Esther 8:4
Esther 8:4 in Multiple Translations
The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king.
Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,
Then the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre. So Esther arose, and stood before the king.
Then the king put out the rod of gold to Esther, and she got up before the king.
Once again the king held out the golden scepter to Esther. She got up and stood before him.
And the King held out the golden scepter toward Ester. Then arose Ester, and stood before the King,
and the king holdeth out to Esther the golden sceptre, and Esther riseth, and standeth before the king,
Then the king held out to Esther the golden scepter. So Esther arose, and stood before the king.
Then the king held out the golden scepter towards Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,
But he, as the manner was, held out the golden sceptre with his hand, which was the sign of clemency: and she arose up and stood before him,
The king held out his gold scepter/staff toward Esther, so Esther arose and stood in front of him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 8:4
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 8:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יּ֤וֹשֶׁט
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
לְ/אֶסְתֵּ֔ר
אֵ֖ת
שַׁרְבִ֣ט
הַ/זָּהָ֑ב
וַ/תָּ֣קָם
אֶסְתֵּ֔ר
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יּ֤וֹשֶׁט
yâshaṭ
H3447
to extend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לְ/אֶסְתֵּ֔ר
ʼEçtêr
H635
Esther
Prep | N-proper
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שַׁרְבִ֣ט
sharbîyṭ
H8275
scepter
N-ms
הַ/זָּהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Art | N-ms
וַ/תָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶסְתֵּ֔ר
ʼEçtêr
H635
Esther
N-proper
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 8:4
וַ/יּ֤וֹשֶׁט
yâshaṭ
H3447
"to extend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To extend means to hold out or stretch something, like a hand or an object, as seen in the Bible when people reach out for help or support.
Definition: (Hiphil) to hold out, extend
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: hold out. See also: Esther 4:11; Esther 5:2; Esther 8:4.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
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.
לְ/אֶסְתֵּ֔ר
ʼEçtêr
H635
"Esther"
Prep | 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.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שַׁרְבִ֣ט
sharbîyṭ
H8275
"scepter"
N-ms
A scepter is a symbol of power and authority, like a rod or staff. In the Bible, it represents a leader's right to rule and command others. The word is used to describe a king's or ruler's power.
Definition: 1) sceptre 2) (TWOT) dart, spear
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: sceptre. See also: Esther 4:11; Esther 5:2; Esther 8:4.
הַ/זָּהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Art | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וַ/תָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֶסְתֵּ֔ר
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.
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
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.
Study Notes — Esther 8:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 8:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 8:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 8:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 8:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 8:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 8:4
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 8:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 8:4
- Sermons on Esther 8:4
Context — Esther Appeals for the Jews
2The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman.
3And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.
4The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king.
5“If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. 6For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 5:2 | As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. |
| 2 | Esther 4:11 | “All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.” |
Esther 8:4 Summary
In this verse, the king shows mercy and favor to Esther by extending the gold scepter, allowing her to approach him and make a request. This act of kindness and compassion is a reminder of God's love and care for us, as seen in Psalms 103:8, which says that God is 'compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.' Just as Esther stood before the king with respect and gratitude, we can come before God with confidence and humility, knowing that He is a merciful and loving Father. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to seek God's mercy and favor in our own lives, just as Esther did, and to trust in His goodness and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the king extending the gold scepter toward Esther?
The king extending the gold scepter toward Esther is a sign of mercy and favor, as seen in Esther 4:11, where it is stated that anyone who approaches the king without being summoned would be put to death, unless the king extends the scepter to them, sparing their life. This act shows the king's willingness to listen to Esther's plea.
Why did Esther arise and stand before the king after he extended the scepter?
Esther arose and stood before the king as a sign of respect and gratitude, acknowledging the king's mercy and favor. This action is reminiscent of Daniel 1:19, where Daniel and his friends stood before the king, ready to serve and respond to his requests.
What does this verse reveal about the king's character?
This verse reveals that the king is a man of mercy and compassion, willing to listen to Esther's plea and consider her request, as seen in Esther 7:3, where the king asks Esther what she wishes to be done for her. The king's character is also reflected in his actions in Esther 8:1-2, where he gives Mordecai the signet ring and appoints him over Haman's estate.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Esther?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Esther, as it marks a turning point in the king's attitude toward the Jewish people. The king's extension of the scepter and Esther's subsequent request to revoke the decree against the Jews set in motion the events that will ultimately lead to the salvation of the Jewish people, as seen in Esther 8:5-14 and Esther 9:1-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can show respect and gratitude to those in authority over me, just as Esther did before the king?
- How can I, like Esther, approach those in power with confidence and humility, knowing that God is working on my behalf?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek mercy and favor from God, just as Esther sought it from the king?
- How can I use my position and influence to intercede on behalf of others, just as Esther did for her people?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 8:4
Then the king held out the golden sceptre towards Esther,.... As a token that she had not incurred his displeasure by coming into his presence without leave, and that she was admitted to speak and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 8:4
Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther - in token that her request was accepted,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 8:4
The king held out the golden sceptre; in token that he accepted her person and petition, and that she should stand upon her feet.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 8:4
Esther 8:4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,Ver. 4. Then the king held out the golden sceptre] It appeareth by this, that she once more put her life in her hand; hazarding it for her people’ s safety (as Arsinoe interposed her own body between her children and the murderers sent to slay them), and so performing her promise made to Mordecai, Esther 4:16. God’ s children are all such as will not lie, Isaiah 63:8; if they swear to their hurt, yet they dare not change, Psalms 15:4, dare not say and unsay, 2 Corinthians 1:18-19. Of many promises it may be said, as Tertullian doth to the peacock, that they are all in changeable colours; as often changed as moved. Holy Esther was none such; no more was that blessed martyr of Jesus Christ, Mr Hawkes, when in the flames remembering his promise to certain friends (to give them a sign whether the rage of the pain were tolerable), be reached up his hands burning on a light fire, and clapped them over his head three times together, to the great astonishment of the beholders, but especially to them who understood the matter. So Esther arose, and stood before the king] Experience had bred confidence. They likewise that humble themselves under the mighty hand of God shall be exalted in due time, 1 Peter 5:6. And as the lower the ebb the higher will be the tide; so the lower we descend in humiliation, the higher shall we ascend in exaltation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 8:4
(4) The king held out the golden sceptre.—See Note on Esther 4:11.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 8:4
4. held out to Esther the golden sceptre] Cp. Esther 4:11, Esther 5:2. On this occasion, however, the king’s action was not in order to permit approach with a petition, but in token of the favourable hearing granted to a request already made.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 8:4
4. Held out the golden sceptre — We understand that the queen first came and fell weeping before the king, but said nothing until he held out the sceptre.
Sermons on Esther 8:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The King Held Out to Esther The by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer illustrates the significance of Esther's approach to the king as a powerful metaphor for our relationship with God. He emphasizes that, like Esther, repentant sinners ca |