Esther 3:5
Esther 3:5 in Multiple Translations
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not go down before him and give him honour, Haman was full of wrath.
Haman was furious when he saw that Mordecai did not bow down and show respect to him.
And when Haman sawe that Mordecai bowed not the knee vnto him, nor did reuerence vnto him, then Haman was full of wrath.
And Haman seeth that Mordecai is not bowing and doing obeisance to him, and Haman is full of fury,
When Haman saw that Mordecai didn’t bow down nor pay him homage, Haman was full of wrath.
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
Now when Aman had heard this, and had proved by experience that Mardochai did not bend his knee to him, nor worship him, he was exceeding angry.
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down to him, he became extremely angry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 3:5
BAB
Word Study
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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 3:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
הָמָ֔ן
כִּי
אֵ֣ין
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
כֹּרֵ֥עַ
וּ/מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
ל֑/וֹ
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֥א
הָמָ֖ן
חֵמָֽה
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָמָ֔ן
Hâmân
H2001
Haman
N-proper
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
Mordecai
N-proper
כֹּרֵ֥עַ
kâraʻ
H3766
to bow
V-Qal
וּ/מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָמָ֖ן
Hâmân
H2001
Haman
N-proper
חֵמָֽה
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 3:5
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הָמָ֔ן
Hâmân
H2001
"Haman"
N-proper
Haman was a powerful Persian official who opposed the Jews, as told in the book of Esther. He was the son of Hammedatha and the enemy of Mordecai, and his story is a significant part of the biblical narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.3.1; son of: Hammedatha (H4099); married to Zeresh (H2238); father of: Parshandatha (H6577), Dalphon (H1813), Aspatha (H0630), Poratha (H6334), Adalia (H0118), Aridatha (H0743), Parmashta (H6534), Arisai (H0747), Aridai (H0742), Vaizatha (H2055) § Haman = "magnificent" chief minister of Ahasuerus, enemy of Mordecai and the Jews, who plotted to kill the Jews but, being foiled by Esther, was hanged, with his family, on the gallows he had made for Mordecai
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Haman. See also: Esther 3:1; Esther 6:6; Esther 9:24.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
"Mordecai"
N-proper
Mordecai was a brave Israelite who lived during the Exile and Return, and is known for saving the Jews from Haman's plot with Queen Esther's help. He's also the cousin and adoptive father of Esther.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.5; son of: Jair (H2971J) § Mordecai = "little man" or "worshipper of Mars" 1) cousin and adoptive father of queen Esther; son of Jair of the tribe of Benjamin; deliverer under Divine providence of the children of Israel from the destruction plotted by Haman the chief minister of Ahasuerus; institutor of the feast of Purim 2) a Jew who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Mordecai. See also: Ezra 2:2; Esther 4:17; Esther 10:3.
כֹּרֵ֥עַ
kâraʻ
H3766
"to bow"
V-Qal
To bow means to bend your knee or sink down in reverence, like when you pray or worship. In Genesis 24:52 and Exodus 4:31, people bow down to show respect and humility. It is a sign of surrender and submission.
Definition: 1) to bend, kneel, bow, bow down, sink down to one's knees, kneel down to rest (of animals), kneel in reverence 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bow 1a2) to bow down, crouch 1a3) to bow down over 1a4) to tilt, lean 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to bow
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bow (down, self), bring down (low), cast down, couch, fall, feeble, kneeling, sink, smite (stoop) down, subdue, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 49:9; Esther 3:5; Psalms 17:13.
וּ/מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
הָמָ֖ן
Hâmân
H2001
"Haman"
N-proper
Haman was a powerful Persian official who opposed the Jews, as told in the book of Esther. He was the son of Hammedatha and the enemy of Mordecai, and his story is a significant part of the biblical narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.3.1; son of: Hammedatha (H4099); married to Zeresh (H2238); father of: Parshandatha (H6577), Dalphon (H1813), Aspatha (H0630), Poratha (H6334), Adalia (H0118), Aridatha (H0743), Parmashta (H6534), Arisai (H0747), Aridai (H0742), Vaizatha (H2055) § Haman = "magnificent" chief minister of Ahasuerus, enemy of Mordecai and the Jews, who plotted to kill the Jews but, being foiled by Esther, was hanged, with his family, on the gallows he had made for Mordecai
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Haman. See also: Esther 3:1; Esther 6:6; Esther 9:24.
חֵמָֽה
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
Study Notes — Esther 3:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Haman’s Plot against the Jews
3Then the royal servants at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the command of the king?”
4Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew.
5When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.
6And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. 7In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 3:19 | At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, |
| 2 | Esther 5:9 | That day Haman went out full of joy and glad of heart. At the king’s gate, however, he saw Mordecai, who did not rise or tremble in fear at his presence. And Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:24 | Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride. |
| 4 | Esther 3:2 | All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded that this be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage. |
| 5 | Genesis 4:5–6 | but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? |
| 6 | Esther 1:12 | Queen Vashti, however, refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs. And the king became furious, and his anger burned within him. |
| 7 | Proverbs 19:19 | A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again. |
| 8 | Proverbs 12:16 | A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. |
| 9 | Proverbs 27:3–4 | A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both. Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? |
| 10 | Job 5:2 | For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. |
Esther 3:5 Summary
[Esther 3:5 tells us that Haman was filled with rage when Mordecai refused to bow down to him. This shows us that when we stand up for what is right and refuse to compromise our values, we may face opposition or anger from others, just like Mordecai did. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when it's hard, just like Mordecai did, and trust that God will be with us, as promised in Isaiah 41:10. By doing so, we can demonstrate our faithfulness to God and our commitment to following Him, no matter what.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What fueled Haman's rage against Mordecai in Esther 3:5?
Haman's rage was fueled by Mordecai's refusal to bow down or pay him homage, which was a direct result of Mordecai's faithfulness to God, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5, where God commands His people not to bow down to other gods or idols.
Is it ever right to refuse to obey a command from someone in authority?
According to Romans 13:1-2, we are to submit to governing authorities, but when a command contradicts God's law, as seen in Acts 5:29, we must obey God rather than man, which is what Mordecai did in Esther 3:5.
What can we learn from Mordecai's bravery in the face of opposition?
Mordecai's bravery in refusing to bow down to Haman, as seen in Esther 3:5, demonstrates the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with persecution or opposition, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:14-17.
How does Haman's reaction to Mordecai's actions relate to the spiritual battle between good and evil?
Haman's rage against Mordecai in Esther 3:5 represents the spiritual battle between good and evil, as seen in Ephesians 6:12, where we are told that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my faithfulness to God in the face of opposition or pressure to conform to societal norms?
- How can I, like Mordecai, stand firm in my convictions and refuse to compromise my values, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to bow down to worldly pressures or expectations, and how can I resist those temptations?
- How can I, as a follower of Christ, demonstrate bravery and courage in the face of adversity or persecution, as Mordecai did in Esther 3:5?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 3:5
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence,.... For, after the information given him, he observed and watched him, to see whether he bowed and did him reverence or not: then
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 3:5
Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 3:5
Esther 3:5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.Ver. 5. And when Haman saw] Stirred up by these pestilent flatterer, qui crabronem furiosum magis irritaverant, as one saith, he took special notice of Mordecai’ s irreverence, which with more discretion he might have dissembled. When an inconsiderate fellow had stricken Cato in the bath, and afterwards cried him mercy, he replied, I remember not that thou didst strike me. It is a sign of weakness to be too soft and sensible of an indignity; "I was as a deaf man that heard not, and as one dumb, in whose mouth is no reproof," Psalms 38:13-14. The best apology to words and carriages of scorn and petulance is that of Isaac to Ishmael, viz. patience and silence. That Mordecai bowed not, &c.] A great business to enrage him so much, but that he was set on by that old man slayer. Sic leve, sic parvum est, animum quod laudis avarum Subruit, aut reficit - So trivial, so small is it, the spirit because greedy of praise, will be undermined or restored. A small wind raiseth a bubble, ambition rideth without reins, and hath inhabitatorem Dracohere Apostatam, the devil at inn with it. Then was Haman full of wrath] He swelled like a toad, glowed like a devil; being transformed as it were into a breathing devil, he seeks the utter extirpation of that people, of whom, concerning the flesh, Christ was to come, Romans 9:5, wishing the same to them which Caligula in a rage did to the people of Rome, I would ye had all but one neck, that I might cut you all off at one blow, Eιθενααυχεναειχετε. Josephus tells us, that he brake out into this blustering speech, Liberi Persae me adorant.
Hic autem, servus cum sit, tamen hoc facere dedignatur: The Persians, though free men, reverence me, and yet this slave thinks himself too good to do it. This he uttered no doubt with a very harsh and hateful intention of the voice, such as was that of the two brethren in evil, whose anger was fierce and their wrath cruel, when, Genesis 34:31, they answered their aggrieved father, Should he deal with our sister as a harlot? Genesis 49:5; Genesis 49:7; where the word Zonah (harlot) hath a great letter, to note their vehemency, rage, and rudeness.
Sermons on Esther 3:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Man God Tore Apart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the troubled state of the world and predicts that it will become even more troubled in the next 10 years. He emphasizes that there are three ty |
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Woman's Most Vulnerable Area of Attack by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about aging and the impact it has on individuals. He emphasizes that despite the physical changes that come with age, the focu |
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Husbands as Spiritual Protectors by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about aging and the impact it has on individuals and their families. He emphasizes that despite the physical effects of aging, |
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Stand Fearless for God by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of true freedom, which comes from |
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Can Two Walk Together? by James Macginlay | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and dismisses the idea of fake religions that rely on visions, dreams, and hallucinations. He encourages the congre |
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From the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus to the Banishment of Archelaus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous final days of King Herod, who, afflicted with a severe and painful illness as a divine judgment for his sins, becomes increasingly tyrannic |
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Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and controlling our words. He uses the analogy of a man who cleans his house of jealousy, but then invi |