Esther 10:1
Esther 10:1 in Multiple Translations
Now King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the land, even to its farthest shores.
And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.
And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.
And King Ahasuerus put a tax on the land and on the islands of the sea.
King Xerxes imposed taxes throughout the empire, even to its most distant shores.
And the King Ahashuerosh layd a tribute vpon the land, and vpon the yles of the sea.
And the king Ahasuerus setteth a tribute on the land and the isles of the sea;
King Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land and on the islands of the sea.
And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.
And king Assuerus made all the land, and all the islands of the sea tributary.
King Xerxes required that all the people in his empire pay taxes. Even the people who lived on the islands in the Mediterranean Sea (OR, in coastal areas) were required to pay taxes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 10:1
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 10:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּשֶׂם֩
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ
אחשרש
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֧וֹשׁ
מַ֛ס
עַל
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
וְ/אִיֵּ֥י
הַ/יָּֽם
וַ/יָּשֶׂם֩
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אחשרש
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
Ahasuerus
N-proper
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֧וֹשׁ
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
Ahasuerus
N-proper
מַ֛ס
maç
H4522
taskworker
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וְ/אִיֵּ֥י
ʼîy
H339
coastland
Conj | N-mp
הַ/יָּֽם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 10:1
וַ/יָּשֶׂם֩
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ
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.
אחשרש
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
"Ahasuerus"
N-proper
Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, was a powerful king of Persia who ruled during the time of the Israelites' exile. He's mentioned in the book of Ezra and is known for his marriage to Vashti and his role in biblical history. Ahasuerus played a significant part in shaping the fate of the Israelites.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.6; married to Vashti (H2060); father of: Darius (H1868H) § Ahasuerus = "I will be silent and poor" title of the king of Persia, probably Xerxes
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahasuerus. See also: Ezra 4:6; Esther 3:7; Daniel 9:1.
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֧וֹשׁ
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
"Ahasuerus"
N-proper
Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, was a powerful king of Persia who ruled during the time of the Israelites' exile. He's mentioned in the book of Ezra and is known for his marriage to Vashti and his role in biblical history. Ahasuerus played a significant part in shaping the fate of the Israelites.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.6; married to Vashti (H2060); father of: Darius (H1868H) § Ahasuerus = "I will be silent and poor" title of the king of Persia, probably Xerxes
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahasuerus. See also: Ezra 4:6; Esther 3:7; Daniel 9:1.
מַ֛ס
maç
H4522
"taskworker"
N-ms
A taskworker is someone forced to perform labor as a form of tax or tribute. This practice involved gangs of laborers working under the supervision of taskmasters, often in a state of serfdom or slavery. It is mentioned in the Bible as a burden imposed on people.
Definition: 1) gang or body of forced labourers, task-workers, labour band or gang, forced service, task-work, serfdom, tributary, tribute, levy, taskmasters, discomfited 1a) labour-band, labour-gang, slave gang 1b) gang-overseers 1c) forced service, serfdom, tribute, enforced payment
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: discomfited, levy, task(-master), tribute(-tary). See also: Genesis 49:15; 1 Kings 5:27; Proverbs 12:24.
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.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/אִיֵּ֥י
ʼîy
H339
"coastland"
Conj | N-mp
This word refers to a habitable spot, such as a coast, island, or dry land. It is used to describe desirable places in the Bible, like a country or region.
Definition: coast, island, shore, region
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: country, isle, island. See also: Genesis 10:5; Isaiah 51:5; Psalms 72:10.
הַ/יָּֽם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
Study Notes — Esther 10:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 10:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 10:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 10:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 10:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 10:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 10:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 10:1
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 10:1
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 10:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 10:1
- Sermons on Esther 10:1
Context — Tribute to Xerxes and Mordecai
1Now King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the land, even to its farthest shores.
2And all of Mordecai’s powerful and magnificent accomplishments, together with the full account of the greatness to which the king had raised him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia? 3For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and highly favored by his many kinsmen, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 24:15 | Therefore glorify the LORD in the east. Extol the name of the LORD, the God of Israel in the islands of the sea. |
| 2 | Psalms 72:10 | May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. |
| 3 | Esther 1:1 | This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. |
| 4 | Luke 2:1 | Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. |
| 5 | Isaiah 11:11 | On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. |
| 6 | Genesis 10:5 | From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations. |
| 7 | Esther 8:9 | At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan ), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush —writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. |
| 8 | Daniel 11:18 | Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many of them. But a commander will put an end to his reproach and will turn it back upon him. |
Esther 10:1 Summary
[King Xerxes was a powerful king who ruled over a huge kingdom, and he required all the people in his kingdom to pay taxes or give a portion of their goods to the government, as seen in Esther 10:1. This shows how powerful and authoritative he was, and it helps us understand the context of the story of Esther. Just as King Xerxes used his power to maintain order in his kingdom, we can trust in God's sovereignty and submit to authority in our own lives, as taught in Romans 13:1-7. By doing so, we can promote the common good and serve others, just as Mordecai did in the book of Esther.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for King Xerxes to impose tribute throughout the land?
This means that King Xerxes required all the people in his kingdom to pay taxes or give a portion of their goods to the government, as seen in Esther 10:1, similar to the way kings collected taxes in ancient times, such as in 1 Kings 4:7 and 1 Samuel 8:15-17.
Why is it significant that King Xerxes imposed tribute to the farthest shores?
This shows the vast extent of King Xerxes' kingdom and his power to collect taxes from all the people under his rule, from the center of the kingdom to its farthest borders, as mentioned in Esther 1:1 and 8:9.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Esther?
This verse serves as a conclusion to the story of Esther, highlighting the power and authority of King Xerxes, while also setting the stage for the final verses that describe the accomplishments of Mordecai, as seen in Esther 10:2-3.
What can we learn from King Xerxes' actions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of authority and leadership, as well as the need for leaders to use their power wisely and justly, as taught in Proverbs 29:4 and Romans 13:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can submit to authority in my own life, just as the people in King Xerxes' kingdom submitted to his rule?
- How can I use my own resources and talents to serve others and promote the common good, just as King Xerxes used his power to maintain order in his kingdom?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand the actions of those in authority over me, as seen in Esther 10:1 and Romans 13:1-7?
- How can I balance my own desires and needs with my responsibility to obey and submit to authority, as taught in Ephesians 5:21 and 1 Peter 2:13-17?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 10:1
And the King Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land, and upon the isles of the sea.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 10:1
And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea. Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea , [ wª'iyeey (H339) hayaam (H3220)].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 10:1
ESTHER CHAPTER 10 Ahasuerus’ s greatness and Mordecai’ s advancement. i.e. Upon all his dominions, whether in thee main continent, or in the islands.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 10:1
Esther 10:1 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and [upon] the isles of the sea.Ver. 1. And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute, &c.] An extraordinary tribute to maintain war against the Grecians, who, uniting together, were then grown potent and formidable. To enable himself, therefore, the better against them, he gathered money, the sinews of war, but lost the affections of his subjects, the joints of peace. He became hereby ill-beloved of all sorts, and far a less king, by striving to be more than he was. And hence haply one letter of his name is lost here, for the Masorites tell us that in the ancient copies he is written, not Ahasuerus, but Ahasres, without a Vau (Drus. in loc.). And upon the isles of the sea] Judaea was an isle, Isaiah 20:6 (but not of the sea, for it was part of the continent), because media inseparabilis unda separated from other countries, and encircled with God’ s powerful protection. It was, say some, by Mordecai’ s means exempted from this great taxation. Herodotus saith that a country near unto Arabia was exempted (Herod. l. 3). He meaneth Judaea, saith Junius, though he name it not. It may be so.
And it may be, saith an interpreter, that this is here inserted, as being intended only of the re-imposing of the tribute, whereof there was granted a release at Esther’ s marriage, Esther 2:18, yet it may be also added, to show how God punished the nations for their late greedy gaping after the lives and estates of God’ s people.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 10:1
X.(1) Laid a tribute.—The disastrous expedition to Greece must have taxed the resources of the empire to the utmost, and fresh tribute would therefore be requisite to fill the exhausted coffers. Besides this, a harassing war was still going on, even ten years after the battle of Salamis, on the coast of Asia Minor, and this would require fresh supplies. The isles of the sea.—The chief island yet remaining to the Persian Empire was Cyprus. Those in the Ægean Sea were now free from Persian rule, but possibly, even after the loss, the old phrase may have been retained; just as in modern times we have Kings of “England, France, and Ireland,” and of “the two Sicilies, and Jerusalem” &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 10:1
CHAPTER X Ahasuerus lays a tribute on his dominions, 1. Mordecai's advancement under him, 2. His character, 3. NOTES ON CHAP. X Verse 1. Laid a tribute upon the land] On the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of which we have already heard. The isles of the sea.] Probably the isles of the AEgean sea, which were conquered by Darius Hystaspes. Calmet supposes that this Hystaspes is the Ahasuerus of Esther.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 10:1
Chap. Esther 10:1-3. Mordecai’s greatness The connexion of this short chapter with the rest of the Book is obscure. It may be a fragment of some other work, which, owing to its subject-matter, came to be attached to the preceding narrative. On the other hand it may be nothing more than the closing paragraph or postscript of the Book, having for its object to emphasize the power of Ahasuerus, and so to reflect glory on Mordecai. In that case the thought which inspires the chapter is that Ahasuerus, whose prime minister Mordecai was, could command the service of the continent of Asia, and the coast of the Mediterranean.
Barnes' Notes on Esther 10:1
A tribute - Perhaps an allusion to some fresh arrangement of the tribute likely to have followed on the return of Xerxes from Greece.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 10:1
’S . Esther 10:1-3.1. Ahasuerus laid a tribute — This verse seems at first to have no special relevancy to the subject of this book.
Sermons on Esther 10:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Honor Him in the Trials by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on glorifying the Lord in the midst of trials and afflictions, emphasizing the need for perfect faith in God's goodness and love even in fiery trials. He |
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A Most Unlikely Evangelist by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the story of a most unlikely evangelist, a little maid in Naaman's house, who despite being a captive, displayed unwavering faith, compassion, and confide |
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Waters Which Do Not Drown and Flames Which Do Not Burn by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the comforting promises of God to His people, assuring them of His presence and protection through trials and tribulations. He emphasizes the strong fou |
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Studies in Esther-01 Esther1-2 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Esther from the Bible. He starts by highlighting how God was displeased with the behavior of men who were given over to wine and |
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Unto Us a Son Is Given by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the love story of God as depicted in the book of Luke. He emphasizes that God, the Creator of the universe, entered time and dwelt on earth |
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Led by a Star by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and importance of worshiping God. He shares a personal experience of bringing his Roman Catholic roommate to church and being nervo |
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Christmas in Crisis by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope that it brings to a hopeless world. He expresses concern about the attack on Chri |