Esther 1:7
Esther 1:7 in Multiple Translations
Beverages 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.
And 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.
And they gave them drink in vessels of gold (the vessels being diverse one from another), and royal wine in abundance, according to the bounty of the king.
And they gave them drink in gold vessels, every vessel being different, and wine of the kingdom, freely given by the king.
Drinks were served in golden goblets of different kinds, and the royal wine flowed freely because of the king's generosity.
And they gaue them drinke in vessels of golde, and changed vessel after vessel, and royall wine in abundance according to the power of the King.
and the giving of drink in vessels of gold, and the vessels [are] divers vessels, and the royal wine [is] abundant, as a memorial of the king.
They gave them drinks in golden vessels of various kinds, including royal wine in abundance, according to the bounty of the king.
And 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.
And they that were invited, drank in golden cups, and the meats were brought in divers vessels one after another. Wine also in abundance and of the best was presented, as was worthy of a king’s magnificence.
The guests drank wine from gold cups. Each cup had a different design on it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 1:7
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 1:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַשְׁקוֹת֙
בִּ/כְלֵ֣י
זָהָ֔ב
וְ/כֵלִ֖ים
מִ/כֵּלִ֣ים
שׁוֹנִ֑ים
וְ/יֵ֥ין
מַלְכ֛וּת
רָ֖ב
כְּ/יַ֥ד
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וְ/הַשְׁקוֹת֙
shâqâh
H8248
to water
Conj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בִּ/כְלֵ֣י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Prep | N-mp
זָהָ֔ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
וְ/כֵלִ֖ים
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Conj | N-mp
מִ/כֵּלִ֣ים
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Prep | N-mp
שׁוֹנִ֑ים
shânâh
H8138
to change
V-Qal
וְ/יֵ֥ין
yayin
H3196
wine
Conj | N-ms
מַלְכ֛וּת
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
N-fs
רָ֖ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
כְּ/יַ֥ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 1:7
וְ/הַשְׁקוֹת֙
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
בִּ/כְלֵ֣י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
זָהָ֔ב
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.
וְ/כֵלִ֖ים
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Conj | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
מִ/כֵּלִ֣ים
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
שׁוֹנִ֑ים
shânâh
H8138
"to change"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to repeat or do something again, as seen in Exodus when God repeats his command to Moses. It can also imply changing or altering something. In the Bible, it is used to describe actions like repeating a task or changing one's behavior.
Definition: 1) change, alter 1a) (Qal) to change 1b) (Piel) to change, alter 1c) (Pual) to be changed, mollified 1d) (Hithpael) to disguise oneself
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer, repeat, return, do the second time. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 14:20; Psalms 34:1.
וְ/יֵ֥ין
yayin
H3196
"wine"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
מַלְכ֛וּת
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
N-fs
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
רָ֖ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
כְּ/יַ֥ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — Esther 1:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 1:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 1:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 1:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 1:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 1:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 1:7
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 1:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 1:7
- Sermons on Esther 1:7
Context — Xerxes’ Royal Feast
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. 9Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 5:2–4 | Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 9:20 | All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. |
| 3 | Esther 2:18 | Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 10:21 | All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. |
Esther 1:7 Summary
[Esther 1:7 describes a lavish feast hosted by King Xerxes, where beverages were served in gold goblets and the royal wine flowed freely. This verse shows that King Xerxes was a man of great wealth and extravagance, who spared no expense in hosting his guests. However, as seen in other Bible verses such as 1 Timothy 6:10, true joy and fulfillment come not from wealth or material possessions, but from a relationship with God. By reflecting on this verse, we can consider how we prioritize luxury and extravagance in our own lives, and how we might be called to simplify and trust in God's provision instead.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the description of the beverages and goblets in Esther 1:7 reveal about King Xerxes' character?
The description of the beverages and goblets in Esther 1:7 reveals that King Xerxes was a man of great wealth and extravagance, who spared no expense in hosting his guests, as seen in the abundance of royal wine and the array of gold goblets, each with a different design, similar to the lavishness described in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.
How does the 'royal wine' in Esther 1:7 relate to the king's 'bounty'?
The 'royal wine' in Esther 1:7 flowed freely according to the king's bounty, indicating that King Xerxes was generous and willing to share his wealth with his guests, as also seen in the example of King Solomon's generosity in 1 Kings 10:1-13.
What can be inferred about the social dynamics of the royal court from the serving of beverages in Esther 1:7?
The fact that beverages were served in an array of goblets of gold, each with a different design, suggests that the royal court valued luxury, elegance, and individuality, which is also reflected in the customs of other ancient royal courts, such as those described in Daniel 5:1-4 and Esther 5:1-8.
How does the extravagance described in Esther 1:7 compare to the teachings of the Bible on wealth and materialism?
The extravagance described in Esther 1:7 stands in contrast to the teachings of the Bible on wealth and materialism, such as those found in 1 Timothy 6:10 and Matthew 19:21, which emphasize the importance of humility, simplicity, and generosity.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I prioritize luxury and extravagance in my own life, and how might I be called to simplify and trust in God's provision instead?
- How can I, like King Xerxes, use my resources to bless and serve others, rather than simply to indulge myself?
- In what ways do I seek to impress others with my wealth or status, and how can I cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God instead?
- What are some areas of my life where I might be tempted to 'flow freely' with excess, and how can I apply the principles of self-control and moderation found in Scripture?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 1:7
They gave them drink in vessels of gold, the vessels being divers one from another,.... In the pattern and workmanship of them, though of the same metal, which diversity made the festival the more
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 1:7
And 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. They gave them drink in vessels of gold.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 1:7
Esther 1:7 And 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.Ver. 7. And they gave them drink] Think the same of food also; but the whole feast hath its denomination in the original from drinking; because at such times they drank freely, and many times more than did them good, Quia in conviviis largiter bibi solet (Corn. Nepos in Vit. Alcibiad.). The Persians are infamous for their intemperance, though they had laws to the contrary; and Xenophon tells us that of old they were otherwise. Only once a year their king had licence to be drunk, viz. when they sacrificed to the sun (Athenaeus). In vessels of gold] Beset with precious stones (as Josephus addeth), ad delectationem et spectaculum. to pleasure and show. The vessels being diverse one from another] To show the king’ s store of them, that there was not curta supellex, sparse provision, but great plenty and variety of dishes and dainties. And royal wine] Choice wine, and fit for a king’ s palate. Vinum Cos, Wine of Cos, as they call it merrily at Lovain and Paris, id est, coloris, odoris, saporis optimi, of the best colour, smell, and taste (Beehive of Rome, Pref.).
In abundance] They swam in wine, and the tables did even sweat with a variety of dishes; quicquid avium volitabat, quicquid piscium natabat, quicquid ferarum discurrebat, &c., whatever of the birds were flying, whatever of the fish were swiming, whatever of the wild beasts were wandering about. to use Seneca’ s expression. According to the state of the king] For whom it was not unlawful to feast, so to show his liberality toward his peers, and courtesy to his people. But that which was blameworthy in him, was, 1. His vain glory. 2. His prodigality. 3. His wasting of time. 4. His neglect of business. 5. His contempt of the true God, not once acknowledged by him or his guests. Lastly, their profane mirth and jollity, without the least note of sanctity or respect to God’ s glory (Merlin. in loc.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 1:7
(7) In vessels of gold.—This shows the immense treasures in the hand of the Persian king, when the whole population of Susa could be thus accommodated. Royal wine.—Perhaps wine of Helbon (Ezekiel 27:18); the original seems to imply more than merely wine from the royal cellars: as the king was feasting his people, it could hardly have been otherwise. State.—Literally, hand.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 1:7
Verse 7. Vessels being diverse] They had different services of plate.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 1:7
7. vessels of gold] Many such were captured by the Greeks in the Persian camp near Plataea. the vessels being diverse one from another] This seems to be noted as an unusual circumstance. In the representation of Sargon’s banquet depicted upon the walls of his palace at Ḳ ?horsabad, the goblets held by the banqueters are uniform in shape (see Rawlinson, Ancient Monarchies, 2nd ed. i. 580). bounty] Heb. hand, i.e. as was to be expected in the case of so great a sovereign, in a right royal fashion.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 1:7
7. The vessels being diverse — Literally, vessels from vessels differing, that is, in size, shape, colour, and material. Royal wine — Such as only king’s were wont to use.
Sermons on Esther 1:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
He Carried Out Thence All the Treasures by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the deportation of treasures from the House of the Lord, emphasizing the significance of the sacred vessels taken to Babylon and later restored. He draws par |