Esther 8:14
Esther 8:14 in Multiple Translations
The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.
So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
So the posts that rode upon swift steeds that were used in the king’s service went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment; and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace.
So the men went out on the quick-running horses used on the king's business, wasting no time and forced on by the king's order; and the order was given out in Shushan, the king's town.
By order of the king, the messengers riding the king's relay horses rushed out, hurrying on their way. The decree was also issued in the fortress of Susa.
So the postes rode vpon beasts of price, and dromedaries, and went forth with speede, to execute the Kings commandement, and the decree was giuen at Shushan the palace.
The runners, riding on the dromedary, [and] the mules, have gone out, hastened and pressed by the word of the king, and the law hath been given in Shushan the palace.
So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Susa.
So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
So the swift posts went out carrying the messages, and the king’s edict was hung up in Susan.
The king commanded the men who took these letters to all the provinces to ride quickly on the king’s horses. And copies of the letter were also posted and read to the people in the capital city, Susa.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 8:14
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 8:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/רָצִ֞ים
רֹכְבֵ֤י
הָ/רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙
הָֽ/אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים
יָֽצְא֛וּ
מְבֹהָלִ֥ים
וּ/דְחוּפִ֖ים
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וְ/הַ/דָּ֥ת
נִתְּנָ֖ה
בְּ/שׁוּשַׁ֥ן
הַ/בִּירָֽה
הָ/רָצִ֞ים
rûwts
H7323
to run
Art | V-Qal
רֹכְבֵ֤י
râkab
H7392
to ride
V-Qal
הָ/רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙
rekesh
H7409
steed
Art | N-ms
הָֽ/אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים
ʼăchashtârân
H327
steed
Art | Adj
יָֽצְא֛וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מְבֹהָלִ֥ים
bâhal
H926
to dismay
V-Pual-Inf-c
וּ/דְחוּפִ֖ים
dâchaph
H1765
to hasten
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/דָּ֥ת
dâth
H1881
law
Conj | Art | N-fs
נִתְּנָ֖ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
בְּ/שׁוּשַׁ֥ן
Shûwshan
H7800
Susa
Prep | N-proper
הַ/בִּירָֽה
bîyrâh
H1002
palace
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 8:14
הָ/רָצִ֞ים
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
Art | V-Qal
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
רֹכְבֵ֤י
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
הָ/רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙
rekesh
H7409
"steed"
Art | N-ms
A relay of horses or other animals kept for riding, like a dromedary or mule, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of swift beasts. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals. It appears in the KJV as dromedary or swift beast.
Definition: steeds, horses
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dromedary, mule, swift beast. See also: 1 Kings 5:8; Esther 8:14; Micah 1:13.
הָֽ/אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים
ʼăchashtârân
H327
"steed"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word refers to a royal mule or steed, often translated as camel in the KJV Bible. It describes a strong and powerful animal used by royalty.
Definition: royal (steeds)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: camel. See also: Esther 8:10; Esther 8:14.
יָֽצְא֛וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מְבֹהָלִ֥ים
bâhal
H926
"to dismay"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Definition: 1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious 1a2) to be in haste, be hasty 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened 1b2) to dismay, terrify 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to hasten 1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste 1d2) to dismay, terrify
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. See also: Genesis 45:3; Psalms 6:4; Psalms 2:5.
וּ/דְחוּפִ֖ים
dâchaph
H1765
"to hasten"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
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.
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
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/הַ/דָּ֥ת
dâth
H1881
"law"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This word means a law or decree, like a royal command, as seen in Esther and Daniel. It can also refer to a custom or tradition, like the laws given to Moses. The word is used to describe the rules and regulations of a kingdom or society.
Definition: 1) decree, law, edict, regulation, usage 1a) decree, edict, commission 1b) law, rule Aramaic equivalent: dat (דָּת "law" H1882)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Esther 3:15; Esther 9:14.
נִתְּנָ֖ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְּ/שׁוּשַׁ֥ן
Shûwshan
H7800
"Susa"
Prep | N-proper
Shushan refers to a place in Persia where the Persian kings lived during winter, also meaning lily. It is mentioned in the Bible as the location of important events. The city was located on the river Ulai.
Definition: Shushan or Susa = "lily" the winter residence of the Persian kings; located on the river Ulai or Choaspes Also named: shu.shan.khi (שׁוּשַׁנְכָיֵא "Susa" H7801)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Shushan. See also: Nehemiah 1:1; Esther 8:14; Daniel 8:2.
הַ/בִּירָֽה
bîyrâh
H1002
"palace"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for palace refers to a grand building, like King Solomon's palace in 1 Kings 7:1-12. It is a symbol of wealth and power.
Definition: 1) palace, castle 2) temple Aramaic equivalent: bi.ra (בִּירְתָא "citadel" H1001)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: palace. See also: 1 Chronicles 29:1; Esther 2:5; Daniel 8:2.
Study Notes — Esther 8:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 8:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 8:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 8:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 8:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 8:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 8:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 8:14
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 8:14
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 8:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 8:14
- Sermons on Esther 8:14
Context — The Decree of Xerxes
12The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
13A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
14The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.
15Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 3:15 | The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. |
| 2 | Daniel 8:2 | And in the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam. I saw in the vision that I was beside the Ulai Canal. |
| 3 | Esther 2:3 | and let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom to assemble all the beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 21:8 | Then David asked Ahimelech, “Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business was urgent.” |
| 6 | Nehemiah 1:1 | These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, |
| 7 | Esther 1:2 | In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa. |
Esther 8:14 Summary
This verse, Esther 8:14, tells us that the king's couriers rode out quickly on their royal horses to deliver the king's command, which was also issued in the citadel of Susa. This shows us how God can use even the most powerful people and systems to bring about His plans and purposes, as we see in Proverbs 21:1 and Romans 13:1. Just like the couriers responded with haste to the king's command, we should also be quick to obey God's commands and trust in His sovereignty. By doing so, we can experience the joy and deliverance that comes from following God's will, as seen in Psalm 32:11 and Isaiah 40:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the couriers riding out in haste on their royal horses?
The couriers riding out in haste on their royal horses signifies the urgency and importance of the king's command, as seen in Esther 8:14, and is reminiscent of the swiftness of God's deliverance in Esther 4:14 and Psalm 147:15.
Why was the edict also issued in the citadel of Susa?
The edict was issued in the citadel of Susa to ensure that all the people, including those in the royal palace and the city, were informed of the king's decree, as seen in Esther 8:14, and to prevent any further plots against the Jews, as mentioned in Esther 7:9-10.
How does this verse show God's sovereignty and providence?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence as He works through the king's command to bring about the deliverance of the Jews, as seen in Esther 8:14 and Romans 8:28, where we are told that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
What can we learn from the king's command and the response of the couriers?
We can learn from the king's command and the response of the couriers the importance of obedience and promptness in carrying out God's will, as seen in Esther 8:14 and Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the couriers, respond with haste and obedience to God's commands in my life?
- What are some ways that God is working behind the scenes to bring about deliverance and salvation in my life and in the world around me?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when I don't understand the circumstances and events that are unfolding?
- What are some ways that I can, like Mordecai, be a vessel for God's glory and a source of hope and joy to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 8:14
So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out,.... Or on the mules, which in the Persian language were called "ahashteranim"; [See comments on Es 8:10], being hastened and pressed on by the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 8:14
Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 8:14
By the king’ s commandment; by his particular. and express command to that purpose.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 8:14
Esther 8:14 [So] the posts that rode upon mules [and] camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’ s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.Ver. 14. So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out] Thus God provided that his poor afflicted should be speedily comforted, and assured that their prayers were accepted; when this good news came flying toward them, as on the wings of the wind, over the mountains of Bether, all lets and impediments. Thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words, saith the angel to Daniel, Daniel 10:12; yea, as these posts were hastened and pressed on by the king’ s commandment, so was the angel Gabriel caused to fly swiftly, Daniel 9:21, or as the Hebrew hath it, with weariness of flight, to bring the prophet an answer to his prayers. Who would not then pray to such a God as maketh his angels spirits, his ministers a flame of fire, to convey seasonable relief to his poor suppliants? being hastened] Heb. Frighted and head-longed, by a solicitous celerity, hasting and hurrying for life, as we say; being driven on to a despatch with utmost expedition, they threw themselves onward their way, as the second word here used importeth. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace] So had the former decree against the Jews been, Esther 3:15; the post also hastened, as now. There is no doubt but many disaffected persons would jeer at this last decree, as extorted from the king by the queen’ s importunity; and would persuade themselves and others that the king was of the same mind as before, to have the Jews rooted out; only to give his wife content he had set forth this counter edict, which they would not take notice of. Thus those that are ripe for ruin harden their own hearts, and hasten their own destruction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 8:14
(14) Mules and camels.—See above on Esther 8:10. Being hastened.—Why this haste, seeing there yet remained nearly nine months (wanting ten days) before the first edict would come into play? There may probably have been fears lest the first edict, which indicated a distinct animus of the Court against the Jews, might have been interpreted freely, according to the spirit of it, and the date anticipated by eager partisans.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 8:14
Verse 14. The decree was given at Shushan] The contrary effect which it was to produce considered, this decree was in every respect like the former. See Es 3:8-15.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 8:14
14. swift steeds that were used in the king’s service] See on Esther 8:10. being hastened and pressed on] The increased need for promptitude is indicated by the two synonymous participles, of which only the latter is used at the sending out of the first edict.
Barnes' Notes on Esther 8:14
Being hastened - Between Sivan, the third month (June), when the posts went out, and Adar, the twelfth month (March), when the struggle was to take place, the interval would be one of more than 8
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 8:14
14. That rode upon mules and camels — Rather, riders of the swift coursers, the royal steeds. See note on Esther 8:10.
Sermons on Esther 8:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Self Denial (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importa |
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The Days of Our Flesh by Steve Hill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and being motivated to make a difference in the world. He encourages the audience to seek a pastor who wil |
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(Through the Bible) Ecclesiastes 7-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God in one's youth. He highlights that most conversions to Jesus Christ happen during the teenage years and en |
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One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. |
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Thou Knowest by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of completing the task at hand and not leaving it unfinished. He shares personal experiences of staying committed to evangeli |
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The Heavenly Race by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of running the heavenly race and obtaining the ultimate prize of eternal life in heaven. He compares the race to a life-or-de |
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The Way to Serve God by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and doing it with passion and dedication. He encourages the audience to identify what their hands sh |