Esther 6:12
Esther 6:12 in Multiple Translations
Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.
¶ And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house, mourning and having his head covered.
And Mordecai came back to the king's doorway. But Haman went quickly back to his house, sad and with his head covered.
Mordecai went back to the palace gate, but Haman rushed home, crying and covering his head in shame.
And Mordecai came againe to the Kings gate, but Haman hasted home mourning and his head couered.
And Mordecai turneth back unto the gate of the king, and Haman hath been hastened unto his house mourning, and with covered head,
Mordecai came back to the king’s gate, but Haman hurried to his house, mourning and having his head covered.
And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
But Mardochai returned to the palace gate: and Aman made haste to go to his house, mourning and having his head covered:
Then, Mordecai returned and sat at the gate of the palace. But Haman hurried home, covering his face because he felt completely disgraced/humiliated.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 6:12
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 6:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב
מָרְדֳּכַ֖י
אֶל
שַׁ֣עַר
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וְ/הָמָן֙
נִדְחַ֣ף
אֶל
בֵּית֔/וֹ
אָבֵ֖ל
וַ/חֲפ֥וּי
רֹֽאשׁ
וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מָרְדֳּכַ֖י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
Mordecai
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שַׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/הָמָן֙
Hâmân
H2001
Haman
Conj | N-proper
נִדְחַ֣ף
dâchaph
H1765
to hasten
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּית֔/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
אָבֵ֖ל
ʼâbêl
H57
mourning
Adj
וַ/חֲפ֥וּי
châphâh
H2645
to cover
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
רֹֽאשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 6:12
וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
מָרְדֳּכַ֖י
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.
אֶל
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.
שַׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
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.
וְ/הָמָן֙
Hâmân
H2001
"Haman"
Conj | 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.
נִדְחַ֣ף
dâchaph
H1765
"to hasten"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To hasten or hurry is the meaning of this Hebrew word, as seen in the story of Jacob hurrying to meet Esau in Genesis 33:3-4. The word implies a sense of urgency or swiftness.
Definition: 1) to drive on, hurry, hasten 1a) (Qal) to hasten 1b) (Niphal) to hasten oneself, hurry
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: (be) haste(-ned), pressed on. See also: 2 Chronicles 26:20; Esther 6:12; Esther 8:14.
אֶל
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.
בֵּית֔/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבֵ֖ל
ʼâbêl
H57
"mourning"
Adj
This Hebrew word means mourning or lamenting, often for the dead or because of a disaster. It appears in the Bible as a time of sorrow. In the KJV, it is translated as mourn or mourner.
Definition: 1) mourning 1a) for the dead 1b) because of calamity 1c) of rites of mourning 2) mourner (subst.) 2a) for the dead 2b) for calamity
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: mourn(-er, -ing). See also: Genesis 37:35; Isaiah 57:18; Psalms 35:14.
וַ/חֲפ֥וּי
châphâh
H2645
"to cover"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
To cover something, like a roof or a secret, is what this word means in the original Hebrew. It appears in Exodus 26:14, describing the covering of the tabernacle. This concept is also seen in 1 Kings 7:3.
Definition: 1) to cover, overlay, wainscotted, covered with boards or panelling 1a) (Qal) to cover 1b)(Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) to cover, overlay
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: ceil, cover, overlay. See also: 2 Samuel 15:30; Esther 6:12; Psalms 68:14.
רֹֽאשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Esther 6:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 6:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 6:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 6:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 6:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 6:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 6:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 6:12
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 6:12
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 6:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 6:12
- Sermons on Esther 6:12
Context — Mordecai Is Honored
10“Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do just as you proposed. Take the robe and the horse to Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.”
11So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and paraded him through the city square, crying out before him, “This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!”
12Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.
13Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is Jewish, you will not prevail against him—for surely you will fall before him.” 14While they were still speaking with Haman, the king’s eunuchs arrived and rushed him to the banquet that Esther had prepared.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 15:30 | But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 14:3–4 | The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. |
| 3 | Job 20:5 | the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? |
| 4 | 1 Kings 21:4 | So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 3:15 | Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, |
| 6 | Psalms 131:1–2 | My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me. Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 17:23 | When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 26:20 | When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 20:43 | Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went home to Samaria. |
| 10 | Esther 2:19 | When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. |
Esther 6:12 Summary
In Esther 6:12, we see a striking contrast between Mordecai's humility and Haman's pride. After being forced to honor Mordecai, Haman rushed home in grief, covering his head in shame. This verse reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as seen in 1 Peter 5:5. By trusting in God's sovereignty and embracing humility, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and experience God's favor, just like Mordecai, as promised in Proverbs 22:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Haman rush home with his head covered in grief after honoring Mordecai?
Haman was humiliated and grieving because he was forced to honor the man he had planned to kill, as seen in Esther 6:12, and this was a public display of his own shame, similar to the shame experienced by Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:7 when they tried to cover themselves after sinning.
What can we learn from Mordecai's reaction to being honored by Haman?
Mordecai's calm return to the king's gate, as seen in Esther 6:12, shows that he remained humble and focused on his duties, trusting in God's providence, much like the trust expressed in Psalm 37:3-7.
How does this verse relate to the theme of pride and humility in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the dangers of pride, as seen in Haman's downfall, and the importance of humility, as demonstrated by Mordecai's humble response, which is a key theme in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6.
What role does God's sovereignty play in this verse?
Although God is not explicitly mentioned in Esther 6:12, His sovereign hand can be seen in the events that unfold, as He works behind the scenes to bring about the downfall of the wicked and the elevation of the righteous, as seen in Romans 11:33-36 and Isaiah 46:10.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I am forced to swallow my pride and acknowledge someone I may not respect?
- In what ways can I demonstrate humility in my daily life, like Mordecai, and trust in God's providence?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be struggling with pride, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or unjust?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 6:12
And Mordecai came again to the king's gate,.... To attend his post and office at court; which confirms what has been already hinted, that he was in some office in the court, which this phrase is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 6:12
And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 6:12
To the king’ s gate; to his former place and office; showing that as he was not overwhelmed by Haman’ s threats and malicious design, as appears by ; so now he was not puffed up with all this honour. Besides, he came thither to attend the issue of the main business, and to be at hand to assist or encourage the queen, if need were; which now he was more capable of doing than hitherto he had been. Having his head covered, in token of his shame and grief for his unexpected and great disappointment of his hope and desire, and for the great honour done to his most despised and abhorred adversary, and this by his own hands, and with his own public disgrace; and for such further inconveniences as this unlucky omen seemed to presage to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 6:12
Esther 6:12 And Mordecai came again to the king’ s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. Ver. 12. And Mordecai came again to the king’ s gate] No whit overjoyed by his new honour, or thereby (as many would have been - a small wind bloweth up a bubble), only he conceiveth hope thereby for a better condition, and taketh every former mercy for a pledge of a future: this experience breedeth confidence. He doth not rush into the court at his return, and reach after a higher room, but came again to the king’ s gate, where his office was and his business lay; he took up also, as some think, his old habit again (the king’ s apparel and horse being restored to the right owner, he had as little delight in it as David once had of Saul’ s armour); but it is rather probable, saith an expositor, that he now left that off, being full of hope, that as God had heard his prayers, to bring him out of danger and to high honour; so he should now be able to help his brethren the Jews out of theirs also. Meanwhile, he doth not envy his superiors, insult over his inferiors, trouble his equals, threaten his enemies, &c., but committeth himself and all his affairs to God’ s good pleasure and providence; and this is the guise of a godly man, Psalms 131:1-2. But Haman hasted to his house mourning] Or, vexed at heart, fretting within himself, that he was so very much disappointed. Merrily he made account to have gone to the queen’ s feast, when he had first trussed up Mordecai. Of which not only missing, but made to do him public honour in that sort, and that by his own direction, this galled him and grieved him above measure; so bladder-like is the soul of an unregenerate man, that filled with earthly vanities, though but wind, it grows great, and swells in pride; but if pricked with the least pin of piercing grief it shriveleth to nothing. And having his head covered] With his cap pulled over his eyes, as ashamed to look any one in the face.
See 2 Samuel 15:30 Jeremiah 14:4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 6:12
(12) Mordecai came again to the king’s gate.—He had received his reward, and to the Eastern, who sees continually the Vizier and the poor man exchange places, there would be nothing startling in this resumption of the former humble post. His head covered.—In token of mourning.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 6:12
Verse 12. Mordecai came again to the king's gate] He resumed his former humble state; while Haman, ashamed to look up, covered his face, and ran home to hide himself in his own house. Covering the head and face was a sign of shame and confusion, as well as of grief, among most people of the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 6:12
Chaps. Esther 6:12 to Esther 8:2. Haman’s overthrow 12. having his head covered] in token of grief. Cp. Esther 7:8; 2 Samuel 15:30; 2 Samuel 19:4; Jeremiah 14:4; Ezekiel 24:17.
Barnes' Notes on Esther 6:12
It is quite consonant with Oriental notions that Mordecai, after receiving the extraordinary honors assigned him, should return to the palace and resume his former humble employment.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 6:12
12. Mordecai came again to the king’s gate — That is, resumed his position as one of the royal porters. His honour did not so puff him up that he could not cheerfully return again to his humble office.
Sermons on Esther 6:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Deep Calleth Unto Deep by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being caught in a storm on a boat. Despite the fear and uncertainty, the preacher and his companion prayed and eventual |
|
(2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the character of Absalom and his cunning tactics to win the hearts of the people of Israel. Absalom would sympathize with anyone who came to |
|
The Cost by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of counting the cost of true Christianity, urging believers to consider the sacrifices required to follow Christ. He warns that many who initial |
|
The Upward Pathway to Glory by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the dangers of pride, the need for unity in the church, and the ultimate goal of becoming true worshiper |
|
A Summary of the Christian Life. of Self-Denial by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of self-denial and surrendering to God, emphasizing the need to dedicate ourselves entirely to the service of God, seeking His will and gl |
|
Exposition on Psalm 132 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of humility, meekness, and the need for sincere devotion in fulfilling vows to God. He emphasizes the significance of making room for th |
|
The Child-Like Spirit an Essential Condition of Entering Heaven by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of adopting a child-like spirit to enter the kingdom of heaven, as illustrated by Jesus' teachings in Matthew 18:3 and Mark 10:15. He outlin |