Esther 4:15
Esther 4:15 in Multiple Translations
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:
¶ Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
Then Esther bade them return answer unto Mordecai,
Then Esther sent them back to Mordecai with this answer:
Esther replied to Mordecai, saying,
Then Ester commanded to answere Mordecai,
And Esther speaketh to send back unto Mordecai:
Then Esther asked them to answer Mordecai,
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer ,
And again Esther sent to Mardochai in these words:
Then after Hathach told this to Esther, she told him to return to Mordecai and say this to him:
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 4:15
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 4:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
אֶסְתֵּ֖ר
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
אֶֽל
מָרְדֳּכָֽי
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶסְתֵּ֖ר
ʼEçtêr
H635
Esther
N-proper
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מָרְדֳּכָֽי
Mordᵉkay
H4782
Mordecai
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 4:15
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶסְתֵּ֖ר
ʼEçtêr
H635
"Esther"
N-proper
Esther was a brave Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, as told in the book of Esther. She was adopted by her cousin Mordecai and later helped save the Jewish people from persecution.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.7; daughter of: Abihail (H0032K); also called Hadassah at Est.2.7; Also named: ha.das.sah (הֲדַסָּה "Hadassah" H1919) § Esther = "star" the queen of Persia, heroine of the book of Esther-daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of the tribe of Benjamin, made queen by king Ahasuerus to replace divorced queen, Vashti.
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Esther. See also: Esther 2:7; Esther 5:4; Esther 9:32.
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מָרְדֳּכָֽי
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.
Study Notes — Esther 4:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Mordecai Appeals to Esther
13he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews.
14For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:
16“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ” 17So Mordecai went and did all that Esther had instructed him.Esther 4:15 Summary
[Esther 4:15 shows us that Esther is ready to listen and respond to Mordecai's warning and advice. She is taking the first step towards saving her people from harm, as seen in Esther 4:13-14. This verse reminds us that we can trust in the wisdom and guidance of others, just as Esther trusted Mordecai, and that we should be open to seeking counsel and support when we need it, as noted in Proverbs 11:14. By doing so, we can make courageous decisions and take initiative, just like Esther, and trust that God will guide and direct us, as promised in Psalm 32:8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Esther sending a reply to Mordecai?
Esther's reply to Mordecai indicates her willingness to take action and communicate with her cousin, who has been guiding her in her role as queen, as seen in Esther 4:13-14. This exchange shows Esther's trust in Mordecai's wisdom and counsel.
How does Esther's response relate to her situation in the palace?
Esther's response is a turning point in her story, as she begins to take initiative and make decisions that will impact her people, despite the risks, as noted in Esther 4:16. This is similar to the courage shown by other biblical heroes, such as Daniel in Daniel 1:8-16.
What can we learn from Esther's communication with Mordecai?
Esther's communication with Mordecai demonstrates the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from others, as seen in Proverbs 11:14. It also shows the value of trust and loyalty in relationships, as highlighted in Proverbs 17:17.
How does this verse set the stage for Esther's actions in the following verses?
This verse sets the stage for Esther's courageous decision to approach the king and plead for her people, as seen in Esther 4:16-17. It shows how Esther is taking responsibility and acting on the wisdom and guidance she has received from Mordecai.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to make a difficult decision, and how did I seek guidance and wisdom?
- How can I, like Esther, trust in the wisdom and counsel of others, and be open to their guidance and support?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate courage and initiative in my own life, even in the face of uncertainty or risk?
- How can I use my position or influence to make a positive impact on those around me, just as Esther used her role as queen to help her people?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 4:15
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer. Which follows, and was sent by the messengers she sent the above to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 4:15
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 4:15
Esther 4:15 Then Esther bade [them] return Mordecai [this answer],Ver. 15. Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer] A sweet answer, and such as fully satisfied him. No man’ s labour can be in vain in the Lord. Good therefore and worthy of all acceptation is the wise man’ s counsel: "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good," Ecclesiastes 11:6. Mordecai had filled his mouth with arguments, and now God filled his heart with comfort. Esther yielded, and resolves to obey him, whatever come of it; only she will go the wisest way to work, first seeking God, and then casting herself upon the king, Ora et labora. Words and works. God hath all hearts in his hand, and will grant good success to his suppliants.