֖סֶף
וְ/עַמּ֣וּדֵי
שֵׁ֑שׁ
מִטּ֣וֹת
זָהָ֣ב
וָ/כֶ֗סֶף
עַ֛ל
רִֽצְפַ֥ת
בַּהַט
וָ/שֵׁ֖שׁ
וְ/דַ֥ר
וְ/סֹחָֽרֶת
ח֣וּר
chûwr
H2353
white
N-ms
כַּרְפַּ֣ס
karpaç
H3768
fine linen
N-ms
וּ/תְכֵ֗לֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
blue
Conj | N-fs
אָחוּז֙
ʼâchaz
H270
to grasp
V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/חַבְלֵי
chebel
H2256
cord
Prep | N-cp
ב֣וּץ
bûwts
H948
fine linen
N-ms
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן
ʼargâmân
H713
purple
Conj | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גְּלִ֥ילֵי
gâlîyl
H1550
turned
N-mp
כֶ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
וְ/עַמּ֣וּדֵי
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
Conj | N-mp
שֵׁ֑שׁ
shêsh
H8336
alabaster
Adj
מִטּ֣וֹת
miṭṭâh
H4296
bed
N-fp
זָהָ֣ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
וָ/כֶ֗סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Conj | N-ms
עַ֛ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רִֽצְפַ֥ת
ritspâh
H7531
pavement
N-fs
בַּהַט
bahaṭ
H923
porphyry
N-ms
וָ/שֵׁ֖שׁ
shêsh
H8336
alabaster
Conj | Adj
וְ/דַ֥ר
dar
H1858
mother-of-pearl
Conj | N-ms
וְ/סֹחָֽרֶת
çôchêreth
H5508
stone
Conj | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 1:6
ח֣וּר
chûwr
H2353
"white"
N-ms
This word means white, specifically referring to white linen or cloth. It is used to describe something that is pure and clean, as seen in its KJV translation as white.
Definition: white cloth, white stuff
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: white. See also: Esther 1:6; Esther 8:15.
כַּרְפַּ֣ס
karpaç
H3768
"fine linen"
N-ms
Fine linen, like the kind used to make clothes, is what this word describes. In Proverbs 31:22 and Ezekiel 16:13, fine linen is mentioned as a valuable material for clothing. It represents wealth and luxury.
Definition: cotton or fine linen
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: green. See also: Esther 1:6.
וּ/תְכֵ֗לֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
"blue"
Conj | N-fs
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.
אָחוּז֙
ʼâchaz
H270
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Inf-c
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
בְּ/חַבְלֵי
chebel
H2256
"cord"
Prep | N-cp
A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.
Definition: 1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company 1a) a rope, cord 1b) a measuring-cord or line 1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region 1d) a band or company § destruction
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling. See also: Deuteronomy 3:4; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 16:6.
ב֣וּץ
bûwts
H948
"fine linen"
N-ms
Fine linen, likely cotton, made in Egypt and highly valued. In the Bible, it's used to describe luxurious clothing. The Israelites used it to make priestly garments.
Definition: byssus, a costly, fine white linen cloth made in Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fine (white) linen. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:21; 2 Chronicles 5:12; Ezekiel 27:16.
וְ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן
ʼargâmân
H713
"purple"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for purple, describing the color or dyed fabric, is used in the Bible to describe royal garments, like those worn by King Solomon. In Exodus 28:5, it is used to describe the priestly robes. The color symbolized wealth and power.
Definition: purple, red-purple
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:22.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גְּלִ֥ילֵי
gâlîyl
H1550
"turned"
N-mp
A Hebrew term for a circuit or ring, like the folding doors in the temple or a circular region in Naphtali.
Definition: adj turning, folding (of doors)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: folding, ring. See also: 1 Kings 6:34; Esther 1:6; Song of Solomon 5:14.
כֶ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וְ/עַמּ֣וּדֵי
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
שֵׁ֑שׁ
shêsh
H8336
"alabaster"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.
מִטּ֣וֹת
miṭṭâh
H4296
"bed"
N-fp
This word refers to a bed or couch, often used for sleeping or eating. In the Bible, it can also refer to a sofa or a bier for carrying the dead. It is a physical object for rest or relaxation.
Definition: couch, bed, bier
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), bier. See also: Genesis 47:31; 2 Kings 1:16; Psalms 6:7.
זָהָ֣ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וָ/כֶ֗סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Conj | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
עַ֛ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רִֽצְפַ֥ת
ritspâh
H7531
"pavement"
N-fs
A hot stone or live coal, also describing a decorative pavement, like the ones found in ancient temples.
Definition: pavement
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: live coal, pavement. See also: 2 Chronicles 7:3; Ezekiel 40:17; Isaiah 6:6.
בַּהַט
bahaṭ
H923
"porphyry"
N-ms
Bahah is a type of costly stone, possibly porphyry or red marble, used to describe luxurious or precious materials in the Bible.
Definition: a costly stone (perhaps porphyry), red marble
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: red (marble). See also: Esther 1:6.
וָ/שֵׁ֖שׁ
shêsh
H8336
"alabaster"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.
וְ/דַ֥ר
dar
H1858
"mother-of-pearl"
Conj | N-ms
A shiny pearl or mother-of-pearl, like the alabaster stone used in 1 Chronicles 29:2.
Definition: pearl, mother of pearl
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] white. See also: Esther 1:6.
וְ/סֹחָֽרֶת
çôchêreth
H5508
"stone"
Conj | N-fs
This word likely refers to a type of black stone or tile used for decorative paving, possibly with marble. The KJV translates it as 'black marble'.
Definition: a stone used in paving (with marble)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: black marble. See also: Esther 1:6.
Study Notes — Esther 1:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 1:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 1:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 1:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 1:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 1:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 1:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 1:6
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 1:6
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 1:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 1:6
- Sermons on Esther 1:6
Context — Xerxes’ Royal Feast
4And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness.
5At the end of this time, in the garden court of the royal palace, the king held a seven-day feast for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest.
6Hangings of white and blue linen were fastened with cords of fine white and purple material to silver rings on the marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
7Beverages were served in an array of goblets of gold, each with a different design, and the royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty. 8By order of the king, no limit was placed on the drinking, and every official of his household was to serve each man whatever he desired.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 6:4 | You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 23:41 | You sat on a couch of luxury with a table spread before it, on which you had set My incense and My oil, |
| 3 | Amos 2:8 | They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. And in the house of their God, they drink wine obtained through fines. |
| 4 | Esther 7:8 | Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. |
| 5 | Exodus 26:36–37 | For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them. |
| 6 | Esther 8:15 | Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. |
| 7 | Exodus 26:1 | “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. |
| 8 | Exodus 26:31–32 | Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. |
Esther 1:6 Summary
[Esther 1:6 describes a lavish feast with luxurious decorations, showcasing the wealth and grandeur of King Ahasuerus' kingdom. This verse helps us understand the context of the story and the king's character, highlighting his love of luxury and display. As Christians, we can learn from this verse about the importance of humility and simplicity, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:9-10. By focusing on what is truly important, we can avoid getting caught up in the excesses of the world and instead cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the luxurious decorations mentioned in Esther 1:6?
The luxurious decorations in Esther 1:6, such as the hangings of white and blue linen and the gold and silver couches, signify the wealth and grandeur of King Ahasuerus' kingdom, as seen in his display of riches in Esther 1:4. This extravagance is also reminiscent of the riches of Solomon's kingdom in 1 Kings 10:14-22.
What is the purpose of the seven-day feast mentioned in the surrounding verses?
The seven-day feast in Esther 1:5 was a grand celebration to display the king's wealth and greatness, and to entertain his guests, as seen in Esther 1:4. This feast is also an example of the king's attempt to show his generosity and bounty, as mentioned in Esther 1:8.
How does the description of the feast in Esther 1:6 relate to the rest of the Bible?
The description of the feast in Esther 1:6, with its emphasis on luxury and excess, can be seen as a contrast to the simplicity and humility promoted in other parts of the Bible, such as in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Matthew 6:19-21.
What can we learn from the king's display of wealth in Esther 1:6?
The king's display of wealth in Esther 1:6 can teach us about the fleeting nature of earthly riches and the importance of humility, as seen in 1 Peter 1:24 and Proverbs 27:24.
Reflection Questions
- How can I balance my desire for nice things with the call to humility and simplicity in my Christian walk?
- What are some ways that I can use my resources to serve others, rather than just accumulating wealth and material possessions?
- How can I cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment with what I have, rather than constantly desiring more?
- What are some examples of extravagance and excess in my own life, and how can I simplify and prioritize what is truly important?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 1:6
Where were white, green, and blue hangings,.... Or curtains of fine linen, as the Targum, which were of these several colours; the first letter of the word for "white" is larger than usual, to denote
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 1:6
Where 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 1:6
The beds; for in those eastern countries and ancient times they did not sit at tables, as we do, but rested or leaned upon beds; of which we have many testimonies, both in Scripture, as 6:4 , and in all other authors.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 1:6
Esther 1:6 [Where 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.Ver. 6. Where were white, green, and blue hangings] Rich and royal tapestry, set forth with variety of colours, pleasant to the eye. Fastened with cords of fine linen] More precious than silk. And pillars of marble] To bear up the hangings, that the guests might the better behold them, and be defended by them from wind, dust, and heat. The beds] Whereon they sat at meat (which was the manner of all those Eastern parts), their bodies so composed, as that the upper part thereof being somewhat bent and bowed, the rest lay along. Were of gold and silver] The bedsteads were. See Amos 6:4; Amos 2:8; Jeremiah 23:40. Upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble] Or, porphyry or crystal. All very costly and stately; and these are those things that made us desirous to live longer here, as Charles V told the duke of Venice; who had showed him his fair palace richly furnished, Haec sunt quae nos faciunt invitos mori. These are what they make for us, [who are] unwilling to die.
But what said Nugas, the Scythian prince, to certain ambassadors who brought him brave and rich presents? Will these save a man from sickness? Will they stave off death? Do not these outward gauds and gaieties carry away the heart from the love and care of better things? (Val. Max. Christian). Solomon saith as much in his sacred retractations; and Charles V (who besides other territories and dominions, had twenty-eight kingdoms) voluntarily gave over the empire as a burden; and cursing his honours in his old age, his trophies, riches, royalties, said to them all, Abite hinc, abite longe, Be gone, all of you; get you hence. Abi perdita bestia quae me perdidisti, as Cornelius Agrippa said on his death bed, to his familiar devil, Be packing, thou wretched beast, that hast undone me for ever.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 1:6
(6) Where were white. . . .—This should be [hangings of] “white cotton and blue.” The word translated “cotton” (Heb., carpas) occurs only here. Canon Rawlinson remarks that “white and blue (or violet) were the royal colours of Persia.” Linen.—White linen; so the word is used, e.g., in 2 Chronicles 5:12. Marble.—White marble, as in the last clause of the verse. Beds.—That is, the couches. The gold is not to be referred simply to the gold- mbroidered coverings, but to the framework of the couch. Red and blue . . .—These words are not names of colours, but of actual stones, although the meaning of most is doubtful enough. The first (bahat) is rendered by the LXX. as a stone of emerald colour, and may perhaps be malachite. The second (shesh) is white marble, the third (dar) is pearly, and the last (sokhereth) black.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 1:6
Verse 6. White, green, and blue hangings] It was customary, on such occasions, not only to hang the place about with elegant curtains of the above colours, as Dr. Shaw and others have remarked, but also to have a canopy of rich stuffs suspended on cords from side to side of the place in which they feasted. And such courts were ordinarily paved with different coloured marbles, or with tiles painted, as above specified. And this was the origin of the Musive or Mosaic work, well known among the Asiatics, and borrowed from them by the Greeks and the Romans. The beds of gold and silver mentioned here were the couches covered with gold and silver cloth, on which the guests reclined.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 1:6
6. there were hangings of white cloth, of green, and of blue] marg. fine cloth, white (or cotton) and blue. The word translated ‘green’ in the text is best rendered cotton, and is of Persian origin.[58] The cords, which by means of silver rings attached the hangings to the pillars, furnished a contrast of colour, viz. fine, white linen, mixed with a reddish purple. [58] Karpas borrowed by the Greek in the form κάρπασος (Lat. carbasus).pillars of marble] The remains of the pillars found at Susa are of a dark blue limestone, which the Heb. word may very well denote. the couches were of gold and silver] i.e. with coverlets of gold and silver work, or possibly with a framework of these materials (so the Targum explains), like those which Herod. (ix. 82) tells us that Xerxes brought with him on his expedition against Greece. of red, and white, and yellow, and black marble] marg. or, of porphyry, and white marble, and alabaster, and stone of blue colour. For the ‘white and yellow’ of R.V. A.V. had ‘blue and white.’ A mosaic pavement of various costly materials is apparently meant, but the precise meaning of the terms used is uncertain. Perhaps we may take it that each is the name of a material, not a colour, and render porphyry (or alabaster), marble, pearl-stone, and dark paving-stone. We should observe, however, that the second of these is the same word as that used in the description of the pillars (see note), and that the last may mean marble with dark spots or streaks. The LXX. adds that there were crystal couches scattered over with roses.
Barnes' Notes on Esther 1:6
Rather, “where was an awning of fine white cotton and violet.” White and blue (or violet) were the royal colors in Persia.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 1:6
6. White, green, and blue — White and blue, or violet, seem to have been royal colours in Persia. Comp. Esther 8:15.
Sermons on Esther 1:6
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The False Gospel of Prosperity by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's c |
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Through the Bible - Amos, Obadiah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the evil and luxurious lifestyle of the people in Judah and Israel. He criticizes their complacency and lack of concern for the state of the |
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The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-06 True Discipleship by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Sermon on the Plane, where Jesus shares revolutionary teachings with both the multitude and his disciples. Jesus reveals that he will go |
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Social Conditions by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the alarming increase in the consumption of cigarettes and intoxicants, despite the efforts of reformers and prohibitionists, revealing the na |
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(Exodus) Exodus 26:1-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the different coverings of the tabernacle in the Bible. The first covering, made of fine twine and linen, represents the b |
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(Exodus) Exodus 37:1-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle had three compartments and three entrances: the outer court, the ho |
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Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel |